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Squash season is officially here, and I’m here for it! I just love squash – they are so versatile, delicious, nutritious, and dang right beautiful! No two squashes are alike, each has unique properties that make it special. If you’ve never cooked or baked with squash before, you’re in good hands because this list of Cozy Squash Recipes will have you picking out winter squash like a pro, roasting butternut squash like you grew it in your own garden, and baking pumpkin muffins that will have your neighbors lined up at your door! There are so many reasons to love squash, and by the end of this list, you’ll be running to your nearest grocer to pick up pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and spaghetti squash like they’re going out of fashion.
Than with a collection of hearty, comforting squash recipes! Whether you’re a fan of roasted butternut squash, the light and delicate flavor of summer squash, or the noodly magic of spaghetti squash, there’s a recipe for everyone. Squash is incredibly versatile—perfect for roasting, baking, or making into soups and casseroles. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice for your seasonal meals. So grab your squash and get ready to cook up some comforting, seasonal goodness!
Squash is a versatile, nutrient-packed vegetable that comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, making it a staple in seasonal cooking. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is divided into two main categories: summer squash and winter squash. Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, has tender, edible skin and is typically harvested while young. Winter squash, such as butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash, has a thicker skin and is harvested in the fall when it’s fully matured, making it ideal for long-term storage.
Squash is not only rich in flavor but also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Its versatility means it can be roasted, steamed, baked, or used in soups, casseroles, and even desserts. Whether you’re looking for a savory side dish or a sweet addition to your meals, squash offers endless culinary possibilities!
There are many types of squash, and they vary by region. Today, we will focus on a few main squashes I love to cook with most!
Butternut squash is the ultimate fall squash, and if you’ve been scrolling Instagram, you know how adored it is this time of year! Its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth, creamy texture make it perfect for roasting, soups, or even as a base for creamy pasta sauces. Whether you’re making a comforting bowl of butternut squash soup or roasting it for a side dish, this versatile squash is a must-have for any holiday meal!
Did you know spaghetti squash is nature’s perfect low-carb pasta alternative? When cooked, this squash turns into stringy, noodle-like strands that pair perfectly with your favorite sauces. Toss it with marinara, pesto, or even vegan cheese for a healthy, fun twist on pasta night!
Surprise! Sweet potato is technically a squash! With their natural sweetness and vibrant orange color, sweet potatoes are adored year-round but shine especially in the colder months. From sweet potato casseroles to crispy roasted sides, this versatile veggie is packed with nutrients and comes in many delicious forms!
Zucchini isn’t just for summer! This versatile squash adds freshness and a light, tender texture to any dish. Perfect for zucchini noodles, roasted sides, or even baked into bread, zucchini is a year-round favorite. Its mild flavor makes it a great canvas for any seasoning or sauce!
If you haven’t tried delicata squash, you’re in for a treat! I’ve made a few recipes that I absolutely adore with this squash, and so many of you said it was your first time cooking with it! This small, tender squash has a thin, edible skin and a sweet, nutty flavor that’s perfect for roasting. Roasted delicata squash slices add flavor and a pop of color to any salad or side dish.
Pumpkin isn’t just for pies or jack-o’-lanterns! This iconic fall squash is packed with flavor and works in everything from soups to smoothies. Whether you’re making a classic vegan pumpkin pie or roasting pumpkin cubes for a salad, it adds a deliciously sweet, savory flavor to every dish.
Yes!! Squash is packed with nutrition. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants and packed with all the good stuff you need during the colder months.
Eating squash regularly offers numerous health benefits, from boosting your immune system to supporting eye health. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. Studies have also shown that eating different types of squash is good for your microbiome! Particularly winter varieties like butternut and acorn squash, are rich in fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. The fiber in squash acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment to the good bacteria in your gut, which helps improve digestion and reduces inflammation.
Before we get into the recipes, I have a question for you…
Click here for a full breakdown, including step-by-step instructions with photos, on how to cut and peel a Butternut Squash. Cutting butternut squash can be tricky, but with the right technique, it’s a breeze. This step-by-step guide will show you how to peel, seed, and cut butternut squash into perfect cubes for roasting. The method changes slightly from squash to squash, but the theory is the same! If you can cut this awkwardly shaped squash, you’ll master the rest!
Learn how to cook spaghetti squash effortlessly with this straightforward guide. From microwaving to oven-baking, we detail each step to get tender, delicious strands of squash, perfect as a healthy, versatile base for any dish.
For cozy fall dinners, roasted delicata squash is hard to beat. This tutorial is to the point and will help you roast delicata squash to perfection every time!
