19 Squash Recipes to Cook This Winter

Butternut squash is roasted to sweet perfection with maple and brown sugar in this flavorful recipe. Serve with a savory main protein like pork or beef or mix with roasted Brussels sprouts to form a heartier side dish.

Homemade bread is made even better with pumpkin and a pretty cloverleaf shape. This dough comes together easily and the finished rolls are especially good warm from the oven. If possible, time the rise so that you can bake the rolls about 30 minutes before eating.

Change up your pizza toppings by swapping your usual pepperoni and sausage for sweet butternut squash. Cheddar and blue cheese add even more flavor. Use store-bought pizza dough for an easy meal or make your own.

A pumpkin puree sauce replaces the typical marinara meat sauce in this cheesy lasagna. Mushrooms, sage, and a combo of four cheeses add flavor to the hearty vegetarian-friendly main.

For a no-fuss, filling soup that's secretly vegan, use tender winter squash. Blended until creamy, this colorful bowl only uses a few ingredients. Top with a dollop of pesto if you want to get fancy.

Kabocha is a green pumpkin-like winter squash that's frequently used in Japanese cooking. Its light sweetness and tender, but sturdy texture makes the vegetable great for dipping in tempura batter and frying until crispy.

Spaghetti squash may look like an ordinary squash, but once baked or steamed the flesh turns into strands that resemble its namesake noodle. It makes a great, low-carb substitute for pasta when you're looking for a lightened-up entree.

A roasted vegetable salad with sweet-tart dried cranberries and nutty pecans is an ideal wintertime side or lunchtime main. Serve warm or at room temperature and dot with creamy goat cheese if desired.

Stuffed acorn squash makes an attractive vegetarian main dish or an impressive side dish. Apple, dried fruit, and herbs flavor the cornbread stuffing. Add cooked, crumbled sausage if you'd like to bulk it up for non-vegetarians.

A delicate filling of roasted butternut squash is stuffed into wonton wrappers before being topped with a creamy white wine sauce and roasted hazelnuts. This ravioli is a decadent main dish that's sure to impress at any dinner party.

One of the easiest ways to get your pumpkin spice fix is a tender, moist loaf cake. Simply combine the ingredients—you can use canned pumpkin or  roasted fresh pumpkin—bake, and top with a classic vanilla frosting for a sweet treat.

Turn your home into a state fair with this deep-fried delicacy. The crispy-on-the-outside and tender-on-the-inside sticks can go sweet (syrup) or savory (salsa or cheese) depending on your dipping sauce.

Delicata squash is beautifully striped when whole, and has a tender, delicate skin when cooked, so there's no need to peel it. Cut into rings and roasted with maple and butter, it's a simple side dish that the whole family will love.

Simple, but packed with sweet-salty flavor, this grilled cheese is filled with butternut squash, crispy bacon, and melted gouda. Serve with a simple salad and it's a sandwich worthy of dinnertime.

Empanadas stuffed with a pumpkin filling are a festive fall and winter appetizer. Make your dough first, and bake them instead of frying for a less fatty take on the dish.

Smoking isn't just for meats—you can smoke acorn squash, too! The aroma goes well with sausage, beef, or pork, but the squash can also be used as a base for an amped-up soup.

Use leftover cooked winter squash to make moist, spiced cupcakes. These have the same flavors as a pumpkin dessert and are especially good topped with orange buttercream frosting.

You can swap out any roasted winter squash in this warm winter salad. A simple dressing of tahini, lemon, and maple syrup pairs well with all varieties and fresh greens.

Pork shoulder is slowly braised until tender and makes the base of a hearty stew with squash, potatoes, and peas. It's a stick-to-your-ribs dish that's especially good on a cold winter night.