Our Best Butternut Squash Recipes

Butternut squash might be fall's most versatile (and beloved!) vegetable. There are so many delicious ways to use this hard-shell squash, from soups and salads to lasagna and pizza.

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Thanks to its smooth, easy-to-peel surface and rich, sweet flavor, butternut squash has become the MVP of the gourd world. Like it's relations, other winter squash such as acorn and kabocha, butternuts are at their best from early fall through winter. But they are larger than most other winter squash, ranging in size from six to 12 inches long and in weight from about two to about five pounds. They have a hard, light-tan rind and golden orange flesh.

Did we mention it's versatile? Butternut squash stars in all kinds of favorite fall recipes such as soups and pasta and goes on shining into the holiday season in side dishes (cue the creamy gratin) and as a show-stopping 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 one that feels heavy for its size. The skin should be smooth and uniform in color with a matte surface. A butternut squash with a fat neck and small bulb will have the smallest seed cavity and will yield the most meat. Avoid any with soft spots, bruises or mold. And 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 know 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 whole squash but once cut, butternut squash should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated. When it comes to cutting the smooth skin to halve, slice, or cut wedges of bright orange flesh, follow our technique for cutting a butternut squash.

Ready to cook your butternut squash? We're highlighting our favorite recipes that put this autumnal ingredient on full display.

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Butternut-and-Boursin Shells

Yunhee Kim

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Our Best Butternut Squash Recipes

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Butternut-and-Boursin Shells

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Brown-Sugar Butternut-Squash Pie

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Spicy Squash Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing

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Butternut-Squash and Kale Gratin

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Winter-Vegetable Red Curry

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Orecchiette with Butternut Squash and Sage

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Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Dip

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Squash Hash with Kale and Baked Eggs

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Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Ginger

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Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna

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Butternut Squash Quesadilla

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Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa

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Shaved-Butternut-and-Carrot Salad with Dates and Sunflower Seeds

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Butternut-Pear Soup

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Butternut Squash Mash

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Chili-Lime Roasted Butternut Salad

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Spicy Butternut Squash Meatloaf

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Butternut Squash Soup with Shrimp

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Chickpea and Butternut Squash Stew

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Lacinato Kale Salad with Roasted Squash

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Butternut Squash and Bacon Quiche

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Gluten-Free Butternut Squash, Apple, and Hazelnut Muffins

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Butternut Squash Pudding

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