What to Serve with Butternut Squash: Delicious Vegetarian Pairings
Wondering what to serve with butternut squash? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with a variety of mouthwatering recipes for main dishes, side dishes, and salads that perfectly complement the flavors of this sweet and nutty squash. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a festive holiday meal, these vegetarian options are sure to impress.
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Hi there, Rhubarbarians! So, you’ve cooked a delicious butternut squash and now you’re wondering what to serve with it? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled a list of my favorite vegetarian recipes that pair beautifully with butternut squash, whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as the star of the show.
What Goes with Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash is known for its sweet and nutty flavor. When cooked, it becomes even sweeter and wonderfully tender. The taste of butternut squash pairs exceptionally well with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as savory herbs like thyme and sage. This makes it the perfect fall side dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
You can swap mashed potatoes for mashed butternut squash or substitute roasted root vegetables with roasted cubes of butternut squash. The possibilities are endless!
Did you know that butternut squash is in season from late summer to early fall? But don’t worry, these squash store exceptionally well, so you can enjoy them throughout the fall and winter months.
Main Dishes
These main dishes are the perfect companions to mashed or pureed butternut squash, as well as roasted cubes of this golden vegetable.
- Cranberry Portobello Pot Roast: I absolutely love serving this dish with mashed potatoes, but it would be equally fantastic with mashed butternut squash. Just imagine the rich flavors coming together in each bite!
- Vegan Pot Pies: The filling in these vegan pot pies would be absolutely delicious with mashed butternut squash. It’s the ultimate comfort food combination!
- Cheese Tortellini with Caramelized Onion Sauce: Cubes of roasted butternut squash would pair perfectly with this cheesy tortellini dish topped with caramelized onions. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
- Garlic Swiss Mushrooms on Toast: Picture this – cheesy, garlicky mushrooms piled high on rustic toast, served with a side of creamy mashed butternut squash. Are you drooling yet?
- Vegan Cranberry Meatballs: These meatless meatballs coated in a cranberry glaze would pair beautifully with silky smooth mashed butternut squash. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures!
- Portobello Mushroom Burgers: For a vegetarian twist on a classic burger, skip the fries and serve up some roasted butternut squash cubes alongside these juicy portobello mushroom burgers. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal!
- White Bean Cacciatore: This saucy, vegan cacciatore with white beans would create a cozy and complete meal when served over mashed butternut squash. It’s comfort food at its finest!
- Stacked Ale Mushrooms with Arugula and Goat Cheese: These stacked mushrooms cooked with amber ale and topped with arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic reduction are simply phenomenal. Add a side of roasted butternut squash, and your taste buds will be in heaven!
Side Dishes
If you’re looking to complement your main dish with a little something extra, these side dishes are the perfect accompaniment to butternut squash.
- Olive Rosemary Focaccia Bread: Imagine scooping up some creamy mashed butternut squash with freshly made olive rosemary focaccia bread. It’s a match made in carb heaven!
- Cranberry Sauce: The classic side dish served at Thanksgiving, cranberry sauce takes on a whole new level of deliciousness when paired with roasted butternut squash. It’s a flavor combo you don’t want to miss!
- Individual Stuffing Cups: Alongside the cranberry sauce, add these individual stuffing cups to your plate. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine!
- Sauteed Broccoli Rabe: Add a garlicky, lemony twist to your plate with sauteed broccoli rabe. Its vibrant flavors will complement the sweetness of the butternut squash perfectly.
- Butternut Squash Rolls: These soft and fluffy rolls with a hint of butternut squash are perfect for scooping up mashed butternut squash. It’s a delightful combination that will leave you craving more!
Salads
These fall-inspired salads are a great way to incorporate the flavors of roasted cubes of butternut squash or mashed butternut squash into your meal.
- Pear and Apple Spinach Salad: Add cubes of roasted butternut squash to this crunchy fall salad to add amazing texture and flavor. It’s a winning combination of sweet and savory!
- Warm Brussels Sprout Salad: This warm and cozy brussels sprout salad pairs perfectly with roasted cubed or mashed butternut squash. It’s a delightful harmony of flavors!
- Golden Beet, Potato, and Arugula Salad: For some added sweetness, toss some roasted butternut squash cubes into this root vegetable salad. It’s a colorful and delicious addition to your plate!
- Warm Halloumi and Apple Salad: Warm, salty cheese, roasted apples, and pecans create a delightful medley of flavors. Pair it with some roasted butternut squash, and your taste buds will thank you!
Recommended Equipment and Resources
To make your culinary adventures with butternut squash even more enjoyable, here are some recommended tools and resources:
- Need information about butternut squash or tips on how to handle it? Check out our handy guide here.
- When scraping out butternut squash seeds and pulp, I find this scraper spoon to be incredibly useful.
- For spreading oil or sauce on the squash, I recommend using this handy silicone basting brush.
- Peeling butternut squash is a breeze with this OXO peeler.
- Looking for more delicious butternut squash recipes? You can find all of our recipes here.
Butternut squash recipes to try:
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Pecans
- Butternut Squash and Black Bean Tacos
- Curried Butternut Squash Cauliflower Soup
For even more mouthwatering ideas, check out our ten favorite butternut squash dinner recipes here.
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Now that you have a wide array of delicious vegetarian pairings for butternut squash, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy the delightful flavors and the cozy vibes that accompany this iconic fall vegetable. Remember, with butternut squash, the possibilities are endless!