10 Healthy and Hearty Squash Recipes to Keep You Warm All Winter

Winter Vegetables and Gnocchi
Photo: Greg DuPree

Unlike the summer, when we're turning the ovens off and cranking the air conditioning up, the winter calls for a resurgence of slow-cooker stews and oven roasts. Our family dinners and holiday meals often feature big plates of roasted vegetables, and this winter, winter squash claims a prime spot on our tables. Not only are winter squashes like pumpkin, butternut squash, acorn squash, and spaghetti squash healthy (they're packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and protein), but they're also easy to prepare and highly versatile. These squashes' flavors toe the line between sweet and savory, and while you may be used to seeing pumpkin baked into a pie, there are so many savory uses for this fall-favorite squash. From Beefy Butternut Squash Pasta to Pumpkin-and-Winter Squash Gratin, we've got a variety of ways to incorporate nutrient-packed squash into your weeknight dinner routine. Squash is the star of the show in these healthy and hearty winter meals. From stunning mains to simple sides, these recipes will convince you to go meatless every once in a while. These versatile dishes can transition from the Sunday dinner table to the abundant holiday spread in a snap.

01 of 10

Candy Roaster Squash with Sorghum, Black Walnuts, and Cranberries

Candy Roaster Squash with Sorghum, Black Walnuts, and Cranberries
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Candy Roaster Squash with Sorghum, Black Walnuts, and Cranberries

This unique vegetable side calls for Candy Roaster Squash, but you can easily substitute butternut squash.

02 of 10

Pumpkin-and-Winter Squash Gratin

Pumpkin-and-Winter Squash Gratin
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Pumpkin-and-Winter Squash Gratin

Supplement the potatoes with rich butternut squash and diced pumpkin in this veggie-packed gratin. Gruyère cheese and French bread add an extra touch of indulgence.

03 of 10

Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Real Simple Spaghetti Squash Still

Recipe: Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Who needs starchy boxed pasta when you can mimic the texture with roasted spaghetti sqaush? Use this recipe as a base and dress it up however you choose with sauces and cheese.

04 of 10

Old-School Squash Casserole

Old-School Squash Casserole
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Old-School Squash Casserole

This comforting dish graced Grandma's dinner table for years, and now you can carry on the tradition too.

05 of 10

Skillet Squash Blossom

Thanksgiving Side Dish: Skillet Squash Blossom
Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Skillet Squash Blossom

If you're looking to impress this holiday season, this Skillet Squash Blossom is as beautiful to behold as it is delicious to eat.

06 of 10

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

toast pumpkin seeds
Melinda Podor/Getty Images

Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Carving a festive jack-o'-lantern? Be sure to save those seeds to roast for a healthy seasonal snack!

07 of 10

Pumpkin-Buttermilk Biscuits with Crispy Ham and Honey Butter

Pumpkin-Buttermilk Biscuits with Crispy Ham and Honey Butter
Victor Protasio; Propr Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Pumpkin-Buttermilk Biscuits with Crispy Ham and Honey Butter

Pumpkin is the star of the show in these award-worthy biscuits that can be enjoyed with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

08 of 10

24 Healthy and Hearty Squash Recipes to Keep You Warm All Winter

09 of 10

Beefy Butternut Squash Pasta

Beefy Butternut Squash Pasta
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero

Recipe: Beefy Butternut Squash Pasta

This hearty winter pasta dish will warm you right up.

10 of 10

Winter Vegetables and Gnocchi

Winter Vegetables and Gnocchi
Greg DuPree

Recipe: Winter Vegetables and Gnocchi

Fluffy potato pasta dumplings meet hearty diced winter veggies in this all-star weeknight dinner recipe.

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