Butternut squash doesn’t get the attention it deserves! This post shares 5 extremely satisfying and nourishing butternut squash recipes that will add warmth and happiness to your table.
Pumpkin fills our minds (and homes) every fall, without fail.
But there’s another amazing orange veggie, though it’s technically a fruit, that can rival the versatility and flavor of pumpkin.
Enter: butternut squash. *Glorious music*
This warm, nutty, and sweet-savory winter squash is more than just the overlooked member of the squash family!
It packs loads of nutritional benefits with goodness like vitamin c, magnesium and fiber, it’s filling and satisfying, and adds a depth of flavor to any dish. You can roast it, puree it, sauté it, or grill it.
In this post, I’m sharing 5 sumptuous and heartwarming (yes, heartwarming) recipes that can give you fuzzy fall feelings. So good, they might make you want to crawl into a thick knitted blanket in the middle of a workday.
Read on further for the awesome recipes and learn more about the benefits of butternut squash.
What Does Butternut Squash Pair Well With?
So many options! Butternut squash goes well with almost everything so it’s fun to pair and mix it with various ingredients and dishes.
Here are some ideas to pair with squash, an awesome side dish that’s healthy to boot. Choose one for your next weeknight dinner. And leftovers are the best!
- Healthy Oven Roasted Chicken: Imagine a juicy, flavorful chicken accompanied by the warm and rich nuttiness of butternut squash. What a heavenly match.
- Best Juicy Pork Chops (You’d Never Guess Were Healthy!): The filling texture and warm flavor of butternut squash goes great with a protein dish like these juicy chops. Yum!
- Healthy Chicken Parmesan: Hearty chicken recipes with thyme, oregano, and other herbs go well with the richness of butternut squash.
- Texas Chili Recipe: Chili’s are amazing with seasonal squash! Butternut adds a nice balance to the heat and saltiness of a spicy chili.
Is Butternut Squash A Bad Carb?
No, butternut squash isn’t a bad carb. While it’s a fact that winter squashes contain more carbs and calories than leafy greens… It is considered a nutritional powerhouse much like sweet potatoes.
Squash is loaded with antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients. It’s one of the best vegetables out there.
How Do You Tell If Butternut Squash Goes Bad?
Here’s how to tell if it’s time to throw out your whole squash:
- It starts leaking liquid
- The squash starts to feel hollow or empty inside (which means it lacks moisture already)
- It starts to feel too light in weight (also indicating a lack in moisture)
- It’s mushy
And here’s how to tell if your butternut squash is still fresh:
- It may contain a few mushy and bruised spots but only minimal
- It doesn’t contain a lot of rotten or mushy spots
- It’s still firm
- It’s pretty even in color
Do You Have To Peel It Before Roasting?
You can roast butternut squash both with the skin on and off. It’s easier to roast it with the skin on so that you don’t have to peel it. This is what we do when making butternut squash puree, simply scooping out the cooked parts after roasting. Puree, place in a bowl and enjoy.
If you have to peel and slice the squash before roasting, chop it into 1-inch cubes for a faster and even cook.
Is Butternut Squash Good For Weight Loss?
Butternut squash is great for weight loss. It’s low-calorie and loaded with fiber so it’s a great food to reduce hunger and aid your metabolism. Another reason we love butternut squash recipes around here!
If you’re interested in this topic you might love my 7-Day Meal Prep For Weight Loss.
How Long Does Butternut Squash Last In The Fridge?
If stored properly, peeled butternut squash can be stored in the refrigerator in a good quality airtight container for up to five days.
For unpeeled or whole butternut squash, it should keep for about a month if stored in a cool, dark place.
Healthy Butternut Squash Recipes
I’ve compiled a list of my 5 fave butternut squash recipes for you. I hope you get to try some of these creamy and flavorful dishes!
1. Butternut Squash Bisque
Do you love flavorful soups? Well, this will make you love bisques! This recipe is gluten-free, paleo, and can go vegan and dairy-free too. While it may not be lobster bisque, it is just as rich and hearty y’all. Try this version and taste what I’m talking about. It’s cozy, comforting, and creamy.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 269 kcal
2. Butternut Squash Healthy Mac And Cheese
This is the number one recipe I get asked to #makeithealthy! We’re using unrefined flour, Greek yogurt, pasta, parmesan cheese, and of course, butternut squash to make this velvety mac and cheese.
I mean, c’mon… It’s MAC AND CHEESE. Give it a try and thank me later!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 287 kcal
3. Butternut Squash Instant Pot Chili
In just 20 minutes, you can grab a spoon to enjoy a hearty pot of golden butternut squash and awesome chili! It took me forever to try this recipe but darn was it worth it. And now holds a special place in my list of butternut squash recipes.
The olive oil is a healthy addition and the combination of the savory broth, the nutty flavors, and the beautiful spices all blend in with the squash cubes and amazing avocado so well. So, so well. This dish pairs well with all kinds of salads.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 149 kcal
4. Butternut Squash Waffles
Who knew waffles could be so healthy? I’ve skipped all the refined sugars and flours. Instead, I replaced them with maple syrup and healthy flour. I’ve also topped it off with creamy Greek yogurt and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. You’ll love the cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg in these.
Trust me, you’re gonna wanna eat it right out of your waffle maker.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 369 kcal
5. How To Make Butternut Squash Puree
For the same reason I like to make my pumpkin puree, making your own butternut squash puree just makes everything easier. In fact, it’s so easy to make that the hardest step is slicing your squash in half (which still isn’t hard at all). Baked butternut squash, pureed butternut squash, what could be better?
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 56 kcal (3 cups puree)
Which Is Healthier Butternut Squash Or Sweet Potatoes?
Two top contenders here! They differ primarily in carb and calorie content, but both are tender and tasty nutritional powerhouses with fantastic flavor and beneficial properties. I recommend eating both!
Here’s what makes butternut squash and sweet potatoes similar:
- Both are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals
- Both are rich in beta-carotene (a powerful antioxidant that may reduce risk for some cancers)
Here’s what makes sweet potatoes different from butternut squash:
- They are double in calories and carbs per serving
- They have a higher fiber and protein content than butternut squash
Here’s what makes butternut squash different from sweet potatoes:
- They have only half the calories and carbs of sweet potatoes
- They have less fiber and protein
- Less sugar content than sweet potatoes
Sweet Potato Recipes
While we’re on the subject of sweet potatoes, check out a few of these recipes…
- Easy Sweet Potato Meal Prep – Baked Sweet Potato Fries 4 Ways
- Sweet Potato Nachos
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Tots with Maple Greek Yogurt Dip
- How To Make Healthy Sweet Potato Pie
- The Best (Healthy) Sweet Potato Skins
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