Roasting a butternut squash is always a good idea. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, this vegetable can form the base of so many delicious dishes—some of which may surprise you. (Bundt cake, anyone?)
Peeling and cutting this thick-skinned vegetable isn’t as tricky as it might seem. A regular old vegetable peeler and a sharp chef’s knife are the only tools you’ll need to slice it up however you like. Some recipes will call for cubes, others chunks or slices. Either way, make sure they are fairly uniform in size so that they will cook evenly. Coating the pieces in oil will ensure that they don’t stick to the pan. You can also cut the squash in half and roast it that way. This easy method works well if you’ll be mashing it.
Now that you’ve got your squash roasted and ready, find a new way to put it to good use. Or enjoy it on its own with a little salt and pepper—sometimes simple is best.
Whip Up A Quick Bread
Most pumpkin bread recipes can be made with an equal amount of pureed roasted squash. (In fact, they might even taste better!) This Seeded Pumpkin Bread recipe has a crunchy top and is made with buttermilk for a bit of tang. Our Banana Pumpkin Bread has added sweetness from the fruit, and warming spices.
Bake A Cake
Similar to quick breads, many pumpkin cakes can also be made with roasted butternut squash. Try this easy pound cake with a maple glaze, or take it up a notch and use butternut squash in this pretty Pumpkin Layer Cake with cinnamon whipped cream. And this Butternut Squash Cake is topped with cream cheese frosting.
Use It In Pasta
If this photo of Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese doesn’t get you excited, maybe this isn’t the vegetable for you. (Our sheet pan version is equally delightful.) While the pasta is still nice and cheesy, the sauce gets lightened up thanks to a squash puree. For an equally tasty, but heartier, meal our Beef-and-Butternut Squash Pasta with greens fits the bill nicely. Or try our Butternut Squash Lasagna, a fall favorite that feeds a crowd.
Stir Up A Pot Of Soup
Sure, you can make a basic squash soup. But you can also try something new, like a coconut curry or one with warming spices and chiles. For something more filling for cold nights, our Beef and Butternut Stew is a great recipe.
Top A Salad
In salad recipes, you can easily substitute cubes of roasted butternut squash for any other type of roasted squash. Our Harvest Salad includes Brussels sprouts, kale, and honeycrisp apples. Our Roasted Acorn Squash Salad with Sorghum-Tahini Vinaigrette works just as well with butternut squash.