You’ll find that this list of delectable Thanksgiving squash recipes is a holiday gift that keeps on giving, and I’m not just being grateful for the sheer variety – although that’s definitely part of it. For me, one of the best things about Thanksgiving is the food, and that’s what makes these 20 squash recipes so special. From classic dishes like pumpkin pie to innovative twists like roasted butternut squash with kale, there’s something here for everyone.
And let’s not forget the health benefits – even the richer dishes have some great nutritional perks. But honestly, it’s all about the taste. The flavors in these recipes are out of this world, and I’m convinced you’ll be rolling back for seconds (and maybe even thirds) once you try them.
Squash and Garlic Cream Pasta Bliss
Flooding yourself with rich flavors is a great way to describe this comforting pasta dish that could easily become your new daily obsession. While many of the other dishes on our list qualify as comfort food, this one might just take the crown due to its unbeatable combination of textures and tastes. The possibility of indulging in it every day may be tempting, but let’s face it – it’s hard to resist such a delicious treat.
Its sauce is made with an assortment of roasted ingredients like butternut squash, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, and browned butter that adds a deep nutty flavor, which complements the caramelized taste from the roasted veggies perfectly. You can use your favorite pasta, let it soak up all the creamy goodness, and top it off with some crispy prosciutto, parmesan cheese, and extra herbs for an added burst of flavors.
The result is truly irresistible, making this dish a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a culinary delight.
Roasted Squash Harvest Salad Delight
Zero in on this salad recipe that’s a symphony of flavors and textures – it’s an explosion of roasted squash, succulent dates, aromatic warm spices, crisp greens, crumbly goat cheese, juicy pomegranates, and crunchy pistachios. But what really ties the entire dish together is the tangy apple cider vinegar and date dressing, infused with a hint of cumin.
Experience Fall with Vegan Butternut Squash Delight
Not only does a warm bowl of butternut squash soup evoke feelings of cozy comfort, but it’s also an essential part of the fall experience. In fact, I’d venture to say that if you haven’t enjoyed a delicious serving of this soul-warming dish during the autumn season, then can you really claim to have experienced fall at all? To ensure your fall is one for the books, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for the creamiest, most indulgent butternut squash soup ever.
With its luscious texture and fabulously rich flavor, every spoonful is a true delight. Plus, the best part? It’s completely vegan-friendly, making it the perfect dish to serve at your next gathering – and everyone can enjoy it! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, this recipe is sure to become a new fall favorite.
Savory Autumn Fusion of Apples & Squash
Pairing apples and squash in cooking makes perfect sense due to their shared characteristics. Notably, both are fruits that can be roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. Furthermore, they are both quintessential autumnal ingredients, evoking a sense of coziness and warmth. When combined with the deep, rich flavor of maple syrup, the result is a dish that is both sweet and savory.
A splash of apple cider vinegar adds an extra layer of apple flavor and a touch of acidity, rounding out the flavors and creating a truly delightful experience.
Vibrant Fall Quinoa Salad Delight
Often, we’re told that eating a variety of colorful foods is key to a long and healthy life. While the origin of this phrase may be unclear, the underlying principle holds some truth. The more colors you include in your diet, the greater the range of nutrients you’ll be consuming. This delicious salad showcases the vibrant hues of fall, with a medley of greens, vegetables, and fruits coming together in perfect harmony.
A drizzle of maple balsamic vinaigrette adds a touch of elegance, tying all the flavors and colors together beautifully.
Umami Bomb Basmati Rice Bowl
While simplicity often gets a bad rap, being equated to dullness and lack of flavor, this rice dish is the perfect counterexample. Each component is expertly crafted to deliver maximum flavor on its own, but when combined, they create an explosion of umami goodness. You begin with basmati rice, my go-to choice for any dish requiring a fluffy base. I adore its nutty undertones and perfectly tender texture, which never fails to elevate the meal.
Paired with the sweet, garlicky essence of roasted butternut squash, it’s no wonder this combination is nothing short of flavor heaven.
Easy Roasted Squash Delight
Creating a delicious and easy-to-make roasted squash dish requires just a few simple ingredients. The key elements are fresh squash, a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, a pinch of pepper, and a hint of maple syrup. Once you have these essential components, simply place the squash in the oven and let it work its magic. This straightforward recipe allows you to focus on the beauty of the ingredients rather than the complexity of the cooking process.
Quick Roasted Yellow Squash Delight
Creating delicious meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This recipe is a perfect example of how simplicity can shine. With just three basic ingredients, you can create a tasty dish in under 30 minutes. Of course, don’t forget the added seasonings that bring out the flavors and make it truly special. It’s a great option for busy hosts who need to feed a crowd, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving when guests often outnumber expectations.
Squash Stuffed with Savory Sausage Delight
Generally speaking, this dish is a masterclass in balancing flavors and textures. Given the combination of ingredients, it’s no wonder that sausage pairs well with squash. The addition of chicken sausage makes the dish substantial without being overwhelming. When you take your first bite, the nutty sweetness of the roasted acorn squash hits your taste buds, followed by the savory flavors of the stuffing, which includes apples, mushrooms, onion, garlic, spices, parmesan, and fresh herbs.
Each forkful is a delightful surprise that will leave you wanting more.
Easy Parmesan Squash Rounds
Venturing into the world of quick and delicious meals, you’ll find this next dish is a true gem. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days when time is scarce. The simplicity of these little rounds lies in their minimal requirements – just a pinch of seasoning and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese are all they need to shine. Who needs elaborate preparations when something as straightforward can be so delectably satisfying?
