Winter Squash is an amazing source of nourishment. These squashes, in all their glorious varieties, provide calories and flavor while also storing well. Pumpkin tends to get most of the attention but there are so many other kinds. While they do lend themselves marvelously to sweet dishes and desserts let’s not overlook the savory winter squash recipes either. Make the most of those winter squashes for your fall and winter seasonal meals with these ideas.
Don’t Stress About Variety
Recipes abound but don’t worry about using the correct variety. Use buttercup instead of butternut, pumpkin instead of hubbard, etc. There are subtle flavor differences, of course, but for the most part no recipe will be a failure when substituting one variety for another.
Butternut squash with its smooth sides is the easiest winter squash to peel with a regular vegetable peeler. The more ridged varieties can be peeled, however with a little more work. Use what’s on hand.
Cook the Entire Squash, Freeze the Excess
Winter squashes can mighty big things. There will likely be leftovers. For example, only 3 cups of cubes are needed for a pot of soup. Toss those cubes in the soup. Roast the other half of the squash in the oven and freeze that puree for use later. Please note: it is not safe to can winter squash puree, the cubes can be processed in a pressure canner but not the puree. Freeze the puree, please.
Soups & Salads
Winter squash makes an ideal and flavorful soup base. Give a few of these recipes a try:
- Hubbard Squash & Sausage Soup
- Autumn Harvest Stew
- Kabocha Squash Soup
- Warm Winter Squash Kale Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
- Delicata Squash Salad with Persimmons and Cranberries
Side Dishes
Put winter squash in all your sides:
- Butternut Squash Grits
- Roasted Garlic Parmesan Acorn Squash
- Mashed Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Rosemary
- Acorn Squash Risotto
- Pumpkin Fries
Main Dishes
Winter squash works well as a vegan or vegetarian main dish, but it also compliments many meats for the carnivores among us:
- Squash & Millet Casserole
- Chicken & Apple Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Make ‘noodles’ from winter squash
- Roasted Pumpkin & Garlic Pasta with Sage and Thyme Meatballs
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Stock up on that winter squash this fall season while it’s inexpensive. Store it well and eat it all winter long.
What’s your favorite savory way to eat winter squash?
Disclaimer: I may receive compensation for products mentioned in this post. All opinions expressed are my own. I am not a doctor, always seek trained medical advice. No statements should be considered approved by the FDA or as a diagnosis or treatment for any illness. See my Full Disclaimer Here.
Hi Kathie! I just wanted to thank you for including one of my recipes in your roundup. I’m in good company – I found so many awesome-looking new recipes, too! Thanks again!