Fall brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and a bounty of seasonal vegetables—none more comforting than squash. With its naturally sweet flavor, smooth texture, and ability to pair with a variety of seasonings, baked squash is the ultimate comfort food during the chilly months. Whether you’re craving a hearty side dish, a vegan main course, or a comforting dessert, squash has got you covered.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best baked squash recipes that are perfect for cozy autumn meals. From roasted butternut squash to savory stuffed acorn squash, these recipes are simple to make and packed with flavor. So, let’s dive into the world of baked squash and discover how this humble vegetable can shine in your kitchen.
1. Roasted Butternut Squash
Why Butternut Squash is Perfect for Roasting
Butternut squash is a fall favorite because of its sweet flavor and smooth texture. When roasted, it becomes tender and caramelized, making it the perfect side dish or addition to soups and stews. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, enhancing its flavor in a way that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the Squash: Peel the squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Season the Squash: Toss the squash cubes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like.
- Roast the Squash: Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately as a side dish or incorporate into your favorite recipe.
Tips for Extra Flavor
- For a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the squash before roasting.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the earthy flavor of the squash.
2. Stuffed Acorn Squash
What Makes Acorn Squash Ideal for Stuffing?
Acorn squash has a naturally sweet flavor and a cup-like shape that makes it perfect for stuffing. The flesh becomes tender when roasted, and the mild flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of fillings, from savory grains to sweet fruits and nuts.
How to Prepare Acorn Squash
- Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds.
- Roast the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Creative Stuffing Ideas
- Quinoa and Cranberries: For a hearty, fall-inspired stuffing, mix cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Sausage and Apples: Combine cooked sausage, sautéed apples, and herbs for a savory stuffing that complements the squash’s sweetness.
- Rice and Vegetables: A vegan option with brown rice, spinach, onions, and garlic works wonderfully.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Squash: Cut the acorn squash in half, remove the seeds, and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes or until soft.
- Make the Stuffing: While the squash is roasting, prepare your stuffing mixture. For example, sauté onions and garlic, then mix with cooked quinoa, cranberries, and walnuts.
- Stuff the Squash: After roasting the squash, stuff the center with the prepared filling.
- Bake Again: Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until everything is heated through.
3. Baked Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan
The Magic of Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash gets its name from the way its flesh transforms into spaghetti-like strands when baked. It’s a great low-carb alternative to pasta and can be paired with a variety of flavors. In this recipe, we’re adding garlic and Parmesan for a simple yet savory dish.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the Squash: Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Roast the Squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40-45 minutes.
- Scrape the Strands: Once roasted, use a fork to scrape out the squash flesh, which will form spaghetti-like strands.
Simple Garlic and Parmesan Recipe
- Sauté the Garlic: In a pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Combine with Squash: Add the roasted squash strands to the pan and toss them with garlic, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional cheese, and enjoy!
Other Flavor Variations to Try
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- For a creamier version, mix in some cream cheese or a dash of heavy cream.
4. Baked Delicata Squash with Maple and Cinnamon
Why Delicata Squash is a Fall Favorite
Delicata squash has a creamy, slightly sweet flesh and a tender skin that doesn’t need to be peeled. It’s the perfect choice for a quick, easy, and flavorful baked dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 delicata squash, halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Squash: Slice the delicata squash in half, remove the seeds, and cut it into rings if you prefer smaller pieces.
- Season the Squash: Drizzle the squash with olive oil, then sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour maple syrup over the top.
- Roast the Squash: Place the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve as a sweet and savory side dish.
Perfect Pairings for Delicata Squash
- Pair with roasted chicken or pork for a full fall meal.
- Serve alongside a grain-based salad for a vegan option.
5. Pumpkin Baked Squash Casserole
Combining Pumpkin and Squash for Maximum Comfort
When pumpkin and squash come together in a casserole, they create the ultimate fall comfort food. This dish combines the creamy texture of squash with the sweet, spiced flavor of pumpkin for a cozy casserole.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 can of pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Easy Steps to Prepare the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Squash: Roast the butternut squash cubes until tender (about 25 minutes).
- Make the Casserole: In a mixing bowl, combine roasted squash, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and spices. Pour into a casserole dish.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy topping.
5. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
How to Make It Ahead of Time
This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Baked squash recipes are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Whether you’re roasting butternut squash, stuffing acorn squash, or creating a hearty casserole, these dishes offer a comforting, flavorful way to enjoy the season’s bounty. The versatility of squash makes it easy to customize these recipes to suit your tastes, whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors. So, this fall, embrace the coziness of baked squash and let it bring warmth to your meals and your home.
FAQs
What’s the best squash for baking?
Butternut squash is one of the most popular choices due to its sweet flavor and smooth texture, but acorn, delicata, and spaghetti squash also bake beautifully.
Can I bake squash without peeling it?
It depends on the variety. Acorn and delicata squash have edible skins, so you can leave them on. However, butternut squash needs to be peeled before baking.
How can I make baked squash sweeter?
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before baking. You can also sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for an added touch of warmth.
Can I make baked squash ahead of time?
Yes, baked squash can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Simply reheat before serving.
How long should I bake squash?
Most squash varieties take between 25-45 minutes to bake, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces.
Can I freeze baked squash?
Yes, you can freeze cooked squash for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
What’s a good side dish to serve with baked squash?
Roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad are great accompaniments to baked squash.
Can I use squash in soups?
Definitely! Baked squash adds a creamy base to soups, especially butternut or pumpkin squash.
What can I do with leftover baked squash?
Leftover baked squash can be mashed and added to soups, tossed with pasta, or mixed into a salad.
How can I make baked squash more savory?
Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for richness.