Skip to main content
The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Take your butternut squash appreciation above and beyond roasting with these 7 recipes

December 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. EST

I love the way the bland color of the skin of butternut squash gives way to a vibrant orange once you cut it open. It’s like the “Wizard of Oz” black-and-white to Technicolor transition — but with produce!

How to peel, prep and cook all the winter squash this season

So why do we often stop at roasting it as a side? Friends, your butternut can do much more. Even if you roast it, consider it as a bed for meat or a hearty sandwich filling. Find these ideas and other ways to use this cold-weather powerhouse straight from our recipe archives.

Roasted Squash Sandwich, above. There’s no lack of heft in this satisfying vegetarian sandwich, which pairs the mild squash with tart apple. Creamy ricotta and bitter arugula provide just the right accents. Be extra and serve it with a cup of Butternut Squash Soup.


Roasted Chicken With Butternut Squash and Kale. Here’s a hearty all-in-one sheet-pan supper. It comes from one of our favorite teachers and cookbook authors, Molly Stevens, via her new book, “All About Dinner: Simple Meals, Expert Advice.”

Finding calm in the kitchen isn’t always easy. Here’s how to start.


Roasted Squash With Yogurt and Spiced, Buttered PistachiosThis recipe, adapted from cookbook and social media phenom Alison Roman, calls for drier, firmer squash such as kabocha, acorn or kuri, but it includes instructions for butternut as well.

Here’s a roasted squash recipe you’ll be proud to serve to company — or keep all to yourself


Sausage, Kale and Squash StrataWe’re nominating this make-ahead, crowd-friendly dish for your Christmas breakfast or brunch. Precut squash from the produce section is totally fine to use.

The easygoing, savory, make-ahead way to feed a crowd: Stratas


Turkey and Butternut Squash ChiliBecause of its mellow earthiness, butternut squash goes very well with spice. You’ll want to keep this recipe handy as we get into the cold days of winter.

The best winter squash recipes reject the sweet and kick up the heat


Butternut Squash and Sage Oven Risotto. There’s no need to stir constantly on the stove top when you pop this brown rice risotto into the oven to bake.


Glazed Squash Medley. Multicookers, such as the Instant Pot, make quick work of steaming squash. In this dish, you just top the pieces with a spiced maple syrup glaze.

More from Voraciously:

Take the sweetest trip around the country with these 14 American regional cookie recipes

Six pantry-friendly dinners that will save you time and money

These warm, fluffy pull-apart dinner rolls are bliss to eat and a cinch to make