That winter squash has almost been sitting on your counter long enough to start paying rent. Instead of letting it slowly turn into a decoration, put it to work. Butternut, acorn, spaghetti—whatever variety you impulse-bought, there’s a way to cook it that’s new and delicious. Soups, casseroles, stuffed squash—you’ve got options, and none of them involve letting it rot out of laziness.
Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles
Butternut squash noodles get tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and ricotta for a one-pan vegetarian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles
Butternut Squash Smoothie
This smoothie takes butternut squash, strawberries, ginger, and spices and blends them into a seasonal drink that tastes like dessert.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Smoothie
Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Spaghetti squash gets coated in a creamy pesto sauce, bringing in big flavors without the extra carbs.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Kabocha Squash Chili
Slow-cooked kabocha squash makes this vegetarian chili thick and hearty. A great way to use seasonal squash in a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili
Stuffed Red Kuri Squash
Red kuri squash gets roasted until caramelized, then filled with a sausage, mushroom, and apple mixture for big fall flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Red Kuri Squash
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Goat cheese and cream cheese make this butternut squash dip extra creamy, while a tart cherry compote on top keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash halves get stuffed with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, and cheese before going back in the oven for a second bake.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash
Stuffed Honeynut Squash
Honeynut squash may be small, but it packs a lot of flavor—especially when roasted and filled with a quick and easy fall-inspired stuffing.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Honeynut Squash
Buttercup Squash Soup
Buttercup squash gets blended with coconut and lime for a smooth, Thai-inspired soup that highlights the squash’s natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Buttercup Squash Soup
Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup
Delicata squash and coconut milk come together for a simple soup with a light, subtly sweet finish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Butternut squash is blended into a creamy pasta sauce and topped with caramelized mushrooms and sage for a rich, fall-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Harvest Stuffed Acorn Squash
This dish is a solid choice for using up acorn squash that’s been hanging around. Roasted squash gets packed with pork sausage, kale, onion, and apples for a hearty, no-nonsense meal that brings big fall flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Stuffed Acorn Squash
Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Spaghetti squash steps in for pasta in this creamy, garlic-infused casserole. Baked with ground sausage and kale, it’s a great way to clear out that squash and still get a filling meal in the process.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup
Butternut squash meets sausage and tortellini in this easy, hearty soup. Grab a big bowl and some crusty bread because this one is all about comfort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup
Red Kuri Squash Soup
Red kuri squash gets blended into a silky soup with ginger, coconut milk, and apple. This one is smooth, flavorful, and a great way to put that squash to use before it gets forgotten.
Get the Recipe: Red Kuri Squash Soup
Butternut Squash Carrot Ginger Soup
Roasted butternut squash and carrots get blended with spicy ginger for a soup that smells as good as it tastes. Make a batch and let the cozy vibes take over.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Carrot Ginger Soup
Delicata Squash Apple Salad
Crisp apples and roasted delicata squash come together in this easy salad, finished with a simple homemade vinaigrette. A great option for when you need something fresh but still seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Delicata Squash Apple Salad
Butternut Squash and Broccoli Sheet Pan Hash
This one-pan breakfast bakes squash, broccoli, eggs, and bacon together for a low-effort meal. No extra dishes, no extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Broccoli Sheet Pan Hash
Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy and rich without being complicated, this risotto brings together butternut squash and simple pantry ingredients for a meal that feels fancy without the work.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto
Stuffed Butternut Squash
A roasted butternut squash half becomes the perfect base for a flavorful stuffing. Whether as a main or a side, it’s a great way to use up what’s sitting on the counter.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Butternut Squash
Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash halves get filled with Italian sausage, veggies, and a sprinkle of parmesan for an easy meal that feels like fall on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Carrots, roasted garlic, and butternut squash come together for a smooth, no-fuss soup that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Sheet Pan Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes
Spaghetti squash bakes alongside cherry tomatoes and onions, soaking up a simple white wine pan sauce. One pan, minimal cleanup, and dinner is set.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce
Acorn squash gets tossed with simple spices, roasted until caramelized, and drizzled with tahini sauce. Works well as a plant-based side or paired with a protein.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce
Curry Apple Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash meets green apple, coconut milk, and curry paste for a soup that’s rich and packed with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Curry Apple Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash
A simple sheet pan side with balsamic-roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, pecans, and cranberries. Great for fall meals or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash
Maple and Herb Roasted Delicata Squash
Roasted delicata squash gets a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a sweet-and-savory bite with caramelized edges.
Get the Recipe: Maple and Herb Roasted Delicata Squash
Butternut Squash, Spinach & Goat Cheese Roll-Ups
Caramelized onions, goat cheese, and roasted butternut squash all wrapped up in one bite. A great pick for meatless meals.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash, Spinach & Goat Cheese Roll-Ups
Roasted Delicata Squash with Walnut Crumble
Delicata squash gets topped with a brown sugar walnut crumble for a side that’s just as much at home on a holiday table as it is on a weeknight plate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Delicata Squash with Walnut Crumble
Squash Lentil Soup
Lentils and butternut squash come together in a thick, cozy soup with garlic, ginger, and cumin. Blend it smooth or keep it chunky—it works either way.
Get the Recipe: Squash Lentil Soup
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash With Ground Beef
Spaghetti squash halves get filled with a savory ground beef mixture and melted cheese. A hearty meal with no need for pasta.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash With Ground Beef
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.
