Ultimate Guide to the Most Popular Winter Squashes

The fall is here and with it an abundance of beautiful winter squashes. Mind you, the name is a little misleading as the squashes are actually harvested in fall; however thanks to their thick skin they survive winter (hence the name). These robust gourds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. They’re super delicious, easy to prepare, and very healthy! I decided to put together an ultimate guide to the most popular squashes and support it with a variety of recipes from some very talented bloggers. 

The thick skin may pose a challenge for someone who has have never cooked with squashes, but don’t feel intimidated. This guide will help you learn how to peel it, cut it, cook it and serve it.

So let’s get started and take a closer look into this ultimate guide to most popular squashes. I chose to feature: Butternut Squash, Acorn Squash, Spaghetti Squash, Delicata Squash, and Sugar Pumpkin, as they can be found in every supermarket and there are a lot of amazing recipes to chose from.

Not to be totally forgotten though, I will also present you with Buttercup Squash and why it is often mistaken with Kaboucha Squash. In addition, I also stumbled on beautiful Sweet Dumpling Squash in my local farmers market, that refused to be ignored by this post. I will also list other squashes and where to find guides for them.

Health Benefits

Before diving into recipes, let’s take a look at some amazing health benefits of ALL winter squashes:

• They’re superfoods with incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including beta carotene, which converts into vitamin A;
• They’re high in vitamin C, which always helps in the winter months to avoid colds and flu;
• They provide a tremendous amount of potassium, which is good for bone heath;
• They provide vitamin B6 for a super immune system boost;
• They’re packed with fiber, which is heart friendly and helps with digestion;
• They are also high in folate, which is very important during pregnancy; folate is a water-soluble B vitamin.

Most Popular Winter Squashes

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the most popular winter squashes:

Butternut Squash

How to buy it?

Butternut Squash looks like a pear or a bell and its skin is bright and smooth. When cut, it’s flesh is orange and it smells amazing. To buy, look for a squash that is heavy and doesn’t have cracks or soft spots.

How to peel it?

You can peel butternut squash with a vegetable peeler. To make it easier to handle, you can cut the neck from the bottom and peel each section separately.

You can also follow the steps provided by Simple Recipes in the post: How to Peel and Cut Butternut Squash. In it they offer the creative suggestion of microwaving the whole butternut squash for 30 seconds before peeling.

You can also watch this video tutorial: How to Quickly Peel, Seed and Cut Butternut Squash.

How to cook it?

Here you have options. It can be roasted, steamed, or boiled. It is most frequently used to make soups. It can also be used as a sweet potato substitute in recipes. Below you can find a variety of recipes showing you how to do this.

How does it taste? 

Butternut Squash has sweet, nutty flavor. Its taste is similar to that of a sweet potato.

Recipes for Butternut Squash:

1. Baked 4 Cheese Butternut Squash Rigatoni by Half Baked Harvest

2. Jumbo Butternut Squash Ravioli with Kale Pesto by Pinch of Yum

3. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup by Gimme Some Oven

4. Butternut Squash Waffles  by A Sweet Pea Chef

5. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta by Half Baked Harvest

6. Truffled Butternut Squash and Mushroom Soup by Innocent Delight

7. Harvest Roasted Vegetables by Culinary Hill

8. Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple Pecans by Culinary Ginger

9. Roasted Butternut Squash Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese by  Salt & Lavender

10. Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup by 3 Yummy Tummi

11. Butternut Squash Risotto with Mushrooms by Savory Tooth

12. Health Kale Squash Mushroom Pasta by Two Purple Figs

Acorn Squash

How to buy it?

Acorn Squash (a.k.a., ‘Pepper Squash’) resembles an acorn and hence its name. It comes in small sizes and usually weights between 1 to 2 pounds. It normally has dark green and orange skin. Try to find a firm one that feels heavy for its size and has no blemishes. You can store it for several months in a cool, dry, dark spot.

How to peel it?

It is not worth it to peel an acorn squash because its shape, with little nooks and thin flush, present some serious challenges. Rather, its much better to just cut it in half or into the little moon shapes, and simply roast it. The skin is also edible. However, if you want to try peeling it, I found this video tutorial on How to Peel, Seed and Cut Pepper Squash (Acorn Squash) useful.

