Squash is one of the most versatile and nutritious ingredients you can cook with. Whether you’re looking for cozy soups, hearty mains, or light side dishes, squash can do it all. From butternut and acorn to zucchini and spaghetti squash, these 17 recipes will inspire you to make the most of this delicious ingredient all year round!

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

A bowl of yellow soup garnished with white cream and fresh chopped parsley, served on a white plate—perfect for fans of comforting recipes.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This creamy and savory soup combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the tartness of apples. A cozy dish that balances spices and sweetness beautifully, it’s a must-try for squash lovers of all kinds.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Roasted Spaghetti Squash – Super Easy Tutorial!

Roasted Spaghetti Squash – Super Easy Tutorial!. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This creamy and savory soup combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the tartness of apples. A cozy dish that balances spices and sweetness beautifully, it’s a must-try for squash lovers of all kinds.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Spaghetti Squash – Super Easy Tutorial!

Squash Casserole Recipe

A wooden spoon holds a serving of baked casserole with a crumb topping, showing pieces of yellow squash and vegetables—one of those comforting recipes perfect for anyone who loves flavorful squash recipes.
Squash Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This cheesy, creamy casserole packs incredible flavor into every bite. With tender squash and a crunchy topping, this dish is the true definition of comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole Recipe

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash on a white plate with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Cook up tender spaghetti squash in half the time with this quick air fryer recipe! You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, and the result is always flavorful and perfectly cooked.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

A colorful and hearty side dish, this wild rice pilaf is elevated with chunks of sweet butternut squash. It’s bursting with earthy flavors from fresh herbs and dried fruits like cranberries.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Baked Zucchini Squash

Baked Zucchini Squash. Photo credit: The Foodie Affair.

These golden-baked zucchini slices are simple but oh so flavorful. A light breading gives them a crispy edge while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini Squash

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These golden-baked zucchini slices are simple but oh so flavorful. A light breading gives them a crispy edge while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Plate of butternut squash in front of an air fryer with a blue napkin in the background.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For a quick and easy side, air fryer butternut squash is the way to go. Each cube turns out perfectly roasted and caramelized, making them irresistibly bite-sized and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Leek & Squash Quiche

Closeup of leek and squash quiche with a green linen.
Leek & Squash Quiche. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This elegant dish features a flaky crust filled with creamy eggs, tender leeks, and sweet squash. It’s a delightful addition to any spread and is just as good warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Leek & Squash Quiche

Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Joyfully Mad.

This creamy risotto gets its luxurious texture and slight sweetness from butternut squash. It’s finished off with parmesan cheese, creating a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

An Instant Pot recipe featuring a spoonful of chicken and squash soup.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tender chunks of chicken and squash come together in this one-pot meal. The Instant Pot seals in all the hearty flavors, making it an easy and nutritious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Instant Pot Whole Spaghetti Squash with parsley, salt, and pepper on a white plate and a fork.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Got an Instant Pot? This method makes cooking spaghetti squash faster than you thought possible! You’ll have tender, perfectly cooked strands ready to eat in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Acorn squash after air frying with some of the insides scooped up on a fork.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy on the outside, buttery soft on the inside, air fryer acorn squash is a game-changer. With just a little seasoning, this squash transforms into a side dish worth raving about.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

A slice of fruit cake on a white plate, showing a golden crust with visible fruit pieces and a glossy glaze on top. A fork is placed in front of the cake.
Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Rich and moist, this squash-infused cake is topped with a tangy buttermilk glaze. It’s a sweet way to use squash in dessert form that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Rich and moist, this squash-infused cake is topped with a tangy buttermilk glaze. It’s a sweet way to use squash in dessert form that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash

Cheesy stuffed squash filled with garlic and herbs.
Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Garlic, cheese, and spaghetti squash are a winning trio in this gooey and flavorful dish. It’s so satisfying, you won’t even miss pasta!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Two bowls of butternut squash soup on a wooden table.
Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Silky smooth butternut squash soup meets soft, pillowy dumplings in this comforting recipe. This dynamic combination of textures and flavors will quickly become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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