Vegetable | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie High Fiber

Butternut Squash

Cucurbita moschata Allergen-Free
butternut squash

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Cucurbitaceae
  • Primary Cuisine American|Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Fall, Winter
  • Source Butternut squash plant

The Forktionary Angle

"Your versatile winter kitchen staple."

Definition

A bell-shaped winter squash with sweet, nutty, orange flesh, commonly roasted, pureed, or used in soups.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, nutty, earthy, slightly creamy
TextureFirm when raw, soft and creamy when cooked, slightly stringy
AromaMildly sweet, earthy, squash-like
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

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

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup (cubed, 140g)
Calories45 kcal
Total Fat0.1 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.0 g
Total Carbohydrate11.7 g
Dietary Fiber2.0 g
Total Sugars2.7 g
Calcium48 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Potassium352 mg

Chef’s Secret

Roasting butternut squash cut-side down helps steam the flesh, making it incredibly tender and easier to scoop out.

Substitutions

Best Match

Acorn Squash

1:1

Similar flavor profile (nutty, slightly sweet) and texture, good for roasting.

Sweet Potato

1:1

Provides similar sweetness, color, and creamy texture when cooked, excellent in purees.

Pumpkin (Sugar Pie)

1:1

Great for purees, soups, and pies, similar sweetness and texture.

Spaghetti Squash

1:1

Different texture (strand-like), but offers a mild, savory base for dishes.

Buying Guide

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

Flavor Pairings

Sage thyme brown sugar maple syrup cinnamon nutmeg ginger feta cheese.

Recipes Using Butternut Squash

Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Meat Low Cholesterol

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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Low Protein Preparation Vegetables Low Carb

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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Occasion Preparation Easy Potatoes

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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Low Saturated Fat Taste Mood Poultry Low Sodium

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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Main Dish Equipment Occasion Course

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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Soups Stews 60 Minutes Or Less Squash Spicy

Autumn Gold Butternut Squash Soup With Thai Inspired Flavors

Warm up your autumn with this vibrant and flavorful butternut squash soup! Infused with aromatic Thai spices like ginger and curry paste, this creamy soup is the perfect starter or light main course. Imagine the rich, golden hue of the butternut squash, complemented by the subtle heat of ginger and the creamy coconut milk. A simple garnish of crispy pappadums, toasted coconut, and fresh cilantro adds the perfect finishing touch. Adapted from a Whole Foods Market recipe, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a cozy autumn evening.

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Preparation Time To Make Fall Soups Stews

Autumn Vegetable Soup

Warm up your taste buds with this irresistible Autumn Vegetable Soup! A hearty and utterly delicious recipe, perfect for impressing family and friends. This rare find combines the best of fall's harvest into a creamy, flavorful soup that's sure to become a new favorite. Easy to double for a crowd!

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Dietary Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Comfort Food

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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Time To Make Roast Italian English

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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Main Ingredient Seasonal Puddings And Mousses Preparation

Baked Butternut Squash Pudding Topped With Ginger Whipped Cream

This decadent Baked Butternut Squash Pudding will fool even the pickiest eaters! Masking as pumpkin pie, this recipe features a creamy, spiced butternut squash base baked to perfection and topped with a light and zesty ginger whipped cream. A delightful fall dessert that's surprisingly easy to make – perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this hidden-gem recipe.

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Potatoes 4 Hours Or Less Holiday Event One Dish Meal

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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Holiday Event Time To Make Preparation Thanksgiving

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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60 Minutes Or Less Occasion Course Low Saturated Fat

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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Course Side Dishes Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Time To Make Preparation Squash Time To Make

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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Preparation Main Ingredient Served Hot North American

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 Squash Thanksgiving Time To Make

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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Low Protein Seasonal Low Sodium Equipment

Beef Stew With Winter Vegetables

Uncover the secret to the most comforting beef stew! This hearty recipe features tender beef marinated overnight in a fragrant blend of wine, garlic, thyme, and a surprising hint of cinnamon. Slow-cooked to perfection in the oven, it's bursting with the flavors of autumn. This Prevention Magazine-inspired recipe is perfect for a cozy night in.

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