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

Time To Make Course Vegetarian Occasion

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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Seasonal Main Ingredient Vegetables Squash

Autumn Pumpkin And Squash Soup

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this creamy and decadent Autumn Pumpkin & Squash Soup! This hearty recipe, inspired by Wine Spectator, is perfect as a cozy fall meal, a sophisticated first course, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Roasted pumpkin and squash blend seamlessly with caramelized onions and warming spices for a taste of autumn perfection. Easily customizable to suit your dietary needs (using substitutes for sugar and cream!), this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Garnish with crème fraîche and prosciutto for an elegant touch. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for effortless entertaining!

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Cuisine Low Carb Main Dish Gluten Free

Beef And Butternut Tagine Crockpot Paleo

Tender beef slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, aromatic Paleo-friendly tagine! This hearty recipe, inspired by PaleoTable.com, features sweet butternut squash and warming spices. Serve with sauteed okra for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Main Dish Occasion Course Main Dish

Autumn Chicken With Harvest Vegetables

Cozy up to the delicious flavors of fall with this Autumn Chicken with Harvest Vegetables recipe! Imagine: crisp autumn air, vibrant leaves crunching underfoot, and the irresistible aroma of roasted chicken and fresh-from-the-garden vegetables filling your kitchen. This winning (2008 Craze-e Crockpot Cooking Contest!) recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a heartwarming meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. Tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and fragrant thyme combine for a dish that will nourish your soul and leave you feeling wonderfully satisfied. Get ready for a taste of autumn you won't forget!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Soups Stews Beginner Cook

Alton Brown's Butternut Squash Soup

Indulge in the unbelievably creamy and flavorful Alton Brown's Butternut Squash Soup! This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced sweetness and savory depth, guaranteed to become a fall favorite. Easy to follow instructions and simple ingredients make this a must-try for both beginner and experienced cooks. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Time To Make Egg Free Vegetarian 5 Ingredients Or Less

Baked Winter Squash

Indulge in the sweet and savory perfection of this simple Baked Winter Squash recipe! Perfectly roasted to tender perfection with a touch of honey and butter, this dish is a cozy autumn staple. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's the ideal side dish or a light and healthy vegetarian meal.

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Low Cholesterol 4 Hours Or Less North American Cuisine

Baked Squash Soup With Cheddar Cheese

Indulge in this creamy, low-fat Baked Squash Soup with Cheddar Cheese! Roasted butternut squash, sautéed shallots, and a touch of white wine create a depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. Topped with melted cheddar and a sprinkle of chives, this comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in. Easy to make and unbelievably delicious!

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Low Calorie Fruit Low Carb Course

Apple Mulligatawny Soup Chicken

A delightful twist on classic Mulligatawny! This recipe from the Washington Apple Commission combines the sweetness of crisp Washington apples with fragrant curry spices and tender chicken for a heartwarming and flavorful soup. Perfect for a cozy autumn evening or a light yet satisfying meal any time of year.

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Fall Crock Pot Slow Cooker Equipment Preparation

Autumn Pot Roast

Embrace the flavors of autumn with this irresistible crock-pot pot roast! Tender pork loin roast slow-cooks to perfection with hearty root vegetables, all bathed in a luscious pomegranate-orange reduction. This recipe is perfect for a cozy fall dinner, featuring large chunks of vegetables that hold their shape beautifully during the long cooking process. Serve with a vibrant green salad and warm corn muffins for a complete and satisfying meal. #crockpotrecipe #autumnrecipe #potroast #porkloin #pomegranate #falldinner #rootvegetables #easyrecipe #comfortfood

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Seasonal Time To Make Squash 4 Hours Or Less

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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Stove Top Oven Low Carb Meat

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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Soups Stews Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Orange Soup

Indulge in this vibrant and surprisingly easy creamy orange soup! A delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is perfect as a light appetizer or a hearty meal when boosted with red lentils. Imagine the sunshine in a bowl – it's that delicious! Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping and experience a taste of pure bliss.

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4 Hours Or Less Black Beans Occasion Low In Something

A Lighter Quinoa Stuffing

This lighter quinoa stuffing is a game-changer! Forget greasy, heavy stuffing – this vibrant and healthy recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for your Thanksgiving feast or any special occasion. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, it's bursting with squash, zucchini, cranberries, and herbs for a delicious and guilt-free side dish. Prepare to impress your guests with this surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying recipe!

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Dietary Main Ingredient Vegetables Low Calorie

Apple And Butternut Squash Bisque

Warm up your winter with this creamy, dreamy Apple and Butternut Squash Bisque! This comforting soup is bursting with autumnal flavors – sweet apples, earthy butternut squash, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in or a sophisticated dinner party.

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Oven Low In Something Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less

Arabian Butternut Squash Casserole

Experience a delightful twist on butternut squash with this unique Arabian-inspired casserole! Roasted butternut squash is combined with aromatic spices and herbs for a flavor explosion. Perfect for meal prepping – make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious lunches all week long. This recipe, adapted from the classic Moosewood Cookbook, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting and satisfying vegetarian main course.

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Beans Main Ingredient Carrots Soups Stews

Adzuki And Squash Soup

Experience the rich, earthy flavors of this hearty vegan Adzuki bean and squash soup! These wonderful, meaty Japanese red beans combine perfectly with sweet squash for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe is easily adaptable – use canned beans to cut down on prep time, or soak dried beans overnight for a deeper flavor. A delicious and nutritious choice for any vegan or vegetarian!

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Healthy 2 4 Hours Or Less Savory Cuisine

Baked Pasta With Butternut Squash And Ricotta

Indulge in this hearty and elegant baked pasta casserole! Creamy ricotta, roasted butternut squash, and crunchy walnuts perfectly complement whole wheat penne in a cheesy, comforting dish. A Weight Watchers-approved recipe (5 points!), perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Side Dishes Inexpensive Occasion Vegetables

Bengali Butternut Squash And Chickpeas Garbanzos

Spice up your weeknight with this vibrant Bengali Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry! Inspired by Anjum Anand, this vegetarian recipe bursts with the aromatic warmth of panch phoron (Bengali five-spice) and tender butternut squash. Quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, it's perfect served over rice as a satisfying main course or a delicious side dish. Get ready for a taste of Bengal in under an hour!

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