Thanks to its smooth, easy-to-peel surface and rich, sweet flavor, butternut squash has become the MVP of the gourd world. Like its relations—other winter squash such as acorn and kabocha—butternuts are at their best from early fall through winter. The big difference is that butternut squash are larger than most other winter squash, ranging in size from 6 to 12 inches long, and in weight from about 2 to 5 pounds. They have a hard, light-tan rind and golden orange flesh.
This vegetable stars in all kinds of favorite fall recipes, such as soups and pasta, and shines during the holiday season when used in side dishes (cue the creamy gratin). It's also used to make a showstopping and beloved Thanksgiving pie. We're fans, so you know we'll be roasting and baking butternut squash through the fall and into winter for purées, soups, and so much more.
What to Look for When Buying Butternut Squash
Choose a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size. The skin should be smooth and uniform in color with a matte surface. Ones with a fat neck and small bulb will have the smallest seed cavity and will yield the most meat. Avoid any that have soft spots, bruises, or mold.
How to Cut Butternut Squash the Right Way
How to Store
Once you find a good one, you'll be pleased to know that it's a keeper. This hardy squash can be kept for up to three months in a cool, dry place. But remember that butternut squash will not last as long in a warm kitchen. For optimal storage, keep them in the basement or another cooler place if possible. Do not refrigerate the whole squash, but once cut, butternut squash can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated.
Now that you're ready to cook your butternut squash, check out our favorite recipes that put this autumnal ingredient on full display.
Our Very Best Winter Squash Recipes, Starring Acorn, Butternut, Delicata, and More
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Butternut-Squash Roast With Pistachio Yogurt and Grain Relish
Let butternut squash be the star of dinner by making this magnificent roasted dish. Simply roast a halved squash and serve with cooked farro mixed with pomegranate arils and capers, atop a swoosh of yogurt puréed with pistachios for the most colorful and nutritious vegetarian meal around.
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Baked Farro Risotto With Golden Vegetables and Goat Cheese
Butternut squash is diced and grated in this delicious vegetarian main that comes together in an hour. Farro adds a nutty flavor, while the beets bring an earthy taste that perfectly evens out the sweetness of the butternut squash.
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Brown-Sugar Butternut-Squash Pie
Want a more unique Thanksgiving pie? Use butternut squash instead of pumpkin for the filling. The squash is roasted, spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla, and amped up with evaporated milk before being surrounded by a fancy fishtail-braided crust.
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Butternut-and-Boursin Shells
Butternut pulls double duty in this quick weeknight pasta—caramelized, shredded squash goes into the sauce, and roasted squash cubes are tossed in before serving.
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Spicy Squash Salad With Ginger-Lime Dressing
A fiery, aromatic dressing with shallots, lime juice, Thai chiles, and ginger balances out the sweetness of steamed butternut squash perfectly.
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Butternut-Squash and Kale Gratin
Kale is sandwiched between layers of butternut squash, then topped with cream, Parmegiano-Reggiano, sage, and panko in this luxe gratin.
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Winter-Vegetable Red Curry
Canned goods including coconut milk and red curry paste transform butternut squash, carrots, and peppers into a hearty, flavor-packed stew. Serve with rice, grape tomatoes, and basil the first night, then turn the leftovers into a sensational potpie using store-bought puff pastry.
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Orecchiette With Butternut Squash and Sage
Never throw out butternut squash pulp and seeds again! Instead, toss them into this simple pasta dish. Ricotta and poppy seeds give it extra oomph.
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17 Kabocha Squash Recipes That Will Make You Fall In Love With This Winter Vegetable
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Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Dip
Tahini, turmeric, and cayenne turn up the volume on this sweet and savory dip. It's just the thing for fall entertaining.
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Squash Hash With Kale and Baked Eggs
Not your usual hash skillet, this one is filled with festive fall vegetables forming a nest for sunny baked eggs. Try it for brunch or lunch.
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Butternut Squash Soup With Coconut Milk and Ginger
Vegan soup for the win! This irresistible dish starts with a base of roasted butternut squash, then adds fresh ginger for a little heat and a swirl of coconut milk for creaminess. Skip crackers or croutons, and sprinkle with toasted squash seeds for crunch.
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Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna
Butternut squash lasagna, flavored with sage and grated nutmeg and layered with sheets of homemade pasta, is autumn in a baking pan.
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Butternut Squash Quesadilla
This recipe is just the thing for using up leftover roasted butternut squash. It's mashed, then teamed with pickled jalapeños and two types of cheese—goat and mozzarella—for the quesadilla filling.
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Roasted Vegetables With Quinoa
Sweet butternut squash along with hearty Brussels sprouts star in this delicious take on the quinoa bowl.
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Shaved-Butternut-and-Carrot Salad With Dates and Sunflower Seeds
Carrots are no surprise in a winter salad, but paper-thin shavings of uncooked butternut squash are a revelation: They have a very gentle garden sweetness and a crisp texture.
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Butternut-Pear Soup
The flavor of pears is wonderful with earthy squash. Another great combo: This soup plus a grilled cheese sandwich makes a cozy, comforting lunch.
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Butternut Squash Mash
This simple and healthy side dish needs only five ingredients, all of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
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Chili-Lime Roasted Butternut-Squash Salad
Chili powder, lime juice, honey, and cilantro add an unexpected zing to roasted squash in this memorable fall salad.
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Spicy Butternut Squash Meatloaf
Mix up your meatloaf routine with this flavorful variation combining butternut squash, pancetta, and sage.
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Butternut Squash Soup With Shrimp
Turn creamy squash soup into a satisfying main course with the addition of shrimp, plus a garnish of sour cream and fried sage.
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Chickpea and Butternut Squash Stew
This North African-inspired chickpea and butternut squash stew gets its depth of flavor from homemade harissa.
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Lacinato Kale Salad With Roasted Squash
Not your everyday side salad, this one marries raw kale with roasted butternut squash and shallots, toasted hazelnuts, and aged goat cheese shavings. The dressing is simple: just lemon juice and flaxseed oil.
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Butternut Squash and Bacon Quiche
Arrange thin slices of butternut squash, whole bacon strips, and sage leaves over custardy filling to make this piece of edible art, a slab quiche that serves as both the main dish and the centerpiece.
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Gluten-Free Butternut Squash, Apple, and Hazelnut Muffins
Combined with grated apple and steamed squash, hazelnut flour, which is rich in healthy fats, ensures a perfectly moist texture in these autumnal treats.
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Butternut Squash Pudding
A rich savory side dish or vegetarian main, this recipe combines roasted and mashed butternut squash with béchamel sauce, eggs, butter, and parmesan cheese.
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Butternut Squash Crumble
Call it a casserole or a gratin if you prefer, this savory crumble has a crunchy topping like your favorite apple dessert but its filling skews savory. Chunks of butternut squash are sautéed, then cooked in a round baking dish, topped with a rich herbed crumble topping, and everything is baked till golden. The recipe calls for chicken stock but swap in vegetable stock to make a vegetarian dish.
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Braised Chicken With Butternut Squash and Cranberries
This lightly spiced braised chicken dish makes a wonderful fall dinner. Chicken legs cook with coriander, nutmeg, and fresh sage. Chunks of butternut squash, red onion, and dried cranberries make it a colorful meal.
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Macaroni and Cheese With Butternut Squash
One of our favorite ways to sneak in a vegetable, this mac and cheese includes butternut squash that’s cooked in milk and stock before being mashed. And, it's extra rich creamy thanks to the addition of ricotta.
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