Squash is one of the most versatile ingredients across global cuisines. It can add heartiness to your stews and pies, create a delightful side dish to spice up your meal, or even bring creaminess and sweetness to desserts.

Pumpkins are some of the most iconic squashes of fall, but why not add some variety to your diet with other delicious varieties of winter squashes?

Read on to discover the difference between summer and winter squash, and explore 5 unique varieties of winter squash to try this season!

Did you know? While we often think of squash as a vegetable, it’s actually a fruit! It grows from the flowering part of the plant and contains seeds, just like other fruits. 🍉

What's the difference between summer and winter squash?

Summer squash is harvested during the summer months when they are young and tender, so they tend to have a softer skin that is edible. They are best enjoyed fresh and have a shorter shelf life.

Winter squash is harvested in the late summer or early fall when they are fully matured and the skin is hard. They have a longer shelf life and can be stored in a dry cool place for up to 6 months, depending on the variety.

🍂 Our Top 5 Winter Squashes 🍂

Acorn squash

With dark green skin, pronounced ridges and bright yellow flesh, acorn squash is one of the prettiest varieties around! Less sweet than butternut but still satisfying, it is delicious when roasted with autumnal spices like nutmeg or cinnamon:

Baked acorn squash Recipe by carrie
Great recipe for Baked acorn squash.
Cookpadcarrie

Add a stuffing of quinoa and feta for a complete meal:

Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe by EmilyRC22
Great recipe for Stuffed Acorn Squash.
CookpadEmilyRC22
Explore more acorn squash recipes

Kabocha squash

Also called Japanese pumpkin, this squash comes in red and green varieties and has a taste and texture similar to roast chestnuts. Kabocha makes a perfect side dish when sliced up and roasted with some spices, but it is also delicious in soups and stews.

Roasted Kabocha Squash (Air Fryer or Oven) Recipe by Chris Gan
Kabocha squash (かぼちゃ, also called Japanese pumpkin) is one of my favorite vegetables. It has a drier texture compared to other squash types (it’s almost like chestnut). It can be prepared so many different ways, but I like to roast it. A little maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon is all you need to enjo…
CookpadChris Gan
Find more kabocha recipes here

Delicata squash

This striped squash is named for its delicate rind, which is thin and completely edible making it a breeze to cook! It has a rich, sweet taste and works perfectly as a substitute for potatoes, such as in this creative twist on shepherd's pie:

Delicata Squash Shepherds Pie Recipe by Conchata Hosley
Soooo..I received some organic delicata Squash not too long ago. I was thinking “what am I going to do with this?” Well, I love comfort foods and pies so I decided to make my vegan version of a shepherd’s pie. So delicious! Enjoy!
CookpadConchata Hosley
Discover more recipes with delicata squash

Spaghetti squash

The name speaks truly speaks for itself: when roasted, the flesh of this bright yellow squash turns into noodle-like strings, making it a nutritious, low carb alternative to pasta!

Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce Recipe by Ricardo
Spaghetti squash has fooled many guests into thinking they were being served noodles, especially when it is served cold with peanut sauce or warm with the classic marinara sauce by Lidia Bastianich. #vegan #vegetarian #pasta #gluten #free #Italian #marinara #sauce #spaghetti #squash #meal #lunch #ea…
CookpadRicardo
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Butternut squash

This well-loved squash is truly the hero of fall cooking. With a sweet, nutty-taste similar to pumpkin, butternut squash makes a perfect side dish when cubed and roasted. It also shines on its own when blended into soups and pasta sauces or piled onto pastry.

Butternut Squash Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe by Maggie Conlon Martin
I’m a veggie lover. Squash is a particular favorite, zucchini, banana squash, and spaghetti squash. Surprised myself the other day when I realized that, in over 70 years of living, I’d never tried butternut squash! Tick tock, time’s a wastin’! This turned out delicious! You probably won’t take my wo…
CookpadMaggie Conlon Martin
Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Galette Recipe by Ricardo
This savory galette, by Yossy Arefi, has a secret layer of herbed goat cheese underneath a pile of sweet butternut squash, savory herbs and smoked paprika. The key is to thinly slice the squash, so it has time to bake through as the crust gets golden and crisp. #GlobalApron
CookpadRicardo
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What's your favorite squash recipe? Share it with us on Cookpad! 🧡

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📍Want to learn more about summer squash? You might like our post on zucchini!

All about Zucchini - recipes and more
Also known as courgette or baby marrow, this summer squash offers a multitude of health benefits and is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Check out our favorite zucchini recipes to celebrate its seasonal abundance!
Cookpad USAGenna Corlett