Cheesy Squash Casserole with Crunchy Crust
Versatile eaters, gather ’round! This indulgent casserole is not for the faint of heart – it’s rich and calorie-dense, but utterly irresistible. It checks all the boxes when it comes to what you’d expect from a classic casserole: generous helpings of dairy products and an assortment of vegetables to lend some semblance of nutritional value. To top it off (literally!), there’s a crunchy buttery cracker crust that adds a satisfying textural element.
Rest assured, it’s as delicious as it is decadent!
Sweet Butternut Squash Baked with Butter
Zeroing in on a sweeter treat, this recipe dials back the intensity of its predecessor by leaving out the cinnamon altogether. The absence of this spice still allows for a sweet and tantalizing experience, but with a more subtle edge. To add even more depth to the dish, it’s baked in a rich stewing liquid made from butter and chicken broth.
Autumn Bliss in a Nutty, Sweet Salad
Here’s why this fall dish stands out as the ultimate culinary experience. It’s not just a matter of taste; its numerous health benefits also make it an guilt-free indulgence. Those who aren’t typically fond of veggies may even find their preferences shifting after trying this warm salad, which is full of complex flavors and textures that keep every bite engaging.
Every mouthful is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, making it the perfect representation of fall’s rich culinary heritage.
Sweet Squash Mash Delight
But beyond the humble potato lies a world of possibilities when it comes to mashing vegetables. Squash, in particular, is a game-changer, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s sure to delight. If you haven’t tried mashed squash yet, do yourself a favor and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you! This dish is a masterclass in contrasting flavors and textures, with the natural sweetness of the squash balanced by the richness of brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
The result is a culinary tango that will leave you wanting more. And don’t even get me started on the texture – it’s incredibly creamy, with a velvety smoothness that’s simply divine. To take it to the next level, sprinkle some fresh thyme over the top for an added touch of earthiness. Trust us, this recipe is a must-try!
Elevated Potato and Squash Cheesy Delight
Have you ever indulged in a rich and satisfying potato gratin? You know, the kind loaded with melted cheese, perhaps some diced ham, and an abundance of flavors that dance on your palate. This particular gratin recipe takes it up a notch, elevating the classic dish to new heights while still maintaining its simplicity.
The end result is a luxurious blend of creamy textures, tangy undertones, savory depths, and a generous helping of melted cheese – essentially everything you’d want in a comforting dish. When cooked to perfection, the potatoes become tender and the squash soft, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to leave your taste buds craving for more.
Unlocking Patty Pan Squash’s Sweet Delight
Yellow squash varieties have been gaining popularity in recent years, and Patty Pans are one of them, often overlooked but definitely deserving more attention. This simple recipe is an excellent starting point for those new to cooking with these types of squash. At its core, the dish showcases the star ingredient – Patty Pan squash – allowing you to experience its mild, sweet flavor without any overpowering seasonings.
The preparation involves minimal ingredients: just a bit of oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan, which lets the natural taste of the squash shine through.
Roasted Squash Sausage Stuffing Delight
Zest for life is often found in the simple pleasures, and what’s more pleasurable than a warm, fluffy bowl of homemade stuffing on Thanksgiving? While I’ll always have a soft spot for Stove Top stuffing, this recipe has managed to capture my heart (and taste buds) with its delightful combination of fresh herbs, roasted butternut squash, and savory turkey sausage.
The extra effort required to make it from scratch is well worth the reward, as it’s essentially a meal in itself – rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious. With its comforting blend of butter, chicken broth, and tender dried bread cubes, this stuffing recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Veggie-Filled Acorn Squash Delight
Often overlooked in favor of its sweet cousin, the acorn squash has its own unique charm when paired with savory ingredients like quinoa, herbs, alliums, and cheese. This veggie-centric dish is a revelation, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make it both a satisfying main course and an equally impressive side dish. The addition of cranberries adds a pop of color, tanginess, and sweetness, elevating the dish to new heights.Go to Recipe
Cinnamon Spiced Butternut Squash Delight
Making the most of butternut squash’s natural sweetness, this recipe elevates the humble vegetable into a truly decadent dish. Each bite is a masterclass in texture and flavor contrast, with soft, tender flesh giving way to crunchy edges. The result is nothing short of irresistible. Roasting brings out the best in the squash, coaxing forth its inherent sugars and deepening its complex flavors.
While roasted squash on its own would be satisfying, this recipe takes it to the next level by combining the natural sweetness with a sweet and savory glaze made from maple syrup, olive oil, salt, cinnamon, and black pepper. The finishing touch is a sprig of fresh rosemary, adding a fragrant and herbaceous note that perfectly complements the other flavors.
Roasted Beet and Butternut Squash Salad
When I gaze at this salad, it’s hard not to be reminded of precious gemstones. The vibrant colors are unmistakable – emeralds in the form of fresh beets, radiant gold from the squash, and stunning ruby red hues courtesy of arugula. The combination is nothing short of glorious, with each ingredient working harmoniously together to create a true masterpiece.
It’s not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor, thanks in part to the pungency of garlic, the creaminess of goat cheese, and the subtle tang of fresh herbs and balsamic vinegar. The addition of pepitas and red wine vinegar adds depth and richness to the dish, making it a truly satisfying experience for the palate. Overall, this salad is not only healthy but also incredibly flavorful, making it an excellent choice for serving at any gathering or special occasion.
