- Pie chart: Combine 4 cups pureed butternut squash, ½ cup sweetened condensed milk, 1 whole egg plus 3 egg yolks, 1/3 cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into a bowl and mix until smooth. Pour into a 9-inch piecrust and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream.
- Fun fries: Peel, seed, and slice butternut squash into ½-inch thick sticks. Mix an egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water. Coat each stick evenly in the mixture, then roll it in panko bread crumbs. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes.
- Mac and “more, please”: Prepare elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini as directed on the package. Drain pasta and fold in pureed butternut squash, shredded Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Fill a 9" x 13" baking dish, top with bread crumbs, and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
- Heartier hummus: Combine 1 cup butternut squash puree, ½ cup tahini, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper in a bowl and stir until smooth. Use as a spread for sandwiches or serve as a dip.
- Terrific twice-bakeds Halve a butternut squash and bake, cut-side up, on a baking sheet at 425 degrees F for 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool and then scoop out the flesh, being careful not to tear the skin. Combine the squash with bacon crumbles, 1 cup ricotta cheese, dried thyme, dried sage, and salt and pepper to taste. Refill the squash skins, sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top, and bake at 375 degrees F for another 20 minutes.
- Heavenly hash: Coat a nonstick skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Fry cubed butternut squash, diced ham, and diced onions over medium-high heat until squash is tender. Season with salt and pepper and serve with a fried egg on top.
- Muffin mania: Substitute 1 cup pureed butternut squash for oil in your favorite corn muffin mix. Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg. Fill muffin cups ½ full and bake at 350 degrees F until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For breakfast muffins, top with granola before baking.
- Pizza mia: Spread a layer of butternut squash puree on your favorite premade pizza crust. Top with your family’s favorite toppings (suggestions: turkey pepperoni, red bell peppers, goat cheese) and bake at 450 degrees F on the middle oven rack for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Layers of love: Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray. Spread butternut squash puree on the bottom of the pan. Add no-boil lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and jarred Alfredo sauce. Repeat layering two or three times. Finish with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Bake, covered, at 375 degrees F for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Butternut Squash Recipes: 9 Kid-Friendly Ideas
Butternut squash is healthy, colorful, and sweet. The best part? It's easy to sneak this autumn veggie into some of your kids' favorite meals.
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