I have so much love for Thanksgiving food, and honestly the squash dishes might be my favorite part of the whole spread. There are 20 gorgeous recipes here that prove squash can do just about anything. From silky soups to cheesy casseroles and everything in between, you are about to fall hard for these beauties.
1. Maple Baked Butternut Squash
If cinnamon isn't really your jam, let me point you toward this one instead. It still brings a gentle sweetness, but the flavor is a little more mellow since there's no cinnamon involved. The squash bakes in a buttery chicken broth situation that soaks right in. So yes, hello flavor.
2. Roasted Acorn Squash
Simple but so satisfying. That's really the best way to describe this lovely roasted squash. All you need is squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Then just let your oven handle the rest.
3. Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Time to bring a little meat into the picture. Sausage and squash are truly a match made in heaven, and this recipe proves it. It's cozy, comforting, and totally satisfying without being too heavy since it calls for chicken sausage. You'll clean your plate and still feel great afterward.
4. Southern Squash Casserole
Go ahead and put on your stretchiest pants because this one is gloriously gooey and cheesy. It is not light in the slightest, but oh my goodness is it good. You'll find everything you want in a casserole here: tons of dairy, a few veggies for good measure, and that buttery cracker crust on top.
5. Potato, Squash, and Goat Cheese Gratin
You've probably had potato gratin before, the cheesy, creamy, maybe even ham-loaded kind. Well, this version is just as delicious but feels a little more special. Okay fine, it's downright fancy. But still wonderfully simple.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cinnamon Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries
This is the ultimate fall dish and I think you're going to absolutely love it. The best part is that it's gorgeous, delicious, and packed with good stuff. You can pile your plate high and feel zero guilt about it. This warm beauty might even win over the veggie skeptics at your table.
7. Baked Parmesan Yellow Squash
Here's another ridiculously easy and delightful little dish that comes together in about 20 minutes. These tender rounds just need a bit of seasoning and some parmesan to shine. And honestly, that's all they need because simple can be so incredibly yummy.
8. Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
This dish is basically autumn in a bowl. You get that lovely sweet and spiced thing happening, plus a savory note that keeps everything interesting. Every forkful is soft and tender with the most irresistible crispy little edges. Trust me, it tastes exactly as wonderful as it sounds.
9. Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta
So many dishes on this list could count as comfort food, but this pasta might just take the crown. I could happily eat this every single day. I probably shouldn't, but I absolutely could. It's that delicious.
10. Roasted Beet and Butternut Squash Salad
When I look at this salad, I immediately think of gemstones. Beautiful emeralds, radiant gold, and stunning ruby tones everywhere. I'm talking beets, squash, and arugula, all glorious and delicious together. There's also garlic, goat cheese, fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar, pepitas, and red wine vinegar.
11. Butternut Squash Stuffing
What would Thanksgiving even be without stuffing? While I will always have a soft spot for the boxed stuff, this homemade version could honestly steal the show. It's really, really yummy and completely worth the extra effort. Honestly, it's almost a meal all by itself.
12. Roasted Yellow Squash
This recipe is easy as can be. Three simple ingredients and about 30 minutes are all you need, plus a few seasonings for good measure. It's the perfect quick side dish for those moments when extra Thanksgiving guests show up unexpectedly.
13. Maple-Glazed Squash and Apples
Squash and apples just belong together. They're both fruits, both turn wonderfully sweet when roasted, and both scream autumn. Plus they both taste amazing with maple. This dish is warm, sweet, savory, and completely delicious.
14. Butternut Squash Basmati Rice
Simple does not mean boring or bland, and this rice is living proof. Each ingredient brings its own lovely flavor, but together they turn into something truly special. It starts with basmati rice, which happens to be my absolute favorite kind of rice for everything.
15. Butternut Squash Soup
Have you even truly done fall if you haven't sat down with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup? I don't think so either. This recipe is here to make sure your season counts. Every spoonful is silky, rich, and feels like a little luxury.
16. Roasted Patty Pan Squash with Parmesan
There are so many wonderful varieties of squash out there, and Patty Pans deserve way more love. If you've never tried one, this is the perfect place to start. These little stars get roasted simply with oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan. That's it.
17. Mashed Butternut Squash
Let me tell you a little secret: potatoes are not the only mashable thing in this world. Squash gets beautifully soft and creamy when you mash it, and if you haven't tried it yet, you are seriously missing out. This one is sweet, buttery, and just plain delicious.
18. Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
You know how they say eating the rainbow keeps you healthy? Well, there's real truth to it. The more colors on your plate, the more nutrients you're getting. That's exactly why this salad is so good for you. It is bursting with the most beautiful fall colors.
19. Butternut Squash Salad
Let me introduce you to one of the most flavorful salads you will ever eat. Roasted squash, sweet dates, warm spices, fresh greens, creamy goat cheese, juicy pomegranates, and pistachios all come together here. It all gets finished with a gorgeous apple cider vinegar, cumin, and date dressing.
20. Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
Okay, so acorn squash with sausage is incredible, but the meatless version is honestly next level. It works beautifully as a main dish, though it's also a wonderful side. Quinoa, fresh herbs, alliums, and cheese all tucked inside squash? Yes please.
