9 Squash Recipes That Will Make Your Family Actually Beg for Veggies
Squash season is upon us, friends, and we’re absolutely thrilled about all the delicious ways to enjoy this versatile veggie!
Whether you’re drowning in butternut from your garden or just looking to spice up your dinner rotation, cook butternut squash and recipes are the perfect addition to your fall and winter cooking arsenal.
These recipes will help you transform ordinary squash into extraordinary meals that your whole family will devour, even the picky eaters!
Let’s face it – we’ve all stared at a squash wondering what on earth to do with it besides the same old roasting routine.
That’s why we’ve gathered nine amazing squash recipes that will blow your mind and have everyone asking for seconds.
From cozy soups to pasta alternatives and even sweet treats, there’s something here for every squash situation you might encounter in your kitchen adventures.
1) Spaghetti Squash Carbonara: A low-carb twist on a classic!
Looking for a dish that satisfies those pasta cravings without the carb overload? We’re totally obsessed with this Spaghetti Squash Carbonara that gives us all those creamy, bacon-y flavors we love!
The magic happens when you swap traditional pasta for roasted spaghetti squash strands. It’s seriously game-changing for anyone watching their carbs or just trying to sneak in more veggies (we see you, moms trying to trick those picky eaters!).
What we adore about this recipe is that it still has that rich, silky smooth carbonara sauce loaded with bacon and garlic. Who says healthy can’t be indulgent?
With just six ingredients, it’s super easy to whip up on those crazy weeknights when we’re juggling homework help and bedtime routines. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free for our friends with sensitivities!
We promise even the skeptics at your table will be asking for seconds of this healthier take on the classic Italian dish. It’s that good!
2) Zucchini and Yellow Squash Skillet Medley: Quick, easy, and oh so tasty!
Ladies, we’re about to change your veggie game forever! This skillet zucchini and yellow squash recipe is literally THE summer side dish that’ll have your family actually excited about eating vegetables!
It takes less than 15 minutes to whip up this colorful medley, and we promise it’s as easy as it gets.
Just slice up those gorgeous green and yellow squashes, toss in some onions, and you’re halfway there!
We love how the zucchini and summer squash get all tender but still have that perfect bit of bite. The secret is not overcooking them—nobody wants mushy veggies, am I right?
A little olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper are all you need for seasoning, but feel free to jazz it up! Sometimes we sprinkle in some grated parmesan cheese at the end or add a squeeze of lemon for extra zing.
This dish is perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something healthy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s low-carb friendly if you’re watching those macros!
When summer squash is taking over your garden (or your neighbor keeps “gifting” you zucchini), this recipe is your new BFF. We make this at least once a week during squash season!
3) Parmesan Crusted Yellow Squash: Because everything’s better with cheese!
Let’s be honest, squash on its own can be a bit… well, boring. But add some cheese? Magic happens! This Parmesan crusted yellow squash is possibly the easiest summer side dish ever.
We’re obsessed with how simple this recipe is. Just slice up your yellow squash into rounds, add a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and pop it in the oven. That’s it! Even our pickiest eaters gobble these up.
The squash gets tender while the cheese forms a crispy, golden crust that’s absolutely drool-worthy. We like to add a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning to kick up the flavor even more!
These Baked Parmesan yellow squash rounds need just two ingredients! TWO! How’s that for a win on busy weeknights?
Pro tip: Make extra because these disappear fast! Our kids actually ask for seconds of vegetables when we make these. Yes, you read that right – kids requesting vegetables!
4) Butternut Squash Soup with a Cinnamon Kick: Cozy in a bowl
Let’s talk about the ultimate comfort food: delicious soup that’s basically a warm hug in a bowl! This creamy butternut squash soup with cinnamon is our go-to recipe when the weather gets chilly.
We love how simple it is to throw together. Just grab a butternut squash, peel it, seed it, and cut it into chunks. No fancy techniques needed here, mamas!
The magic happens when you add that hint of cinnamon to chicken broth to the butternut squash. It creates this amazing warm flavor that’s slightly sweet but not overpowering.
We sometimes add a tiny pinch of cayenne for a surprise kick that balances everything perfectly.