Great question! There are so many ways to enjoy squash, so why do people keep roasting it? Roasting squash brings out its natural sweetness and creates a caramelized, tender texture. Whether you’re roasting butternut, acorn, or spaghetti squash, roasting is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Of course, there are many ways to enjoy squash, like boiling, grilling, and frying, but roasting is especially convenient and delicious!
Squash shines in the cooler months, and these recipes show you all the ways to use it in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a cozy main course, these recipes will show you how to make the most of butternut squash, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, and more.
This homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi with Creamy Garlic & Sage Sauce is almost too cute to eat! Soft, pillowy pumpkin-shaped gnocchi made with Edward & Sons Organic Mashed Potatoes are served with a dairy-free pumpkin sauce that’s as creamy as it is garlicky! Easy, cute, and cozy, this fall dinner is perfect for holiday hosting, date night, or a fun family dinner!
Taco night just got an upgrade! These Tofu Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are loaded with savory, taco-seasoned tofu, fresh avocado-tomato salsa, and a creamy, dairy-free lime sauce. Roast the sweet potatoes until tender while you cook the tofu in a skillet until golden and meaty. Ready in about 30 minutes, these protein-packed, gluten-free stuffed sweet potatoes are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Meet your new favorite fall salad! This Fall Orzo Salad with Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes is loaded with tender orzo, massaged kale, sweet dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and shallots, all tossed in a deliciously sweet and tangy orange balsamic fig dressing! The real star? Golden, cinnamon-sage-roasted sweet potatoes with perfectly golden crispy edges! It’s colorful, cozy, easy to prep ahead of time (it actually tastes even better the next day), and it’s guaranteed to steal the show at Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or your next fall gathering.
This Creamy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate one-pot cozy fall dinner made with chewy wild rice, mushrooms, butternut squash, cannellini beans, kale, and warming herbs. Coconut milk and a rich, savory broth create the comforting creaminess. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, hearty, creamy, packed with vegetables, and perfect for meal prep because the leftovers are even better the next day!
If you’re looking for a dip that will be the complete showstopper of a dinner party, you need to make this Whipped Miso Sweet Potato Dip! It’s a creamy, dairy-free appetizer made with roasted sweet potato, garlic that’s been roasted to caramelized perfection and just the right amount of umami from the white miso. Easy to make, savory, subtly sweet, light, fluffy, and just the right dish for entertaining or anytime you want an easy dip that feels extra special!
If you’ve been looking for a reason to actually enjoy your “diet” food, this is it! My High Fiber, High Protein Squash Bowl is the ultimate weight loss dinner recipe that doesn’t taste like “diet” food. Think creamy avocado herb sauce meets perfectly roasted kabocha and crispy tofu. It’s high-volume, lower-calorie, and designed to keep you full longer without feeling restricted.
These High Fiber Rainbow Protein Bowls are colorful, filling, and deeply nourishing. Built on whole grains, chickpeas, and vibrant veggies, it delivers protein and fiber. This recipe is totally customizable, easy to meal prep and will keep you satiated from lunch until dinner!
This harissa chickpea sweet potato stew is a cozy, one-pan vegan dinner packed with warming spices, tender sweet potatoes, and protein-rich chickpeas. Perfect for January nights and easy weeknight meals.
This Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce is the ultimate cozy dinner. The homemade gnocchi is soft, tender, and full of warm flavors. The dish is made with simple ingredients and is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free! Make this recipe for date night, when hosting loved ones or as the perfect weeknight from scratch meal!
This Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta is the perfect fall comfort meal. The creamy cashew sauce is made with shallots and sage for a rich and luxurious flavor. Tossed with your favorite gluten-free pasta along with roasted butternut squash and baby arugula, you have a 30 minute dinner you’re going to be making on repeat all season long!
These Spiced Red Kuri Squash Rice Bowls are the perfect fall dinner. Combining smoky, sweet spices with roasted red kuri squash, lemony kale, black rice, and maple-tahini drizzle, they’re cozy, wholesome, and full of seasonal flavor, making them a wonderful dinner option for any night of the week.
This One Pot Butternut Squash Orzo is creamy, cozy and totally dairy free. Made with coconut milk and golden butternut squash, it’s an easy, 30 minute meal that will have everyone around the dinner table asking for seconds!
This Roasted Honeynut Squash with Lentils is fall comfort at its best! Caramelized honeynut squash, warm cinnamon and sage, crisp pistachios, and pomegranate all layered over creamy dairy free yogurt. It’s an easy, elegant oven roasted squash recipe that’s perfect as a holiday side dish or cozy weeknight favorite.
