24 cozy recipes to use up every type of winter squash in the aisle

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Winter squash season is here, and it’s time to put these versatile gourds to work. From the sweet to the subtly nutty, each type of squash brings something different to the table. These recipes make it easy to cook up every kind you’ll find in the store, turning them into meals that are hearty, flavorful, and anything but boring.

A skillet filled with cranberry and ham quesadilla.
Butternut Squash Pita Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Butternut squash noodles with spinach, ricotta and garlic in a cast iron skillet.
Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These butternut squash noodles bring garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a bit of ricotta together in one pan. A great choice for an easy, cozy dinner that makes use of this hearty winter squash.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air fryer butternut squash on a plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer butternut squash gets that perfect caramelized edge with butter and seasonings soaking into every slice. A simple way to bring out all the flavor in this classic winter squash.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Roasted Buttercup Squash

Roasted buttercup squash on a baking sheet.
Roasted Buttercup Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasting buttercup squash in the oven is the way to go if you want its natural sweetness to shine through. It’s simple, tasty, and makes a perfect side dish for fall.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Buttercup Squash

Roasted Sweet Dumpling Squash

A plate of roasted sweet dumpling squash with a maple tahini sauce drizzled on top.
Roasted Sweet Dumpling Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet dumpling squash is roasted until caramelized, then drizzled with a tahini-maple-dijon sauce for a side that balances sweet and savory perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Dumpling Squash

Maple Baked White Acorn Squash

Two halves of a roasted white acorn squash in a white baking dish with maple syrup.
Maple Baked White Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

White acorn squash, baked with maple syrup, butter, and a bit of sugar, brings the best fall flavors to the table in this super easy, cozy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Maple Baked White Acorn Squash

Butternut Squash Smoothie

A butternut squash smoothie with cinnamon and nutmeg on a wooden cutting board.
Butternut Squash Smoothie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This butternut squash smoothie brings cozy fall flavors with hints of cinnamon and cardamom balanced by strawberries and ginger for a fresh seasonal drink.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Smoothie

Roasted Squash Seeds

Roasted squash seeds in a white bowl with a spoon.
Roasted Squash Seeds. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget pumpkin—roasted winter squash seeds are crispy and easy to make. Just season and roast for a perfect fall snack that puts squash to full use.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Squash Seeds

Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Pesto spaghetti squash noodles in a bowl with cherry tomatoes.
Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy pesto spaghetti squash noodles make a great pasta swap, packed with that cozy, creamy feel we love in colder months.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Kabocha Squash Chili

A bowl of kabocha squash chili in a bowl on a blue plate.
Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slow-cooked kabocha squash chili is a hearty vegetarian chili that’s perfect for colder months. The Japanese squash adds a nutty, lightly sweet flavor that makes this chili feel filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Stuffed Red Kuri Squash

Two white plates with stuffed red kuri squash garnished with microgreens.
Stuffed Red Kuri Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Red kuri squash is roasted and then stuffed with sausage, mushrooms, and apples. This seasonal combo brings big fall flavors and makes for a great dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Red Kuri Squash

Parmesan Roasted Carnival Squash

Roasted carnival squash on a white plate with a fork.
Parmesan Roasted Carnival Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Carnival squash wedges, seasoned with garlic and parmesan, roast to crispy edges and tender centers—a perfect fall side you’ll come back to.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Carnival Squash

Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air fryer spaghetti squash with parmesan on a white plate with parsley garnish.
Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spaghetti squash strands roast up in the air fryer with parmesan, salt, and pepper. Great as a low-key Italian-inspired side dish or base for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Roasted Honey Patch Squash

Roasted honey patch squash on a plate with a fork.
Roasted Honey Patch Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honeypatch squash, a sweet and tender hybrid, is roasted with miso butter and cinnamon for a quick and delicious fall side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Patch Squash

Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus

A plate of hummus topped with butternut squash, cranberries and rosemary.
Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This festive butternut squash hummus brings cranberries, pomegranates, and rosemary to the mix, making it a fun holiday appetizer that everyone will dig into.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus

Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip

Butternut squash goat cheese dip in a bowl with handles topped with cherry compote.
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Butternut squash and goat cheese come together in a creamy dip topped with tart cherry compote. Perfect with pita chips, and it’ll stand out at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip

Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Twice baked spaghetti squash with breadcrumb topping.
Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Twice-baked spaghetti squash, filled with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, and cheese, is an easy meatless dish that works as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Stuffed Honeynut Squash

Two stuffed honeynut squash halves on a wooden table.
Stuffed Honeynut Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Small but packed with flavor, honeynut squash roasts up great when stuffed with a quick and easy fall filling.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Honeynut Squash

Buttercup Squash Soup

Two bowls of Thai buttercup squash soup with lime and cilantro.
Buttercup Squash Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Buttercup squash soup gets a mellow, Thai-inspired vibe from coconut and lime. It’s a great way to enjoy this lesser-known winter squash in a rich, cozy bowl.
Get the Recipe: Buttercup Squash Soup

Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup

A bowl of delicata squash soup with a spoon on a wooden table.
Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy coconut delicata squash soup has a light, slightly sweet flavor, making it a perfect choice for a fall or winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup

Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup

A bowl of kabocha squash soup with cherries and pecans.
Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This kabocha squash soup with ginger and cinnamon, topped with tart cherry drizzle and pecans, brings all the cozy vibes for fall.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup

Stuffed Delicata Squash

Stuffed delicata squash boats with cranberries and pork on a baking sheet.
Stuffed Delicata Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted delicata squash stuffed with pork, cranberries, apples, leeks, and fennel brings out the best of fall in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Delicata Squash

Butternut Squash Pita Nachos

A skillet filled with cranberry and ham quesadilla.
Butternut Squash Pita Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Butternut squash pita nachos bring fall flavors with Brussels sprouts, cranberries, pancetta, and caramelized onions. Perfect for a cozy twist on nachos.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Pita Nachos

Roasted Koginut Squash Salad

Roasted Koginut Squash Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Koginut squash, a sweet blend of butternut and kabocha, roasts up nicely in this fall salad with savory-sweet spices and an edible skin for easy prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Koginut Squash Salad

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Butternut squash is puréed into a creamy sauce, then poured over pasta and topped with caramelized mushrooms and sage. A great, cozy dinner for squash season.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

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