Butternut squash may remind you of fall and the earthy flavours that come with it. However, the vegetable is so versatile and readily available that it should be a crime that most people don’t use it all year round. 

From hearty pastes and to tasty soups, there are a variety of ways you can add butternut squash to your recipes to make them stand out, irrespective of the season. Here are some creative ways to use butternut squash.

Butter Squash Steaks

This one would be especially attractive for vegans, vegetarians, and people who, for whatever reason, can’t or don’t eat meat. At the same time, it is also a delicious meal for anyone with taste buds. These Butternut Squash Steaks make a great main course and can be paired with various side dishes. They have a delightful flavour that comes from olive oil, fresh herbs, salt and pepper, and a dash of balsamic vinegar. For a nutritious and colourful meal, serve them with quinoa, heirloom tomatoes, and microgreens. 

Butternut Squash Risotto

The best thing about this recipe is that it is so quick and easy to make, you’ll be cooking it all the time. All you need is an Instant Pot, and this delicious meal will be ready within 6 minutes. Yes, 0 that’s all the time you need to make this creamy and comforting meal. All you need is a 1 pound of chopped butternut squash and a few ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen, such as garlic, shallots, and parmesan, and your delicious Butternut Squash Risotto will be ready before you know it. 

Butternut Mac And Cheese

Looking for a vegan or healthier alternative to mac and cheese? Take your regular mac and cheese to the next level by swapping the cheese for butternut squash to make the creamy sauce in this Butternut Mac and Cheese recipe. The result is authentic and delicious; you’ll forget that this isn’t your regular mac and cheese. 

Creamy Turmeric Butternut Squash Soup

There is never a wrong time for a hearty bowl of delicious and warm soup. This Creamy Turmeric Butternut Squash Soup is packed with healthy and flavorful ingredients such as turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You can add some more flavour and texture to this vibrant mix by topping it with garlicky croutons, toasted seeds, or crushed walnuts. It is a bowl of comfort to nourish your body and soul. 

Butternut Squash Spaghetti with Sausage and Sage

Adding butternut squash to your diet does not mean you have to give up your meat. This Butternut Squash Spaghetti with Sausage and Sage has the perfect amount of protein and fat in a vegetable-centric meal. Swap your spaghetti for spiralized butternut squash and add it into this dish which is already flavoured with garlic, sage, red pepper flakes, and wine. The Italian sausage and cheese take this dish to another level. 

Scalloped Butternut Squash

Trying to avoid cheese but crave the ooey-gooey cheesy deliciousness? This Scalloped Butternut Squash recipe is perfect for you. Tender butternut squash is blended together with vegetable broth, cashew nuts, and nutritional yeast to create a velvety, silky cheese sauce without any use of real cheese. This is a supremely flavorful and ultra comforting dish that pairs well with potatoes and onions. In fact, you can pair it with anything that you previously like to enjoy with cheese. 

Instant Pot Beef and Squash Stew

Another recipe that perfectly blends squash with meat is this Instant Pot Beef and Squash Stew. Add heartiness to this delicious dinner staple, including butternut squash to the recipe. You can also prepare large batches of it and store it in the freezer for up to three months – making it a perfect dish if you’re trying to meal prep. The soup is delicious and healthy and wouldn’t interfere with your diet. 

Roasted Squash, Corn, and Black Bean Enchiladas

Instead of swapping cheese for butternut squash, this recipe combines the two delicious ingredients family-friendly enchiladas. Even with melty cheese oozing out of every bite, these Roasted Squash, Corn, and Black Bean Enchiladas have a hearty serving of veggies, as it contains tender corn, smoky black beans, and is topped with a super-simple green salad. It is the perfect combination of easy, healthy, and mouthwateringly delicious. 

Caramelized Butternut Squash 

You don’t always have to combine butternut squash with ten other ingredients to create a delicious meal. Make this Caramelized Butternut Squash by tossing cubes of butternut squash in the coating of melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Roast it until tender and glistening. See? It is that easy to make this no-fuss butternut squash recipe that can be served as a side or be consumed on its own as a snack. 

Artichoke and Shiitake Pasta with Butternut Tomato Sauce

Is there anything better than a bowl of creamy, delicious pasta to curl up with when you’re craving some carby goodness? However, the sauce and ingredients used in regular pasta can be very unhealthy and fattening. Instead, opt for this Artichoke and Shiitake Pasta with Butternut Tomato Sauce. Made with butternut squash, hearty shitake mushrooms, and non-dairy cream to give it texture and body, this bowl of pasta isn’t just the perfect fix for your carb-cravings but also provides you with a healthy dose of nutrients. 

Although butternut squash is available all year round, it is important to remember that it is in its best form during early fall through winter. So if you’re buying it off-season, it is important to be a little picky. Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size and has a fat neck with a small bulb. This would indicate that it has the smallest seed cavity and would yield the most meat. Also, ensure that the butternut squash has hard skin and does not have any bruises or molds.