Warm, creamy, and full of smoky flavor, this Sweet Potato Kale and White Bean Soup is the perfect fall meal. Packed with hearty cannellini beans, tender kale, and a coconut-based broth, it’s a wholesome, gluten-free, and vegan recipe that delivers comfort and nourishment in every bowl. Serve with crusty bread and dairy free parmesan for the ultimate cozy October dinner.
This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is cozy, nourishing, and anything but boring! Packed with plant-based protein and fall veggies, it’s easy to make, naturally creamy, and completely vegan. Great for meal prep or chilly nights!
A fall pasta dish you’ll make on repeat! This Butternut Squash alla Vodka Pasta is creamy, cozy, and entirely plant-based, with roasted squash, a hint of sage, and the silkiest sauce you won’t believe is dairy-free. Make it for your next weeknight dinner or serve it as the star at your next fall gathering.
Cozy season is officially here, and nothing says fall like a warmly spiced Pumpkin Bread. This refined sugar free loaf is secretly healthy, vegan and gluten-free! Topped with an irresistible cinnamon crumb, it’s quick to make, sweetened naturally, and full of nostalgic fall flavor.
Fall flavors meet crispy textures in this vibrant Roasted Butternut and Crispy Rice Salad! With spiced squash, kale, apples, pumpkin seeds, and a creamy pumpkin dressing, it’s everything you need in a cozy, colorful bowl. Make it ahead for easy lunches or serve it fresh as a holiday side.
This Sauerkraut Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. We’re simmering with some gut-loving kraut, creamy chickpeas, tender potatoes, and savory broth for a soup you’ll find simply irresistible! Featuring Eden Foods Organic Sauerkraut and chickpeas, this soup is everything you love in a cozy, weeknight dinner: nourishing, plant-based, and packed with flavor.
These Moroccan Spiced Sweet Potato Tofu Bowls are loaded with roasted veggies, crispy tofu, fresh herbs, sweet dates, and a tangy cilantro lime yogurt sauce. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dinner that’s plant-based, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight cooking. Spiced, colorful, and endlessly customizable, this bowl brings the flavor of Morocco right to your kitchen!
This Roasted Butternut Squash and Fennel Wild Rice Stuffing is a gluten-free holiday side dish bursting with flavor. The perfectly roasted butternut squash, fennel, nutty wild rice, and tangy cranberries are tossed in a light orange-balsamic dressing. Topped with pistachios and fennel fronds, this dish is vibrant, healthy, and the perfect addition to any holiday table!
No holiday spread is complete without a beautiful and festive salad! This Roasted Delicata Squash Avocado Salad is an elegant and flavorful addition to any table. Featuring creamy Avocados From Peru, tender roasted delicata squash, juicy blackberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, it’s tied together with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or a light main dish, this salad is easy to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors that will have all your guests enjoying the salad!
Indulge in these delicious gluten-free Pumpkin Pie Bars, perfect for fall gatherings or whenever you’re craving a taste of pumpkin pie without the fuss. Made with wholesome, clean ingredients; these bars are just as beautiful as they are satisfying. Enjoy every spiced bite of this seasonal treat!
This Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl combines roasted sweet potatoes, protein-packed black beans, and fresh veggies for a colorful, nourishing meal. Topped with a zesty, dairy free creamy cilantro sauce, this bowl has everything you need for a satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s ready in 30 minutes, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep!
Stay fuelled from morning to lunch with this High Protein Pumpkin Pie Pudding recipe. This quick and easy recipe combines the richness of pumpkin puree, the smoothness of silken tofu, and the sweetness of maple syrup for a dessert inspired breakfast that is nutritious. With just five ingredients a less than ten minutes, you’ve got yourself the breakfast that dreams are made of!
Make this ultimate fall pasta dish in just 25 minutes! My Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is about to become your new favorite; it features silky pumpkin puree, combined with garlic, sage, and rich cashew cream. The Panacheeza dairy-free parmesan adds a delicious cheesy flavor, and it’s finished off with a crunchy walnut topping for a satisfying crunch.
If you think you know what your go-to Fall salad is – think again! This Roasted Butternut Squash Spinach Salad with Candied Maple Walnuts and a Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette is actually to die for! The dressing is oil-free, the candied walnuts are totally refined sugar-free and this salad is packed with sweet, caramelized roasted butternut squash! It’s the ultimate autumn salad and perfect as a holiday side.