For extra deliciousness, we’ve found that sautéing a pear with the onion takes this soup to the next level! The fruit adds a subtle sweetness that complements the squash beautifully.
Top it with a swirl of cream, some roasted pumpkin seeds, or crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling fancy. This soup is perfect for those nights when the kids are cranky, dinner is late, and you need something comforting that still counts as a vegetable!
5) Maple Roasted Butternut: Sweet, savory happiness!
Let’s talk about our absolute favorite fall side dish! Maple roasted butternut squash is pure autumn magic on a plate. We’re obsessed with how the natural sweetness of the peel butternut squash just gets amplified by a drizzle of maple syrup.
The recipe couldn’t be simpler, which is perfect for our chaotic weeknight dinners!
Just cube up your butternut squash, toss with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and pop it in the oven. The kitchen smells AMAZING while it’s roasting!
We love how the edges get all caramelized and slightly crispy while the inside stays tender and soft. It’s literally the best of both texture worlds!
For a flavor boost, try adding fresh rosemary after roasting. The herbal notes balance out the sweetness perfectly.
Some of us even add a pinch of chili for a spicy-sweet combo that’s to die for!
Want to make it extra special? Try adding cranberries for a pop of color and tartness. The red and orange together look gorgeous on the table, and our kids actually eat it without complaint!
6) Squash Casserole Surprise: Southern charm in a dish
Y’all, we’ve got a serious treat for your dinner table! This squash casserole is pure Southern comfort food that even the pickiest eaters will devour. It’s like a warm hug from your grandma in casserole form!
Yellow squash is the star of this dish, sliced into perfect rounds that get tender but not mushy. We’re obsessed with how the squash gets cooked with onions until they’re just right – soft and flavorful without turning to mush.
The magic happens when you mix in eggs, cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to create that creamy, dreamy base. Some recipes even add a bit of Dijon mustard and crème fraîche for extra flavor – trust us, it’s amazing!
We love topping ours with a crispy buttery bread crumb mixture that gets golden brown in the oven. The contrast between the crunchy top and creamy squash is absolutely everything!
No canned soup needed here! The secret to that amazing creamy sauce is all in the eggs. It’s totally worth the tiny bit of extra effort!
7) Grilled Summer Squash with Herbs: Perfect BBQ side!
Let’s talk about our absolute favorite summer BBQ side dish! Grilled summer squash is seriously the easiest way to elevate your outdoor cooking game with minimal effort.
We love to start by slicing yellow squash or zucchini into ½-inch thick rounds. Then we pop them in a ziplock bag with a generous drizzle of olive oil and season them with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. So simple!
The magic happens when you grill these slices for 5-10 minutes per side until they get those gorgeous grill marks and reach your desired tenderness. We’re all about that slight char!
What makes this dish extra special? Fresh herbs! We toss in some herb leaves during the last minute of cooking for the most amazing aroma. You can use any herbs you have on hand – basil, mint, thyme, or oregano all work beautifully!
For an extra flavor boost, try adding feta cheese and a squeeze of lemon right before serving. The tangy combo with the smoky squash is mind-blowing!
This dish is super forgiving too – perfect for those of us who get distracted by kiddos while cooking! And clean-up? Almost non-existent. Mom win!
8) Squash Frittata Fiesta: Breakfast, brunch, or anytime!
Who doesn’t love a dish that works for literally any meal of the day? Squash frittatas are our go-to when we need something quick but still want to feel like cooking queens!
Butternut squash makes an absolutely divine frittata base. The natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash pairs beautifully with savory eggs and cheese. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
We love adding some spinach to our squash frittatas for an extra nutrient boost. This combo makes for a protein-packed recipe with more flavor and fiber. Win-win!
Yellow squash works brilliantly too! Try to cook yellow squash by sautéing it with some onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes before adding your egg mixture. The result? A colorful masterpiece that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Frittatas are perfect for using up whatever veggies are lurking in your fridge. Got leftover roasted squash? Throw it in with some feta cheese for an incredible breakfast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
For extra fancy vibes, try a roasted butternut squash on frittata with fried sage. The crispy herb takes this dish to a whole new level—perfect for those “I totally have my life together” brunch moments!
