nick-collins-rb88sawi0qc-unsplash-1random%

There’s little that says Autumn like butternut squash. I think I’m a bit partial to butternut squash over the many other varieties of squash because it’s shaped a little like me, skinny on the top and rounder on the bottom. This vegetable is also known as butternut pumpkin and is a type of winter squash which is why it’s so prevalent in the Fall. It tastes very similar to Pumpkin, and is not only low in calories but loaded with Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Potassium.

I bought a couple of butternut squashes (or is it squashi?) but soon realized that not only did I not know how to cook them, I didn’t know what to do with it once it was cooked. So let me share what I learned.

Use a crockpot for the easiest way to cook butternut squash. There’s no need to slice through the raw hard exterior, perhaps losing a finger in the process. Once it comes out of the crockpot, it slices open like butter.

Once it’s cooked, there are a number of delicious ways to serve it. Here are my top 5 ways to serve up your next dish of butternut squash. Click on the photos to see the recipes.

1. Butternut Squash Bisque

tina-vanhove-grg7qh4utak-unsplash-1random%

This Butternut Squash Bisque is super simple to make and tastes lusciously delicious. It can easily be converted to be dairy-free as well.

2. Chipotle Butternut Squash Black Beans and Goat Cheese Tostadas

These black bean, butternut squash tacos will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. The spices of cumin, cilantro, and chipotle pepper are tempered with a bit of honey.

nicola-dreyer-wlfiazldleu-unsplash-1random%

3. Butternut Squash and Bacon Pasta Casserole

rrrrrrrrrr-570x317-1random%

Here is an easy but outstanding pasta and squash casserole that’s perfect for a quick family meal. Rosemary and bacon perfectly accent the flavor of the squash.

4. Butternut Squash and Sage Scones

butternut squash sage

Butternut squash makes a great substitution for the usual pumpkin in these mouth-watering scones, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and sage. Perfect for a cool, crisp Autumn morning.

5. Butternut Squash and Cranberry Quinoa Salad

taylor-kiser-evoiiaivrzu-unsplash-1random%

Pair cubes of butternut squash with high protein, gluten-free quinoa. Dress it up with cranberries, onions, and pumpkin seeds, and you have a complete meal.

carol-signature-3-6random%