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25+ Recipes that Make the Most of Butternut Squash

I grew up thinking the only way to eat butternut squash was to mash it with lots of butter, milk, and brown sugar. Although that’s a delicious way to enjoy it (it’s still one of my favorites!), I’ve learned there are many more possibilities when it comes to preparing the vegetable.

Here are a couple dozen butternut squash recipes, plus some basic prep (because it’s probably been a while, and helpful to have a refresh on the best way to cut and peel butternut squash) and cooking instructions — so you can make soups, salads, pastas, and even casseroles with this sweet, hearty fall vegetable.

Cozy Soups

A steaming pot of butternut squash soup is the epitome of fall comfort. What’s great is most versions freeze well, too, so you can make a double batch for the future.

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Butternut Squash Soup

We upgraded the classic soup with a few key ingredients (like apples and pumpkin puree) that makes it even better than Panera’s.

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Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash, sage, and apple join forces in this easy Instant Pot soup that celebrates all the flavors of winter and fall.

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Roasted Fall Vegetable Soup

You can roast vegetables with the intention of making this soup or you can use whatever roast vegetables you have leftover to make this soup a part of your next-day meal plan.

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Sides of All Kinds

No matter how it’s prepared, sweet and tender butternut squash is the ideal seasonal side dish for roast chicken, fish, and more.

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Mashed Butternut Squash

This root vegetable mash is velvety smooth, easy to prepare, and is a great alternative to potatoes at mealtime.

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Baked Butternut Squash

This timeless fall side dish is simple and versatile enough that you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again all season long.

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Main Dishes

Of course, turning it into the main event is never a bad idea, either — especially when it’s mac and cheese, pizza, and beyond.

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Butternut Squash Rose Tart

Blossoms made of butternut squash ribbons, sage- and garlic-flecked ricotta, and a tender olive oil crust make for a dish that’s 100 percent worthy of the main event.

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Butternut Squash Risotto

This easy risotto is packed with tender butternut squash and flavored with fresh sage.

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Ricotta Toast with Cider-Braised Squash

Butternut squash is braised with apple cider, whole grain mustard, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of brown sugar until tender, then piled atop ricotta toast for the ultimate vegetarian fall dinner.

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Butternut Squash Fettuccine Alfredo

Here, roasted butternut squash is puréed with cream and Parmesan cheese to create a velvety Alfredo sauce that coats every inch of the al dente pasta.

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