Winter squash make for comforting and hearty meals that are perfect for enjoying during the colder months. While pumpkin is always a crowd pleaser, there are many other varieties to enjoy. Delicata, acorn, kabocha, butternut, and spaghetti squash are some of the types of winter squash you will commonly see at grocery stores.
Once you've roasted one winter squash, you've roasted them all, as instructions for baking them is the same across the board. Plus, you can incorporate squash into everything from soup to curry. This video on How to Bake Butternut Squash will get you started.
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Related: How to Bake Butternut Squash - eHow
Hearty Soup
Most of the winter squash varieties can be used in hearty or creamy soups. You can either roast the squash and puree it into a smooth soup, or chop it up and saute it with other vegetables for a chunky stew. This Fennel & Delicata Squash Soup from With Food and Love is the perfect cozy meal on a cold day.
Related: With Food and Love
"Spaghetti" with Pesto Sauce
While spaghetti squash does not have the same texture or flavor as regular spaghetti, it is a wonderful gluten-free and low-carb alternative to pasta, and makes for a hearty meal. You can whip up your own tomato-based sauce or pesto sauce and serve the squash with vegetables, chicken, and/or shrimp. Spaghetti Squash with Basil-Parsley Pesto and Sauteed Shrimp from The Roasted Root is a filling and healthful meal.
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Stuffed Squash
Do you love stuffed vegetables? Chopping a winter squash in half, scooping out the seeds and innards, and roasting the halves makes a bowl for other ingredients. From rice (or other grains), to vegetables and meat, any winter squash can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients. Try out this Sausage and Farro Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen for a hearty dish.
Related: The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Pasta Sauce
Looking for an easy meal that can be made any night of the week? Simply use canned pureed pumpkin to make a creamy and tasty pasta sauce. This One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Pasta from Kitchen Treaty is a simple yet delicious meal for four!
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Breakfast Hash
Looking for a healthier alternative to potatoes? Winter squash has you covered. Food Faith Fitness proves winter squash can be incorporated into any meal, including breakfast! What better way to start the day than with Breakfast Hash with Kale and Kabocha Squash?
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Simply Roasted
Cutting winter squash into sections and roasting it with oil and a variety of spices is a brilliant (and simple!) way of feeding a crowd. Looking for a great holiday side dish? This recipe from Little Ferraro Kitchen for Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage and Amaretti Cookies is a winner!
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Creamy Soup
In addition to hearty soups, just about any winter squash can be roasted and pureed into a creamy dreamy soup. Try this Thai Butternut Squash Soup from Yummy Healthy Easy for a nutritious yet comforting soup!
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Squash Fries
Just like sweet potatoes, winter squash offers a healthy version of your favorite fries. Chop your squash into thick wedges or match sticks and roast them in the oven with your favorite flavors for a delicious side dish. Miso and Red Curry Glazed Delicata Squash Fries from Beard and Bonnet are the perfect example of a flavor blasted, yet healthy fry recipe!
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Cinnamon Rolls
As if baked goods weren't delicious enough on their own, you can add sweet creamy winter squash to your favorite treats! From cake to pancakes and brownies, pureed squash can be incorporated into just about any treat. Warm up to these Gluten Free Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls from Petite Allergy Treats for a delicious healthier version of a classic favorite!
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Muffins
Mashed or pureed winter squash can be made into sweet or savory muffins for a flavorful fall-inspired treat. Have you ever tried butternut squash pancakes or muffins? Spiced Maple Butternut Squash Muffins from Making Thyme for Health are great to enjoy on a relaxing weekend morning or for a healthy snack on the go.
Related: Making Thyme for Health