How to cook it?

The best way to cook acorn squash is to roast it. Then you can either stuff it or scoop out the flesh and use it for soups, casseroles or salads (even with the skin). Below you can find a variety of recipes showing you how to do this.

How does it taste?

Acorn squash has mild flavor which is a little sweet and nutty.

Recipes for Acorn Squash:

1. Slow Roasted Cod with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Acorn Squash by Half Baked Harvest

2. Roasted Acorn Squash with Honey Ginger Pork by  The Almond Eater

3. Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash by Innocent Delight

4. Italian Stuffed Acorn Squash by The Brooklyn Cook

5. Brown Sugar and Pineapple Roasted Acorn Squash with Spiced Brown Butter by Half Baked Harvest

6. Acorn Squash w/ Farro Risotto Radish Top Pesto by Feasting at Home

7. Burbon Maple Grilled Acorn Squash by Sidewalk Shoes

8. Mexican Roasted Corn and Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash by Pinch of Yum 9. Thanksgiving Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash by Simple Seasonal

10. Toaster Oven Roasted Acorn Squash by Toaster Oven Love

Spaghetti Squash

How to buy it?

Spaghetti Squash is oval and has a pale yellow color. For these, its advisable to look for one that does not have any bumps.

How to peel it?

Don’t peel it. In you can either roast it in an oven, or cook it in a microwave. Once it’s done, then use a fork and scrape the flesh away. You’ll get spaghetti like “noodles” that you can use instead of pasta and pair well with a number of different sauces.

How to cook it?

As mentioned, the best way to cook it is to either roast it or microwave it. You can read about it in this post: How to Cook Spaghetti Squash from Allrecipes Dish.

You can also see the recipe for this Parmesan Spaghetti Squash with Italian Sausage from The Healthy Kitchens showing how to microwave the spaghetti squash.

Another option for cooking spaghetti squash is to put it in a crockpot. Check this post: How to Cook Spaghetti Squash from The Lean Green Bean.

Finally, you apparently can also grill spaghetti squash. Check this post: How to Grill Spaghetti Squash by Hey Grill, Hey.

This tutorial on Hot to cut and cook spaghetti squash from Trial and Eater is also worth checking.

How does it taste?

Spaghetti Squash tastes very mild, almost bland, however it is a perfect substitute for pasta if you want to skip the carbs and wheat. Below you can find a variety of recipes showing you how to do this.

Recipes for Spaghetti Squash:

1. Pizza Spaghetti Squash Boats by Gimme Some Oven

2. Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Spaghetti Squash by Peas and Crayons

3. Creamy Coconut Cashew Spaghetti Squash “Alfredo” with Roasted Cauliflower by Half Baked Harvest

4. Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Herbs by Pinch of Yum

5. Seafood Pumpkin Spaghetti Squash Pasta {Paleo} by Cotter Crunch

6. Spaghetti Squash with Nutmeg Cream Sauce by Pinch Me I’m Eating

7. Spanakopita Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Bowls by Half Baked Harvest

8. Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash by Wanderlust and Wellness

Delicata Squash

How to buy it?

Delicata squash is also known as Peanut Squash or Sweet Potato Squash. The size may range from 5 to 10 inches. It has a long shape and its color is yellow with green or orange stripes. When buying, look for one that is heavy for it’s size and free of blemishes.

How to peel it?

You don’t have to peel Delicata Squash. The skin is edible.

How to cook it?

You can simple cut it in half, scoop out the seeds and roast it; or cut into slices and either roast or sauté it.  Below you can find a variety of recipes showing you how to do this.

You can also cook your delicate squash in a toaster oven. Check this tutorial: How to Cook Delicata Squash in your Toaster Oven by Toaster Oven Love.

How does it taste? 

Delicata squash has a mild, sweet flavor, resembling sweet potatoes.

