15 Creative Ways to Enjoy Butternut Squash This Fall – One Green Planet

It’s that time again — fall! The days are shorter, the trees become gorgeous fireworks displays of warm, autumnal colors, and we get to cozy up in layers of sweaters and scarves with a hot drink to keep us warm. Also, it’s time to indulge in some of the best, most comforting foods out there. Casseroles, stews, chilis, and more, all packed with hearty, filling seasonal ingredients. Among the best of the best of fall produce (and we use this term lightly because when it comes down to it, all fall produce is good), is butternut squash. Butternut squash is just one of the many varieties of winter squash, but there’s no denying that it’s one of the most popular out there — and it’s no wonder why. When roasted, it has a soft, creamy texture that’s perfect for practically anything. You can add it to burgers and patties, purée it into soup, bake it into bread, and so much more. Heck, it’s even delicious on its own.

If you’re nuts about butternuts like we are, then you probably got started on culinary creations the second you were able to get your hands on the first one you found in the grocery. We’re the same way! So, in honor of the prodigal vegetable of fall, we have 15 unique recipes that feature butternut squash for you to try.

1. Autumn Harvest Squash and Apple Burgers

Fall is in the air and these Autumn Harvest Squash and Apple Burgers celebrate everything that’s delicious about the season. Rice brings the magnesium to the table while butternut squash and apples make a dynamic flavor combo. Here they are like you’ve never seen them before: in a veggie burger!

2. Butternut Squash Steaks

These Butternut Squash Steaks are the perfect main course for a fall-inspired meal. When seasoned with olive oil, fresh herbs, salt and pepper, and a dash of balsamic vinegar, they become delightfully flavorful. Cook these in the oven until tender and serve with quinoa, heirloom tomatoes, and microgreens for a colorful and nutritious meal.

3. Malaysian Butternut Squash Laksa

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup, popular in both Chinese and Malaysian cuisine. A good laksa broth is balanced by warm spices, spicy chili peppers, creamy coconut milk, fresh lemongrass, and a squeeze of lime juice. This Malaysian Butternut Squash Laksa incorporates roasted butternut squash, making this noodle dish ideal for cold days.

4. Butternut Squash Ravioli With Sautéed Mushrooms

This recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli With Sautéed Mushrooms is totally worth the time and effort you put into it! The butternut squash has a surprisingly similar texture to traditional wheat-based pasta, and the creamy cashew-bean filling is more flavorful than any ricotta cheese you’ll find. This dish needs to be enjoyed on a day when you want to spend time in the kitchen, with some great music playing, while sipping a glass of wine (or kombucha).

5. Spicy Butternut Dal

This Spicy Butternut Dal is the perfect easy-to-make lunch. It begins with a medley of garlicky butternut squash, mushrooms, onions, lentil, and cabbage which is then topped with a rich red tomato passata. Serve with rice and garnish with butternut seeds for a dish that is filling without being heavy and warming and spicy, yet tummy friendly.

6. Edamame and Butternut Squash Gyoza

These healthy homemade Edamame and Butternut Squash Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are full of protein and fall-flavored goodness! They are filled with edamame, butternut squash, and smooth silken tofu and then boiled and pan fried until golden. Serve with soy sauce for a savory and fun-to-eat treat.

7. Chickpea, Cauliflower, and Butternut Squash Curry

Delicious and fragrant, this Chickpea, Cauliflower, and Butternut Squash Curry is a wholesome meal! Vegetables are simmered in aromatic spices and coconut milk. When served with steamed rice and flatbread, it’s the perfect comfort food. Don’t be surprised if you sneak seconds or want to be the one who gets first dibs on leftovers.

8. No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna

Lasagna need to have to have meat, or cheese, or even noodles to be amazingly delicious! Just look at this hearty No-Noodle Butternut Squash and Swiss Chard Lasagna. It uses a mixture of Shiitake and White Button mushrooms, fresh rosemary, and tarragon, plus magnesium-rich Swiss chard, tofu “cheese,” and winter squash. The whole shebang is pretty excellent if we don’t say so ourselves. 

9. Lemony Butternut Squash Risotto

This Lemony Butternut Squash Risotto has so much going for it: tons of flavor from the slow cooked onions, garlic, and rosemary, a super creamy texture from the pumpkin, and a cheesy flavor from the nutritional yeast. Adding the zest and juice of a whole lemon gives it just the right kick!

10. Creamy Turmeric Butternut Squash Soup

The chilly weather season simply isn’t complete without a delicious and warming bowl of this Creamy Turmeric Butternut Squash Soup to comfort and nourish the body. This recipe is simple to make and packed full with beneficial ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Top this vibrant puree with toasted seeds, crushed walnuts, or garlicky croutons, for some added flavor and texture.

11. Artichoke and Shiitake Pasta With Butternut Tomato Sauce

There’s nothing better than a creamy, luscious pasta dish for lunch or dinner when you’re just craving some carby goodness, like this Artichoke and Shiitake Pasta With Butternut Tomato Sauce. Filled with butternut squash, hearty Shiitake mushrooms, and a thick non-dairy cream to give it body, this will fill you up with nutrients as well as flavor. What are you waiting for? Dig in!

12. Butternut Squash, Black Bean, and Kale Quesadillas

These Butternut Squash, Black Bean, and Kale Quesadillas are a whole new take on quesadillas. Tendroastedted butternut squash, black beans, and kale are combined to create a meal that’s savory, slightly spicy, and delicious. These quesadillas make a quick and easy lunch. Serve with a side of guacamole, spicy salsa, and vegan sour cream

13. Scalloped Butternut Squash

This recipe for Scalloped Butternut Squash has all of the ooey-gooey cheese deliciousness you crave, without having to use any actual cheese! Tender butternut squash, cashews, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast, are blended together to create a velvety, silky cheese sauce that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and onions. This dish is ultra comforting, supremely flavorful, and a guaranteed hit at any get-together!

14. Roasted Butternut Squash, Millet, and Lentil Burritos

Eating one of these Roasted Butternut Squash, Millet, and Lentil Burritos is like getting a big, warm hug from the inside out. A nutritious filling of roasted butternut squash, lentils, and millet create the heartiest, yummiest burrito you’ve ever tasted! Add greens for an extra boost of nutrition or enjoy as is!

15. Rustic Tartlets With Caramelized Apples, Onions, and Butternut Squash

A little sweet and a little savory, these Rustic Tartlets With Caramelized Onions, Apple, and Butternut Squash are perfect for fall gatherings. They make a tasty appetizer that showcases how well apples and onions go together and butternut squash makes a creamy addition. Make a lot of these because we’re thinking everyone will want two … or three.

If you just can’t get enough recipes, then we’ve got you covered — stop by our vegan butternut squash recipes page for even more ideas.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet is known to Support various health benefits, including reducing chronic inflammation, improving heart health, enhancing mental well-being, achieving fitness goals, meeting nutritional needs, managing allergies, and promoting gut health, among others. Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer,  prostate cancer, and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend grabbing our favorite plant-based cookbooks and downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

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