12 Easy Butternut Squash Dinner Hacks

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This hearty twist on a classic comfort dish brings together the creamy richness of cheese with the subtle sweetness of butternut squash.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 pound macaroni pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Cook the butternut squash in a large pot of boiling water until tender.
2. Blend the cooked squash with milk until smooth and set aside.
3. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and return to the pot.
4. Stir in the butternut squash puree and shredded cheese until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy and flavorful, this risotto combines tender butternut squash with arborio rice for a comforting autumn meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add onion, and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in the cubed butternut squash and arborio rice; cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring until absorbed.
4. Continue adding broth until rice is creamy and al dente.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.

Butternut Squash Tacos

These vibrant tacos are filled with roasted butternut squash, making for a delicious vegetarian option.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 8 corn tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
4. Warm tortillas and fill with roasted squash, topping with avocado, cilantro, and lime as desired.

Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy, comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings, bringing out the natural sweetness of the squash.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot, add onion, and cook until softened.
2. Add cubed butternut squash and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until squash is tender.
4. Puree the mixture until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Butternut Squash Pizza

A unique and savory pizza that uses butternut squash as a topping to create an unexpected flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough
• 1 cup butternut squash, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough and brush with olive oil.
3. Arrange sliced butternut squash evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella and crumbled goat cheese.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili

A warming dish that combines butternut squash with hearty black beans for a nutritious dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, add onion, and sauté until translucent.
2. Add butternut squash, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
3. Stir in chili powder and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook for 30 minutes, until squash is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with any desired toppings.

Butternut Squash Gratin

This gratin is a delightful side dish that combines creamy butternut squash with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups butternut squash, sliced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer sliced butternut squash in a baking dish.
3. Pour heavy cream over the squash and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
4. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and squash is tender.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

This veggie-packed lasagna layers butternut squash with spinach and ricotta for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups butternut squash, pureed
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a baking dish, layer noodles, butternut squash puree, spinach, and ricotta.
4. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Butternut Squash Stir Fry

Quick and colorful, this stir fry combines butternut squash with fresh vegetables for a healthy dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butternut squash, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cooking Method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan.
2. Add butternut squash and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
3. Add bell pepper and broccoli, and stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Stir in soy sauce and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Butternut Squash Curry

Rich and aromatic, this curry blends butternut squash with spices for a warming, hearty dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, add onion, and sauté until soft.
2. Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add butternut squash and coconut milk, bring to a simmer.
4. Cook until squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Serve with rice or naan.