20 Ways to Use Squash This Fall That Aren’t Just Roasting It

Squash is the perfect fall ingredient, but it doesn’t always have to be roasted to be great. There are so many other ways to bring out its rich, earthy flavors that make it worth grabbing every time you see it at the store or market. Whether you’re looking for something hearty, creamy, or even a little surprising, squash can fit the bill in all kinds of dishes. This list is all about easy, tasty ideas that go beyond the same old routine and show off just how versatile this seasonal favorite can be.

Close up of spaghetti squash soup in a white bowl. — Spaghetti Squash Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Acorn Squash Soup

This creamy acorn squash soup brings comfort to chilly fall days. With just a few ingredients and under an hour to make, it's a smooth, savory way to enjoy squash beyond roasting.
Get the Recipe: Acorn Squash Soup

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Packed with veggies, herbs, and mozzarella, this stuffed spaghetti squash is a quick and flavorful dish. It’s a great way to enjoy squash in a unique stuffed format, perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Top view of butternut squash soup with a spoon in it. — Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A Thai-curried roasted butternut squash soup with coconut milk brings a creamy, spicy touch to the season. It’s packed with flavor and an excellent way to use squash beyond the usual roasting method.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

An overhead image of air fried spaghetti squash. — Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This air fryer spaghetti squash is tender in just 30 minutes, making it a quick and versatile side dish. It’s an efficient way to prepare squash for any meal without having to roast it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This spaghetti squash casserole is cheesy and ready in 45 minutes, making it a practical weeknight option. It highlights squash in a healthy and comforting way, ideal for busy fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Squash Casserole with Stuffing

An image of Squash Casserole in a baking dish. — Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted yellow squash and hatch chiles bring heartiness to this squash casserole with stuffing. It's an excellent side dish for fall gatherings, offering a different take on squash beyond roasting.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti squash lasagna comes together in just 45 minutes, featuring layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs. It makes a hearty, meatless meal that emphasizes squash in a baked, layered dish.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Close up of zucchini and summer squash casserole in glass dish. — Squash and Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This squash and zucchini casserole is a cheesy dish ready in just 30 minutes. It's a quick recipe for weeknight dinners or potlucks, making squash the star in a baked, veggie-filled meal.
Get the Recipe: Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Quinoa-stuffed acorn squash makes a flavorful vegan dish for the holidays. It’s a simple recipe that brings together sweet and savory flavors, allowing squash to shine in a festive way.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Spaghetti Squash Soup

This creamy spaghetti squash soup is simple to prepare and ready in under 45 minutes. It’s a hearty, flavorful way to enjoy squash, perfect for anyone looking to switch things up this fall.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Soup

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash

A halved spaghetti squash on a plate with a fork scooping out the stringy, cooked flesh. — Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With this slow cooker spaghetti squash, you can prepare the vegetable without much effort. It’s a hands-off way to cook squash, perfect for when you want a set-it-and-forget-it method this fall.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash

Vodka Sauce Spaghetti Squash Boats

Vodka sauce spaghetti squash boats are rich and creamy, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick, flavorful way to enjoy squash as the base for a saucy, fall-inspired dish.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Sauce Spaghetti Squash Boats

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon. — Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This squash casserole is a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or special occasions. With layers of cheese and onions, it’s easy to make and highlights squash in a visually appealing, layered dish.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup with a spoon on a colorful blue and white plate. — Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Butternut squash soup with apples features a blend of creamy squash and tart apples, enhanced by turmeric and apple cider vinegar. It’s a seasonal way to enjoy squash in a new, flavorful combination.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Stuffed Honeynut Squash

Overhead image of stuffed honeynut squah on a white plate. — Stuffed Honeynut Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honeynut squash, a small winter variety, is excellent for roasting and stuffing. It’s an easy way to highlight squash with a fall-inspired filling, creating a flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Honeynut Squash

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Two bowls of butternut squash soup on a wooden table. — Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Butternut squash soup with homemade dumplings combines the natural sweetness of squash with soft dumplings. It’s a filling soup that takes just over an hour to make, making squash the centerpiece of a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Sautéed Butternut Squash

Sauteed butternut squash in a stainless steel pan. — Sautéed Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sautéed butternut squash is a sweet and tender side that fits into any meal. It’s a fast and simple recipe that showcases squash in a versatile and efficient way.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Butternut Squash

Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

A pink dish with a squash casserole. — Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

The cracker barrel squash casserole delivers a cozy, home-cooked experience. It’s a comforting dish that emphasizes squash’s versatility, great for fall meals beyond simple roasting.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Plate of butternut squash in front of an air fryer with a blue napkin in the background. — Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In 20 minutes, this air fryer butternut squash delivers crisp, roasted cubes that make a perfect side. It’s a speedy alternative to traditional roasting, offering a quick way to enjoy squash.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash. — Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This butternut squash and wild rice pilaf combines sweet squash with nutty rice for a hearty dish. It’s a comforting fall option that highlights squash’s natural sweetness in a savory meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf