What is it?

With its sweet, creamy, dark-orange flesh, and smooth, easy-to-peel skin, butternut squash is one of the best and most versatile of all the fall squashes. It takes well to all kinds of cooking methods (though its especially delicious when roasted) and pairs well with a wide variety of flavorings including orange, lemon, balsamic vinegar, sharp cheeses, robust herbs, bold spices, and cured meats like bacon.

Kitchen math:

One 2-lb. squash = about 3 cups diced

Don’t have it?

You can substitute acorn squash or sugar pumpkin, which have a similar flavor and texture; they’re a bigger hassle to peel, though.

How to choose:

Choose squash that feel heavy for their size; those that don’t feel heavy have probably been sitting around for a while and have lost moisture.

How to prep:

To peel and cube butternut squash: Square off the ends and cut the squash in two just above the bulbous end. Stand the sections on the flat ends and use a sharp knife (or vegetable peeler) to remove the tough outer peel, slicing from top to bottom. Cut the rounded end in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into uniform 1/2- or 3/4-inch cubes, so they’ll cook evenly. To roast butternut squash halves: Heat the oven to 400°F. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Rub the cut surfaces with oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and roast, cut side up, until deeply browned and very tender, about 80 to 90 minutes.

How to store:

Store whole, unpeeled squash at room temperature for up to a week. It will keep longer in cool, dark storage. Diced butternut squash can be refrigerated for a few days.

Recipes

• 
  Recipe

  Butternut Squash and Swiss Chard Lasagne

  Indulgently cheesy like a traditional lasagne but bursting with the autumnal flavors of squash and chard, this dish makes a satisfying Thanksgiving entrée.

• 
  Recipe

  Butternut Squash Risotto

  Yes, cheese is often added to risotto, but that flavor gets intensified when using cheese rind broth, too. One bite, and you may not go back to using any other…

• 
  Recipe

  Steam-Roasted Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

  Butternut squash and sage are a classic combination. Here, the sage is briefly cooked in butter before mixing with the squash. It becomes delightfully crisp, and its flavor infuses the…

• 
  Recipe

  Whole-Grain Pasta e Fagioli with Butternut Squash and Sage Pesto

  Whole-grain orecchiette or shells star in this makeover of a classic Italian pasta and bean soup. With butternut squash, borlotti beans, and a bright sage pesto, it’s perfect for a…

• 
  Recipe

  Southwestern Squash and Black Bean Quiche with Cornbread Crust

  Featuring a tender custard filling full of chile-spiced roasted squash and garlic plus lots of Cheddar, this quiche is guaranteed to please vegetarians and meat eaters alike. A layer of…

• 
  Recipe

  Butternut Squash with Kale and Dried Cranberries

  A mixture of allspice, coriander, and paprika adds tingly warmth to sweet roasted butternut squash. Earthy kale and tart dried cranberries contribute complementary flavors as well as festive holiday colors.…

• 
  Recipe

  Butternut Squash with Kale, Cranberries, Hazelnuts, and Candied Bacon

  If bacon makes everything better, then candied bacon makes it better still. Lemon juice plus toasty hazelnuts help to balance the sweetness of the bacon and the squash. For a…

• 
  Recipe

  Roasted Rutabaga, Apple, and Squash Salad with Feta

  This salad gives winter vegetables a kiss of the warm Mediterranean with a topping of feta, pine nuts and raisins.Customize your own recipe: Create Your Own Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad

• 
  Recipe

  Roasted Carrot, Sweet Potato, and Squash Salad with Cheddar

  Tangy balsamic lime vinaigrette complements the sweet flavors of the potatoes and squash in this vegetable medley.Customize your own recipe: Create Your Own Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad

• 
  Recipe

  Roasted Winter Vegetable and Pear Salad with Cheddar and Almonds

  A ginger-lemon vinaigrette makes for a tart contrast with the sweet roasted root vegetables and pears in this salad.Customize your own recipe: Create Your Own Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad