In Season: Similar to other types of winter squash such as pumpkins and acorn squash, butternut squash are at their best from early fall through winter.

What to Look For: Butternut squash have a hard, light-tan rind and a golden orange flesh. They range in size from 6 to 12 inches long and weigh between 2 and 5 pounds; choose one that feels heavy for its size. The skin should be smooth and uniform in color with a matte surface.

How to Store: This hardy squash can be kept for up to three months in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.

Butternut squash becomes silky and sweet when roasted and pureed in this simple soup. Fresh ginger, garlic, and a splash of orange juice add flavor and brightness.

Ricotta and pureed butternut squash add extra creaminess to a familiar favorite. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan lend their irresistible flavor to the sauce in this creative twist on mac and cheese.

Golden cubes of butternut squash are caramelized in butter and then steamed in a saute pan until tender. The earthy perfume of sage adds the finishing touch to this simple side dish.

A sweet-and-savory mixture of mashed butternut squash, soy sauce, brown sugar, scallions, and fresh ginger is stuffed into store-bought wonton wrappers and pan-fried. These pot stickers are a marvelous party appetizer as well as a kid-pleasing dinner.

Butternut squash cooks along with the toothsome Arborio rice, making this risotto extra creamy and sweet. Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh sage give wonderful balance to the recipe.

Sauteed butternut squash is wonderfully complemented by fresh parsley, toasted pecans, and fresh, creamy ricotta cheese in this sophisticated pasta dish. Serve as-is or make it extra hearty with the addition of sliced sausage links.

Curry powder livens up this cream-kissed vegetarian chowder. For even more flavor, toast the curry powder in a dry skillet until fragrant before adding it to the squash and corn mixture.

Layers of sage-flecked squash and rich, creamy ricotta serve as both filling and sauce in a unique lasagna that's perfect for serving to company. This dish freezes very well, so make an extra one to enjoy later.

This warm salad combines fall's best flavors and textures. Sweet sauteed squash, bitter broccoli rabe, and smoky bacon are irresistible partners for creamy cranberry beans.

Freeze extra batches of this endlessly adaptable pureed squash soup to enjoy all season long. Adjust the spices to your liking, substituting nutmeg or chili powder for the cinnamon, or add spinach and sausage to make it a complete meal.

Crumble gets the savory treatment in this unique, sophisticated side dish. Tender butternut squash is paired with a thyme-flecked topping enriched with egg yolks.

The crisp saltiness of pancetta is a mouthwatering complement to sweet, tender butternut squash. This pasta dish is simple enough for a weeknight meal but plenty delicious for dinner parties.

The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter adds something special to this easy butternut squash side dish. Serve the squash with roasted meats or toss with pasta or rice pilaf.

Sweet, golden butternut squash adds excitement to the usual mashed potatoes. Minced garlic and half-and-half make this side dish extra flavorful and creamy.

Rings of caramelized, roasted squash top sage-seasoned quinoa pilaf. Serve with a green salad for a satisfying vegetarian meal, or as a side dish on a special-occasion menu.

Coconut milk gives sweet, creamy depth to this pureed butternut squash soup. Its lively flavor come from curry powder and plenty of fresh ginger.

Light, tender butternut squash-and-ricotta gnocchi are tossed with a simple Parmesan cheese sauce. The recipe for this traditional northern Italian dish comes from an Italian grandmother.

Halved butternut squash is roasted until tender before the flesh is scooped out and pureed with sour cream, paprika, and chives. The creamy puree is mounded back into the squash shells and baked with breadcrumbs until golden and toasted.

Roasted garlic and butternut squash blended with half-and-half creates a simple, luxurious sauce. Spoon over cheese ravioli and sprinkle with toasted nuts and Parmesan just before serving.

A blend of tangy, sweet apples and mellow butternut squash form the base of this simple, lovely soup. Cumin, coriander, ginger, and cayenne add vibrant flavors.

Rustic rice pudding is enhanced with cream and egg yolks. A garnish of butternut squash candied with orange marmalade, vanilla bean, and ginger elevates this dessert to delicious sophistication.

Lasagna noodles are rolled around a mixture of butternut squash and sauteed shallots. The stuffed pasta is surrounded by a creamy ricotta sauce and baked under a layer of Parmesan cheese.

Curry powder, garlic, and ginger bring their bold fragrance to this hearty soup. Quick-cooking red lentils make this dish extra easy to prepare.

To make this festive fall appetizer, squash slices are cut into leaf shapes using small cookie cutters, then sauteed in butter. Small squares of pumpernickel spread with goat cheese form the perfect platform for the tender squash leaves.

Savory shiitake mushrooms and slightly bitter beet greens provide tasty contrast to sweet, tender butternut squash. Top this vegetable-packed pasta main dish with feta or fresh goat cheese.

Fresh ginger, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns add an appealing bite to this creamy butternut squash-and-sweet potato soup. A garnish of orange-spiced cashews make the soup absolutely irresistible.

Inspired by Chinese soup dumplings, this whimsical appetizer suspends gelatin-thickened butternut squash "juice" in wonton wrappers. You'll need an electric juicer to make this recipe.

Butternut squash, beans, celery, and tomatoes pack this chunky, satisfying soup. Substitute the beef broth with vegetable stock for a hearty vegetarian main course.

This rich, savory side dish combines butternut squash puree with creamy bechamel, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. The pudding is baked in a water bath to provide gentle, even heat until it reaches a smooth, custardy texture.