9) Roasted Squash Spinach Salad with Bacon: Crunchy delight!
Ladies, we need to talk about this game-changing salad that’s honestly too good to be true! This roasted butternut squash spinach salad combines ALL the yummy things we crave.
Start by cubing butternut squash, tossing it with a bit of olive oil and honey, then roast until golden and crispy. Trust us, roasted butternut squash recipe your kitchen will smell AMAZING!
While that’s happening, cook up some bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. We’re not even sorry about how good this is going to be! The salty bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet squash.
For the salad base, we use fresh baby spinach (hello, sneaking in those greens!). Then we add pecans for crunch, bleu cheese for tang, and dried cranberries for sweetness. It’s a flavor party!
The dressing is super simple – just whisk together some Dijon mustard, olive oil, and seasonings. Some recipes even include maple and apple cider for extra fall vibes!
This salad is perfect for those nights when we want something that feels fancy but doesn’t require a ton of effort. Mom win!
The Nutritional Benefits of Squash
Squash is a nutritional powerhouse hiding in plain sight! We love how these versatile veggies pack a serious health punch while being super delicious and easy to incorporate into our daily meals.
Vitamins and Minerals in Squash
Squash varieties are absolutely loaded with essential nutrients that our bodies crave. Both yellow summer squash and winter squash are excellent sources of vitamin C, which boosts our immune system and helps with collagen production (hello, better skin!).
Winter squash like the cut butternut squash, is particularly impressive – it’s packed with vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. Just one serving can provide a significant portion of your daily needs!
The mineral content in squash is equally amazing. These veggies contain:
Potassium – helps regulate blood pressure
Magnesium – supports muscle function
Manganese – aids in metabolism
Folate – crucial for cell growth
We’re also big fans of the antioxidants found in squash, which help fight inflammation and protect our cells from damage.
How Squash Supports a Healthy Lifestyle
Adding squash to our family meals is one of the easiest ways to boost nutrition without complaints! Squash is naturally low in calories, fat, and cholesterol, making it perfect for maintaining healthy weight while still feeling satisfied.
The fiber content in squash is a total game-changer for digestion. Just one cup peeled squash provides a nice chunk of our daily fiber needs, helping keep things ahem moving along nicely!
Butternut squash is particularly awesome for heart health due to its fiber content and low fat profile. We’ve found it’s an easy swap for starchier sides when we’re trying to eat more veggies.
For busy parents like us, squash is a no-brainer addition to meals because it’s:
💪 Filling but light
🍽️ Versatile in countless recipes
🥘 Easy to prepare (especially when pre-cubed!)
👶 Kid-friendly when prepared right
Cooking Tips for Perfect Squash Dishes
Getting squash just right can be tricky, but we’ve got some amazing tricks up our sleeves! These tips will help you transform any squash variety into a mouthwatering dish that your family will absolutely love.
Secrets to Roasting Squash Like a Pro
Let’s be real – cutting into a hard squash can be downright intimidating!
Our favorite hack? Microwave your squash for about 5 minutes before cutting. This softens it just enough to make slicing way easier without turning it to mush!
When roasting, don’t skimp on the oil!
We like to toss cubed butternut squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading it on a baking sheet.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Those cubes need space to get crispy.
Timing matters so much!
Butternut squash cubes typically need 25-35 minutes in a 400°F oven.
We check them with a fork at the 20-minute mark – they should be tender but not mushy.
For extra flavor, try adding:
Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
A drizzle of maple syrup
A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg
How to Select the Right Squash for Your Recipe
Not all squash are created equal, friends!
When shopping, we always give our squash a little “knock test”. It should sound hollow and feel heavy for its size.
For soups and purees, butternut squash is our go-to since it has a smooth, creamy texture when cooked.
Acorn squash? Totally perfect for stuffing and roasting in halves!
Summer squashes like zucchini cook super quickly and work beautifully in quick stir-fries or raw in salads.
Winter squashes (butternut, acorn, hubbard) need longer cooking times but reward you with amazing depth of flavor.
Look for squash with intact stems and no soft spots. The skin should be brown sugar dull (not shiny), which means it’s properly mature.
This little check will make ALL the difference in your grandma-worthy yellow squash recipe recipes!
