Butternut squash season is here, and if you’re thinking soup is the only way to use it, think again. Sure, a bowl of squash soup is cozy, but there are way more exciting ways to enjoy this versatile veggie. From crispy fries to creamy dips, and even a few sweet baked goods that might surprise you, these recipes will break the squash out of its soup rut.

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles
Spiralized butternut squash tossed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh ricotta. These noodles make a light, veggie-based dish that’s still hearty enough to be the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Easy to make and packed with flavor, air fryer butternut squash gets perfectly caramelized in just minutes. A great way to enjoy the deep flavors of this seasonal favorite without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash Smoothie
Creamy, spiced, and packed with butternut squash, this smoothie brings together hints of cinnamon, cardamom, and a touch of ginger. It’s a great seasonal drink that feels like fall in a glass.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Smoothie
Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
This hummus is all dressed up for the holidays with cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and rosemary. It’s a fun, festive way to use butternut squash that goes beyond the usual appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Creamy and tangy, this dip combines butternut squash and goat cheese for a smooth texture and a burst of flavor. Topped with a tart cherry compote, it’s perfect with pita chips for a great party snack.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Butternut Squash Pita Nachos
These pita nachos bring a fall twist with toppings like Brussels sprouts, cranberries, pancetta, and caramelized onions. Great for game day, or when you just want to snack on something with big, bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Pita Nachos
Butternut Squash Blossom
Bright and beautiful, this dish turns butternut squash into the star of your holiday table. Perfect for those looking to impress without too much effort, it brings color and flavor that make it a standout addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Blossom
Butternut Squash Bread
Move over pumpkin bread; this butternut squash version is where it’s at. Simple to whip up and great for a cozy breakfast or snack, it brings that autumn flavor without being the same old thing.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Bread
Butternut Squash Fritters
Crispy, easy to make, and perfect as a side or snack. These fritters bring a little crunch and a lot of flavor, so you’re not stuck with the same boring veggie sides. Plus, they’re ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Fritters
Crispy Seasoned Butternut Squash Fries Air Fryer
Air-fried and crispy, these butternut squash fries are a great alternative to regular fries. Tossed with your favorite seasoning, they make for a quick snack, side, or game day hit. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Seasoned Butternut Squash Fries Air Fryer
Butternut Squash Cashew Queso
Creamy, cheesy, and totally dairy-free. This butternut squash queso is perfect for dipping, spreading, or just eating with a spoon. Smooth and flavorful, it’s a great way to use squash without having to make soup.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cashew Queso
Rutabaga & Butternut Squash Casserole
A rich, cheesy vegetable gratin that combines butternut squash and rutabaga for a creamy, comforting dish. Great for pairing with everything from roasts to simple weeknight meals. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday menu, too.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga & Butternut Squash Casserole
Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
A complete meal baked right in the squash shell. Italian sausage, wild rice, and more make this stuffed squash hearty yet light. Great for dinner parties, or when you want a cozy meal without a lot of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
Hand Cut Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
These hand-cut squash fries are crispy, delicious, and ready in under 20 minutes. A lighter, flavorful alternative to French fries that pairs well with just about anything. Easy to make and great for a quick side or snack.
Get the Recipe: Hand Cut Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake
Fall comfort food done right. Butternut squash is pureed into a creamy sauce that smothers pasta, then topped with herbed bread crumbs and baked until golden. Great for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake
Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples
This grain salad brings together roasted squash, chewy farro, and crisp apples for a dish that’s fresh yet comforting. Serve it warm or cold; it’s a great way to bring out the best in seasonal squash without a pot of soup in sight.
Get the Recipe: Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples
Turmeric Chicken Coconut Curry
A one-pan curry packed with butternut squash, turmeric, and tender chicken. Great for those nights when you need something easy and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Coconut Curry
Roasted Garlic Butternut Hummus
A twist on classic hummus with a touch of sweetness from roasted butternut squash and a kick of flavor from garlic. Perfect as a dip or spread, this hummus brings a pop of color and taste to your appetizer game.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Butternut Hummus
Roasted Butternut Feta Arugula Salad
Roasted butternut squash, tangy feta, and fresh arugula make this salad a perfect fall dish. Easy to throw together and great for those who want a lighter, more refreshing way to enjoy squash this season.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Feta Arugula Salad
Butternut Squash Spinach Salad
This salad combines roasted butternut squash, earthy lentils, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. It works as a complete meal or a holiday starter, with flavors that bring out the best in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Spinach Salad
Butternut Squash Leek and Gruyère Tart
Buttery, flaky crust filled with savory butternut squash, leeks, and Gruyère. Great for a cozy brunch, light dinner, or a stylish lunch that feels fancy without a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Leek and Gruyère Tart
Butternut Squash Leek and Goat Cheese Galette
A rustic, free-form tart filled with roasted butternut squash, tender leeks, and tangy goat cheese. This galette is perfect for a fall dinner party or a simple lunch with a touch of elegance. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Leek and Goat Cheese Galette
Creamed Spinach Stuffed Butternut Squash
Creamy, cheesy spinach tucked inside a roasted butternut squash. This dish works great as a show-stopping side or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Easy to prepare, yet impressive enough to make for guests.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach Stuffed Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash Pizza with Prosciutto and Caramelized Onions
Butternut squash on pizza? Absolutely. Roasted squash, prosciutto, caramelized onions, and crispy sage make this pizza a real game-changer. It’s packed with flavors and perfect for a fall twist on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Pizza with Prosciutto and Caramelized Onions
Butternut Squash Apple Cake
Moist and flavorful, this butternut squash apple cake is a great snack or breakfast option. Easy to make ahead and full of autumn goodness, it’s one of those treats you’ll want to have on hand for when the cravings hit.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Apple Cake
Hasselback Butternut Squash
Sliced, glazed, and roasted, this Hasselback-style squash is great for special occasions or a fancy-feeling weekend meal. The maple-balsamic glaze and crispy sage topping bring a mix of flavors that stand out without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash Muffins
Soft, fluffy, and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. These muffins are simple to whip up and can be frozen for later. A great way to sneak in some butternut squash without making soup.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Muffins
Butternut Squash Curry
Comforting and flavorful, this curry pairs butternut squash with kale, fresh herbs, and coconut milk. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great option when you need a quick, cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Curry
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.