5 Winter Squashes to try this fall that aren't pumpkins

5 Winter Squashes to try this fall that aren't pumpkins

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.

https://cookpad.com/us/search/butternut%20squashPumpkins 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
Baked acorn squashacorn squash, butter softened, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg

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

Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed Acorn Squash⏱ 55 minsacorn squash, evoo, split, quinoa, rinsed, water, dried cranberries

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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)
Roasted Kabocha Squash (Air Fryer or Oven)⏱ 12 to 30 minkabocha squash, Oil for brushing, Maple syrup for brushing, ~1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ~1/4 teaspoon salt

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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
Delicata Squash Shepherds Pie⏱ 1 hr 15 minsmall delicata Squash, cleaned and cut in cubes, cups, water, cooked mashed potatoes, vegan chicken bouillon cube, cooked red lentils (or any lentil of your choice)

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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
Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce⏱ 1 hourlarge spaghetti squash, Olive oil, Salt, Ground red or black pepper, can whole tomatoes, best quality

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spaghetti squash recipes

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
Butternut Squash Fettuccine Alfredocubed butternut squash, garlic, smashed, Olive oil, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Galette / Tart
Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Galette / Tart⏱ 1 hr 30 mfresh goat cheese, softened at room temperature, finely chopped fresh chives, finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, separated, Salt and pepper, to taste, peeled and very thinly sliced butternut squash (about ½ medium squash)

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butternut squash recipes

What’s your favorite squash recipe? Share it with us on Cookpad! 🧡

Did you try any of these recipes? Share the love and post a Cooksnap for a chance to get featured in our weekly Newsletter or on our Instagram page!

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

All about Zucchini - recipes and more