If you’re craving something cozy and comforting, you’ve got to make this Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Skillet! This one-pan no-fuss meal is packed with tender sweet potatoes, lentils, and a creamy sauce that’s entirely dairy-free. Make this easy dish for meal prep, serve it over rice for a hearty weeknight dinner and enjoy leftovers for days! Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free, plant-based recipe is a must-try for sweet potato lovers!
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, spicy and smoky look no further than this Roasted Butternut Squash Poblano Soup! This soup is comfort in a bowl and the epitome of fall with just a touch of heat and sweet. It combines perfectly roasted butternut squash, poblano peppers, a touch of maple syrup and coconut milk for a rich, velvety texture. This squash soup recipe is plant-based, gluten-free, and ideal for meal prep during the colder seasons.
Searching for a salad that is the epitome of summer? You’ve gotta try this Grilled Zucchini & Corn White Bean Salad! This easy to make salad mixes the smoky flavors of grilled zucchini and corn with creamy white beans and fresh herbs. Tossed in an oil-free vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick, healthy, and delicious option for any summer meal.
Enjoy a medley of Mediterranean flavors with this Roasted Cauliflower Grain Bowl. This nourishing dish combines fluffy sorghum, spiced roasted cauliflower, and protein-rich tofu, topped with fresh cucumbers, pistachios, and dates for the perfect balance of savory, salty and sweet. Finished with a creamy white bean and sun-dried tomato puree, it’s ideal for dinner parties or meal prep.
This beautiful grain free salad is all about combining the flavors we love at this time of the year. My Sweet Potato Lentil Avocado Salad combines roasted sweet potatoes, hearty lentils, creamy avocado, and a zesty vinaigrette. This dish is vegan, and gluten-free and perfect for meal prep or as a festive side dish.
This Roasted Broccoli and Mashed Miso Sweet Potatoes is a dish like no other! Oven-crisped broccoli and chickpeas on top of lusciously creamy miso-infused sweet potatoes, creating a plant-based masterpiece for any dinner occasion.
Learn how to cook spaghetti squash effortlessly with this straightforward guide. From microwaving to oven-baking, we detail each step for tender, delicious strands of squash, ideal for a healthy, versatile base in any dish.
The essence of fall is in this recipe! Enjoy my Autumn Squash Grain Bowl, an inviting gluten-free recipe that pairs nourishing grains with roasted squash for a wholesome and satisfying main course. The heartiness of this colorful, nutrient-dense dish makes every bite pure happiness!
This Roasted Red Kuri Squash Soup combines oven-roasted vegetables with gochujang paste for an umami-rich, spicy, and creamy bowl. Made in under an hour, it’s the perfect medley of Korean and fall flavors.
This Tofu Pumpkin Curry combines crispy tofu and creamy pumpkin in a fragrant coconut curry sauce. It’s a 30-minute, vegan, and gluten-free dish perfect for a cozy autumn dinner.
These Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos offer a savory blend of autumnal flavors in a 30-minute, one-pan meal! With vegan ingredients and Maria & Ricardos’ keto almond flour tortillas, it’s a dish that’s versatile and incredibly delicious.
These creamy filled Sweet Potato Muffins are an experience all on their own. Perfect for breakfast or dessert they are 100% vegan and gluten-free and adorned with a delectable crumb topping.
Warm, hearty Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Squash Salad. Featuring brown rice, pomegranate arils, and an array of autumnal flavors. The perfect grain bowl to transition into fall. Oil-free, gluten-free, and wholly delicious.
Banana Nut Zucchini Muffins blend summer zucchini and autumnal flavors. Gluten-free, vegan, and free from refined sugar, they’re a deliciously wholesome breakfast or snack, bursting with bananas, pecans, and golden raisins.
These low-carb, grain-free gnocchi are coated in a creamy pumpkin sauce, making them the ideal dish for the start of fall and pumpkin season. Made with Palmini Mash, a low-calorie pasta alternative, they’re easy to prepare and rich in nutrients. Perfect for a comforting yet lighter meal.
Enjoy the flavors of Italy with our Vegan Zucchini Ricotta Roll Ups – a delectable and gluten-free dish filled with nutritious goodness. Satisfy your taste buds!
Enjoy a budget-friendly and nutrient-rich delight with Chipotle Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls. Packed with plant protein, vitamins, and fiber, this simple and delicious meal will satisfy your taste buds in under 30 minutes. Embrace the goodness of sweet potatoes, black beans, and a tangy sriracha drizzle. Delish!
This vegan sweet potato casserole is a fabulous addition to any Thanksgiving spread. It is easy to make with just 8 vegan, gluten-free ingredients, and will delight your entire table of guests, despite their dietary preferences.
