Nothing says fall is here quite like comfort food staples like warm bowls of soup and hearty casseroles. And while pumpkins typically steal the show this time of year, there are many other types of squash that are quintessential winter classics—particularly the butternut variety.
What Is Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash, also known as gramma or butternut pumpkin in other parts of the world, is a type if vine-grown winter squash.
It features a nutty, sweet taste similar to that of a pumpkin. And it also looks like one, too. It has a light, yellow-orange skin and orange, fleshy pulp. Unlike pumpkins, however, it is elongated with a thin neck.
Like many other winter squash varieties, the squash has numerous health benefits. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, such as manganese, vitamin E, and folate.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite, here are 17 must-try vegan butternut squash recipes that are sure to please.
17 Butternut Squash Recipes of Your Dreams
1. Butternut Squash Soup
Stay warm this winter with a hearty bowl of butternut squash soup. This vegan recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Enjoy it with a chunk of bread or an ooey-gooey vegan grilled cheese sandwich.
Get the recipe here.
2. Squash Linguine
This butternut squash linguine is equal parts creamy and delicious. Top this dish with some of your favorite veggies and serve with a side of bread for a satisfying meal.
Get the recipe here.
3. Squash Curry With Spinach
Your average curry recipe never looked—or tasted—as good.
Get the recipe here.
4. Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash
This vegan recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. Butternut squashes are roasted to perfection and stuffed with quinoa, kale, and mushrooms. Nutritious and oh-so-comforting, whip this dish up to impress this holiday season.
Get the recipe here.
5. Butternut Squash Pasta
Featuring a creamy sauce made with butternut squash, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and seasoning—you’ll be wishing you made this dish sooner.
Get the recipe here.
6. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for a nutritious meal your kids—and you!—will love, look no further than this delectable macaroni and cheese. The best part of this recipe is you don’t need any dairy to make it!
Get the recipe here.
7. Cinnamon Roasted Squash
For a mouthwatering dish that you can enjoy for both dinner and dessert, this cinnamon roasted squash recipe is it. It’s quick and easy to prepare and can be whipped up using only six ingredients: squash, olive oil, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
Get the recipe here.
8. Butternut Risotto
This Italian-inspired recipe is the ultimate vegan comfort meal. The recipe features Arborio rice, which is a starchy, Italian short-grain rice. This creamy vegan risotto includes green onions, garlic, and taste-bud pleasing seasonings like turmeric. Just make sure you leave some room for dessert.
Get the recipe here.
9. Butternut Squash Lasagna
Put your squash to use this winter in a vegan lasagna. With layers of garlic tahini tofu cream sauce, squash, and spinach, it’s sure not to disappoint.
Get the recipe here.
10. Butternut Squash Rice Bowl
This Mexican-style squash rice bowl recipe is perfect for a hearty and nourishing lunch on-the-go. You can easily whip this plant-based meal up in just minutes using only six ingredients: squash, vegetable broth, brown rice or quinoa, salsa, baby kale, and taco seasoning. Of course, you can always customize it with your favorite veggies. Sharing is optional.
Get the recipe here.
11. Butternut Squash Tacos
You just found your new favorite meal. These soft corn tortilla tacos are filled with savory, smoky squash, chipotle black beans, red onions, lime juice, and creamy avocado crema. You’ll want to eat them on Tuesdays and every other day of the week.
Get the recipe here.
12. Cheesy Baked Squash
Your holiday meal just got better with this cheesy baked butternut squash recipe. Baked to a golden perfection, the squashes are filled with a cheesy garlic Alfredo sauce and spinach.
Get the recipe here.
13. Black Bean and Butternut Squash Burritos
These protein-packed burritos are so good you just might want to eat two. Serve alongside chips and guac for a satisfying meal the whole family is sure to love.
Get the recipe here.
14. Butternut Squash Brownies
Round out your vegan meal with a delicious vegan hot fudge brownie sundae for dessert. This one-bowl brownie recipe features squash puree in lieu of eggs. Aside from the squash, you only need five other ingredients to make these chocolatey treats: peanut butter, maple syrup, almond flour, cocoa powder, and mini chocolate chips. Serve these delicious brownies alongside a few heaping scoops of dairy-free vanilla ice cream and top with vegan hot fudge and sliced bananas for the dessert of your dreams.
Get the recipe here.
15. Butternut Squash Shepherd’s PIe
Your classic vegan shepherd’s pie recipe just got a serious upgrade. With a creamy serving of mashed potatoes over veggies like mushrooms, carrots, leeks, and squash, of course—it’s the perfect comfort meal to make this fall.
Get the recipe here.
16. Roasted Squash Hummus
Take your average hummus recipe to the next level this holiday season. This roasted squash recipe combines the traditional flavor of hummus with the winter fruit for a creamy, dip that’ll have you going in for seconds (and thirds!).
Get the recipe here.
17. Butternut Bread
If you’re a fan of pumpkin bread, you’re going to love this butternut squash bread recipe. It features roasted squash seasoned with pumpkin spice seasoning and brown sugar for good taste. In lieu of eggs, this recipe calls for applesauce. Enjoy with the family, or indulge in it all by yourself.
Get the recipe here.
