12 Inventive Ways to Enjoy Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash and Mascarpone Gnocchi
Photo: Chef John

Wait, this is butternut squash? You better believe it. We love a simply roasted butternut squash or cooked and pureed in a comforting winter soup. But with these inventive recipes, butternut squash shows a versatile side we didn't know it had. And now we've got a wee case o' the craves.

Quick tip: To save a ton of time on the prep side, buy frozen pre-cut or mashed butternut squash. If you're prepping your own butternut squash, check out how to peel butternut squash the easy way.

01 of 12

Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli

Easy Butternut Squash Ravioli
Chef John

Here's an easy, delicious way to use up leftover roasted butternut squash. And the secret that makes this recipe so easy? Using wonton wrappers instead of pasta. Genius.

02 of 12

Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins

Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins
Photo by Inggart.

"This is a dense, moist muffin recipe, and the results will disappear quickly!" says CANUCKATLARGE. "My husband, who is not a 'weird muffin' kinda guy, devoured three of these after they came out of the oven, and thanked me for the nice change from our typical squash soup recipe."

03 of 12

Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Butternut Squash and Mascarpone Gnocchi
Chef John

"Prepare your palate for some incredibly light, tender, and delicious gnocchi," says Chef John. And check out the recipe video to see a fast way to prep the squash...in the microwave!

04 of 12

Butternut Squash Cakes

Butternut Squash Cakes
Photo by Chef John.

Serve these tasty cakes like you would potato cakes, with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. They're also gluten-free. Huzzah!

05 of 12

Better Than Pumpkin Pie

Better Than Pumpkin Pie
SunFlower

"This IS even better than pumpkin pie," says LEEBUNNY. "Super creamy. The butternut squash is easy to deal with if prebaked. Then you can just scoop it out and you're ready to puree with the other ingredients."

06 of 12

Butternut Squash Cajun Fries

Butternut Squash Cajun Fries
Photo by Allrecipes.

These baked butternut squash fries are seasoned with Cajun spices! "A yummy, salty, spicy, slightly sweet alternative to deep-fried French fries," says Occasional Cooker. "Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce."

07 of 12

Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Lasagna

Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Lasagna
Sandy

"Delish to the MAX! Yum! My husband and I made this for dinner last night for Meatless Monday, and we both loved it!" says SummerDavis. "We have half the pan left for dinner tonight, and I'm already thinking about making it again."

08 of 12

Butternut Squash Pizzas with Rosemary

Butternut Squash Pizzas with Rosemary
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

"I add a little balsamic vinegar to the roasting pan to caramelize the onions and squash," says Jo Helman. "I have also roasted different vegetables to go on the pizza...asparagus, cherry tomatoes, zucchini or eggplant."

09 of 12

Red Curry Butternut Squash

Red Curry Butternut Squash
Photo by CourtneyMendiola.

See how to make a quick, flavorful butternut squash curry. You'll toast curry spices with tomato paste, green onions, and garlic. Then simmer the squash in coconut milk until tender. You'll also see a great trick for quickly peeling and slicing butternut squash.

10 of 12

Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut Squash Risotto
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

This creamy risotto really benefits from the natural sweet flavor of the squash. To save time, try using frozen mashed butternut squash. Or make the squash ahead of time: " I baked my squash the day before then mashed it when I was ready to add it to the risotto. This made my cooking time 20 minutes. It was excellent," says Melissa O'Neill.

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Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Garlic-Sage Butter over Wilted Spinach

golden-orange gnocchi on spinach served in a white pasta bowl

Here's a delicious dish that's perfect for the chilly months! These pillowy gnocchi are made with a combination of butternut squash and potato, tossed in garlic-sage butter, and served over a bed of wilted fresh spinach. "Top it all off with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and you have yourself an elegant meal!" says Kim's Cooking Now.

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Mango-Bacon-Butternut Squash Hash

Butternut Squash Hash
Photo by Allrecipes.

"Wasn't sure how a family of picky eaters would like this, but everyone loved it!" says Liza Hellenbrand. "I loved how easy it was to make. Great addition to breakfast-for-dinner meals!"

  • Check out our complete collection of Butternut Squash Recipes.
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