Butternut Squash

Cucurbita moschata Vegetable, Squash

Butternut Squash Vegetable, Squash

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Squash

The Forktionary Angle

"Your versatile winter kitchen staple."

Definition

A sweet, nutty winter squash with an orange flesh, often used in soups, roasts, and purees. Rich in vitamins.

Optimal Storage Temperature 50-55°F (10-13°C) for 1-3 months
Popularity in Fall Recipes Top 5 most used fall vegetable
Vitamin A (beta-carotene) Content 1 cup (cooked) provides >400% DV

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Butternut Squash are:

Sweet nutty earthy slightly creamy when cooked

Chef’s Secret

Roast halved butternut squash face down with a little water in the pan for perfectly steamed and caramelized flesh that's easy to scoop.

Best Substitutes

Acorn Squash

firmer
Ratio 1:1

Sweet Potato

sweeter
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose squash that is heavy for its size, firm, and free of soft spots or blemishes.

Recipes Using Butternut Squash

Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Chicken Low Carb

African Chicken Peanut Butter Soup

Warm up on a chilly evening with this spicy and satisfying African Chicken Peanut Butter Soup! Creamy peanut butter, tender chicken, and vibrant spices create a flavor explosion in every spoonful. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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American Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Northeastern United States

Alton Brown's Winter Vegetable Soup

A hearty and flavorful winter vegetable soup inspired by Alton Brown's recipe from 'Good Eats'. This comforting soup is packed with mushrooms, carrots, celery, squash, kale, and beans, simmered in a rich broth with aromatic herbs. Easily customizable to be vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a chilly evening!

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Low In Something Fruit Vegetables Apples

Apple Butternut Squash Soup

Warm up your autumn with this comforting Apple Butternut Squash Soup! A family favorite since 2001, this recipe boasts the perfect blend of sweet apples and earthy butternut squash. Roasted for maximum flavor, this creamy soup is the ultimate fall comfort food. Perfect for a cozy night in or a Thanksgiving feast!

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Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Low Carb Time To Make

Autumn Bisque

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of autumn with this creamy bisque! Roasted butternut squash, carrots, apples, and pears create a naturally sweet and savory base, perfectly complemented by aromatic herbs and a touch of spice. This easy-to-make soup is luxuriously smooth, hearty, and even better the next day! Serve with crusty bread and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate fall comfort food.

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Stews Chicken Time To Make Soups Stews

Autumn Chicken And Butternut Squash Stew

Indulge in this comforting and healthy Autumn Chicken and Butternut Squash Stew, inspired by the Green Mountain at Fox Run women's fitness retreat! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in and features tender chicken simmered in a rich broth with sweet butternut squash (or substitute with acorn squash or pumpkin), aromatic herbs, and a touch of wine. A delicious and nutritious meal for weight management, packed with flavor and fall goodness. Easy to make and perfect for meal prepping!

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Course Vegetarian Dietary Vegetables

Azteca Squash Soup

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian soup inspired by Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico (Bon Appétit Magazine, December 2008). This recipe features roasted butternut squash, a rich blend of spices, and a touch of heat for a truly satisfying and unforgettable autumnal meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering!

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Course Equipment Kid Friendly Seasonal

Baby's Squash Casserole

This simple and easy butternut squash casserole recipe is a family favorite! A comforting classic with creamy, cheesy goodness, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or holiday gathering. Get ready to savor this delicious, time-tested recipe passed down through generations.

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Squash Romantic Time To Make North American

Baked Butternut Squash And Parmesan Cheese Gratin

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Baked Butternut Squash and Parmesan Gratin! Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a stunning side dish, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Prepare it ahead of time, pop it in the fridge, and bake when ready. The crunchy pecan topping (or walnut, if you prefer!) adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth squash. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends!

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Preparation Low Sodium Occasion Main Dish

Baked Butternut Squash Stuffed With Apples And Sausage

Cozy up to fall with this irresistible Baked Butternut Squash Stuffed with Apples and Sausage! This ultimate comfort food recipe is simple to make yet delivers a nourishing and delicious meal that fills your home with warm, inviting aromas. Perfectly spiced and bursting with flavor, it's the ideal autumn dish for family dinners or a cozy night in. Get ready to savor every bite!

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Weeknight Side Dishes Seasonal Low Fat

Baked Butternut Squash With Apples And Maple Syrup

Embrace the flavors of fall with this irresistible Baked Butternut Squash recipe! Inspired by a classic Bon Appétit dish, this recipe features tender butternut squash, crisp apples, and a luscious maple syrup glaze. Perfect for a cozy autumn dinner or Thanksgiving side dish. Easy to follow instructions and stunning results!

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Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Vegetarian

Baked Maple And Cinnamon Squash

This irresistible Thanksgiving side dish recipe features sweet butternut squash baked to perfection with a luscious maple cinnamon glaze. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests, this recipe is a fall flavor sensation! Get ready for tender, caramelized squash bursting with autumnal warmth.

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Side Dishes 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Preparation

Baked Orzo With Butternut Squash And Mushrooms

This cozy, comforting baked orzo recipe is a revelation! Perfectly roasted butternut squash and earthy mushrooms mingle with tender orzo pasta in a rich, savory broth. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. Get ready for a flavor explosion in under an hour!

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Comfort Food Low Protein Low Calorie Healthy

Baked Squash And Apple Casserole

This Thanksgiving favorite is a family heirloom recipe! Warm, comforting, and bursting with autumnal flavors, our baked squash and apple casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Sweet apples and savory squash combine perfectly with a buttery, crumbly topping. Easy to make and even easier to love, this side dish will become your new Thanksgiving tradition.

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Time To Make Low Calorie Squash Occasion

Baked Winter Squash Soup

Warm up on a chilly evening with this comforting Baked Winter Squash Soup! Inspired by a recipe from Jodi Moore of Bellingham, Washington, this creamy soup is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a quiet night in. Imagine the aroma of roasted squash and warming spices filling your kitchen as you savor each delicious spoonful. This recipe features the perfect balance of sweet and savory, creating a truly unforgettable winter treat.

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Vegetables Time To Make Vegetables Preparation

Barefoot Contessa's Butternut Squash Risotto

Ina Garten's (Barefoot Contessa) unforgettable Butternut Squash Risotto recipe, as seen on her Food Network show "Weekend Lunch." This creamy, dreamy risotto features perfectly roasted butternut squash and is surprisingly easy to make! A fall and winter staple that's guaranteed to impress.

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Equipment Oven Stove Top Preparation

Barley Turkey And Butternut Squash Casserole

This hearty and flavorful casserole combines the nutty goodness of barley with sweet butternut squash, savory turkey leftovers, and aromatic herbs. A perfect fall or winter comfort food, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress. The creamy feta topping adds a delightful salty tang that complements the sweetness of the squash and the savory turkey.

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Squash Vegetables Pasta Rice And Grains Course

Basmati Rice Pilaf With Apples Squash And Cranberries

A festive and flavorful side dish perfect for holidays or any special occasion! This delightful Basmati Rice Pilaf, inspired by Washington Post columnist Stephanie Witt Sedgwick, combines sweet apples and cranberries with savory butternut squash for a truly unforgettable taste experience. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests!

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Inexpensive Course Equipment Presentation

Beef And Green Bean Pie With Squash And Potato Topping

This hearty Beef and Green Bean Pie boasts a fluffy, flavorful mashed squash and potato topping that perfectly complements a savory ground beef filling. Packed with fresh herbs and spices, this comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Save time by prepping the filling ahead! Optional Parmesan cheese adds a delightful touch of richness.

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