Recipe Adventure: Harness the Sweetness of Butternut Squash

Charles Leggett owned a farm in Massachusetts. He also liked to experiment with plants. Those two facts serve as the origin story for butternut squash.

As legend has it, Leggett played matchmaker between different squash varieties in the 1940s and bred the version of butternut squash that fills today’s farmer’s market bins. His description of the tasty crop ­— “smooth as butter and sweet as a nut” ­— led to the name.

So, give some thanks to Mr. Bennett as you savor his nutrition-rich creation while trying any of these 11 recipes.

Simply savory

Roasting a butternut squash caramelizes its natural sugars and really brings out that oh-so-sweet taste. See for yourself with this savory side dish of herb-roasted butternut squash with shallots and garlic.

Spice it up

Want to add some zing to your roasted butternut squash? A few pinches of cayenne, chili powder and paprika will certainly kick things up a few notches to deliver a sweet heat that can’t be beat.

Feeling cheesy

Everyone loves mac-and-cheese, right? This recipe for the family favorite includes a healthy dose of cubed butternut squash to slip a bit more nutrition into the dish. (Butternut squash is chock full of vitamins A, C and E, as well as several B vitamins.)

Color rush

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more visually appealing combo than Asian-style squash and spinach. And as good as they look paired, it can’t come close to matching how perfectly they taste together.

Looking for another colorful salad option? Then, mix Swiss chard and baked butternut squash to treat your eyes and tastebuds.

Hash it out

Butternut squash for breakfast? You bet! Dice up a few cups of butternut squash to star in this perfectly seasoned breakfast hash that’s loaded with eggs and other items from the produce aisle.

Chili season

Chili is an arms-open sort of dish, as it’s pretty welcoming to so many different ingredients. Why not try dropping a few cubes of butternut squash into your next pot?

Catch of the day

If you’re planning a heart-healthy fish dinner and casting around for side dish ideas, try to land a butternut squash. This recipe features steamed squash pureed into the consistency of mashed potatoes.

Soup’s on

Butternut squash brings sweet and creamy goodness to soups that’ll warm you on the coldest of days. Try this recipe that stars butternut squash, carrots and ginger. Or add a little punch with this curry-forward option.