Recipes for Delicate Squash:

1. Fall Harvest Quinoa Salad by Half Baked Harvest

2. Fall Bliss Bowls with Pumpkin Goddess Dressing by Nutritional Foodie

3. Brussels Sprouts & Delicata Pizza with Hazelnuts, Goat Cheese and Honey by The Kitchen Paper

4. Winter White Pizza with Delicata Squash & Gouda (gluten-free) by Heartbeet Kitchen

5. Buttered Mushroom, Fig and Bacon Gelatte with Roasted Squash by Half Baked Harvest

6. Delicata Squash & Cardamom Sticky Buns by The Odium

7. Paleo Autumn Turkey Burgers with Delicata Squash “Buns” by Hungry Hobby

8. Brown Sugar Delicata Squash Recipe by Dinner at the Zoo

Sugar Pumpkin

How to buy it? 

Pumpkins which are made for cooking and baking are actually smaller in size than those that you would buy for carving. Those big pumpkins are fairly dry and tasteless. Look for small varieties of pumpkins like: Sugar Pumpkins, Cheese Pumpkins, or Sweet Pumpkins. They are round with firm skin.

How to peel it?

You will need to peel it with potato peeler. You can watch this video: How to quickly peel, seed and cut pumpkin. You can also follow the steps from The Kitchn in the post: How I make peeling (and cleaning) Pumpkin a little easier, when they provide you with the option on microwaving it first.

How to cook it?

You can roast it or puree it and use it like any other winter squashes. It is amazing for soups, stews and pies. Below you can find a variety of recipes showing you how to do this.

How does it tastes?

Cooking pumpkins have a sweet, earthy flavor.

Recipes for Sugar Pumpkin

1. Pumpkin Roll by Gimme Some Oven

2. Cream Cheese Swirled Brown Sugar Pumpkin Coffee Cake by Half Baked Harvest

3. Nutty Wild Rice and Shredded Brussels Sprout Stuffed Mini Pumpkins by Half Baked Harvest

4. Moroccan Roasted Pumpkin Soup by LaPetitChef

5. Pumpkin Bar with Cream Cheese Frosting by Culinary Hill

6. Pumpkin Spice Donuts by Life Tastes Good

7. Pumpkin Beer Pretzels with Chipotle Queso by Half Baked Harvest

8. Pumpkin Tomato Baked Pasta by LaPetitChef

9. How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree by Nutmeg Nanny

10. Pumpkin Hummus by Yummy Mummy Kitchen

11. Carmel Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Dip by My Food Story

12. Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Chocolate and Caramel by Ciao Florentina

Buttercup Squash vs. Kabucha Squash

Which one is it?

Buttercup Squash is often mistaken with Japanese Pumpkin (a.k.a., ‘Kabucha Squash’). They look pretty similar but they are actually fairly different.

Buttercup is a much drier and milder taste than Kabucha Squash. It is best to be cubed and added to stews or roasted.

Kabucha Squash, however, is sweeter than Buttercup and has beautiful orange flesh.

See this post Kabucha vs Buttercup from Healthier Eats Almond Butter to see the difference.

You may check some of these recipes:

Kabocha Squash (Japanese Pumpkin) Presser Cooker Rice by Pressure Cook Recipes

Chipotle Kabocha Squash by Create Mindfully

Buttercup Squash Soup with Candid Walnuts by The Bite House

Vegan Kabocha Squash and Celeriac Soup by Makings Of

Other Winter Squashes

This is obviously not a complete guide to winter squashes. I chose only those which are the most popular and easy to find. There actually is an abundance different winter squashes, beyond those featured above. For example: Sweet Dumpling Squash (pictured immediately above), Hubbard, Banana Squash, Gold Nugget Squash, and Turban Squash. Below you can see some of the recipes for this medley of squashes that I was able to find for you:

Blue Hubbard Torchetti with Pancetta and Sage by Simply Seasonal

Roasted Sweet Dumpling Squash and Cranberries with Orange-Ginger Glaze by The Ranger’s Daughter

Sweet Dumpling Squash with Quinoa, Bacon & Cheese by Marla Meredith

Brown Sugar Banana Squash by Cooking with Ruthie

I hope you enjoyed this ultimate guide to most popular winter squashes. If you have any additional tricks with squashes leave us all a note in comments. Together we can conquer these gourds!