This rich and creamy vegan butternut squash corn soup is the perfect cozy recipe for fall. It will instantly become one of your staple recipes because is easy to make and uses familiar ingredients like frozen corn, fresh butternut squash, and hearty white beans. This combination results in a melt in your mouth texture that will nourish your body and warm you up on a chilly day.
Warm and comforting, Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash is a delightful fall dish. Roasted squash halves are filled with a savory blend of quinoa, herbs, mushrooms, corn, cranberries, and toasted pecans. A healthy and flavorful plant-based meal ready to enjoy!
If you think muffins and cinnamon are just for fall, think again! These gluten-free, vegan Zucchini Carrot Muffins are a real treat and the perfect baked good for summer. Especially since this time of year, gardens are bursting at the seams with carrots and zucchinis, and this delightful recipe incorporates both in a moist, sweet, subtly spiced treat.
Jumping head first into November with a Creamy Lentil Curry recipe that will warm you from the inside out! This lentil bowl is easy to make and topped with caramelized butternut squash which makes it the perfect November meal.
This simple and delicious fall harvest salad is bursting with seasonal flavors and hearty texture. The juicy pomegranate, roasted sweet potatoes and peppery parsley make it the perfect salad to enjoy all season long, especially as a side dish for Thanksgiving. It is also allergen-friendly as it is vegan and gluten free!
Fall is here and these Chewy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Bars with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting are the PERFECT plant-based, gluten-free treat to celebrate halloween and have some festive fall fun in the kitchen! You no longer need to face the burden of choosing between Chocolate Chip Cookies and Pumpkin Bars – this recipe combines the two for an absolutely perfect match made in heaven. With this combo you have the fudgey, chewy, chocolatey goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie blended with the spiced deliciousness of pumpkin bars for a delightful halloween treat. We all know no pumpkin bar would be complete without a creamy, sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting, and these bars have just that. Better yet, they’re naturally sweetened, 100% vegan and gluten free!
When it comes to cozy fall dinners, roasted delicata squash is hard to beat. After roasting, it becomes sweet, flavorful, caramelized on the outside, creamy on the inside, and adds such a warm and delightful texture to almost any dish. This easy to make roasted delicata grain bowl has become one of our favorite dishes this time of year. It incorporates some of the best flavors of fall including delicata squash, pomegranate, plum, pumpkin, and fig.
If you have never tried a tofu scramble, you’re definitely in for a treat. Eggs are oftentimes one of the hardest things for aspiring vegans to give up. Luckily, tofu scrambles are a delicious vegan alternative to your favorite breakfast scramble. They have a similar texture, a very similar taste, and are incredibly nutritious. Plus, believe it or not, they’re actually even easier to make! Simply scramble with a few spices just as you would eggs, and you will be enjoying a fork full of fluffy protein-packed tofu goodness in just a few minutes. The recipe below incorporates creamy sweet potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and steamed spinach, but you can use any vegetables you like, or enjoy them straight up.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free vegan breakfast, this is a wonderful way to start the day. Zucchini Oatmeal is hearty, easy to make, and tastes just like regular oatmeal. It incorporates vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and plant protein for a complete and satisfying meal. This easy apple cinnamon version is perfect for fall and tastes just like your favorite apple crisp.
Not all squash are created equal! Depending on the dish you’re making, choose the right type of squash. All the recipes above are designed specifically for the squash they showcase. Of course, you can experiment, and some squashes are easier to swap than others!
Choosing the right squash can seem overwhelming with so many varieties available and such thick skins. Here are a few tips for choosing the most popular squash.
Summer squash, like yellow squash and zucchini, has thin, edible skin and is best eaten when it’s young and tender. Look for firm squash with vibrant color and avoid any soft spots or bruises.
When selecting butternut squash, choose one that feels heavy for its size with smooth, matte skin and no deep cuts or bruises. The skin should be hard and the color a deep, even beige – these are signs of ripe butternut squash that’s perfect for roasting or making into soups
Non-Stick Pans: Make for easy cleanup, crispy squash, and no need for foil or parchment! Check these out!
Chef’s Knife: Ideally large and sharp, for cutting firm winter squash. The knife’s weight helps with cutting, and a sharp blade makes it easier to slice through the squash. An 8- or 10-inch chef’s knife is a good size for cutting squash. Check out this one.
Roasted squash is a meal prep superstar! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for quick meals throughout the week. Here are tips to preserve your squash’s flavor and texture.
Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.
Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.
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