13 Ways to Prepare Squash

There are many ways to prepare squash, but most people only know a few. When we started our first backyard garden, we discovered squash was one of our favorite fall vegetables.

As became more intentional about taking charge of our family's food sources, stocking our pantry, and storing food without a root cellar, we became more interested in growing squash. And as we soon found out, squash can soon overtake your garden.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

That's why I wanted to gather up ideas on different ways to use this inexpensive, nutritious, and delicious vegetable.

Squash is a versatile vegetable used in many different dishes, so don't be afraid to experiment with it.

It's also very nutritious, so you'll be doing your body a favor by incorporating it into your diet.

Types of Squash

There are many different types of squash, each with its own unique flavor. The most common are:

Butternut Squash

It's sweet and creamy, making it perfect for soups and pastas.

Acorn Squash

This variety is a bit more savory, so it's often paired with meats or used in stuffings.

Spaghetti Squash

As the name suggests, this type of squash can be shredded into spaghetti-like strands. It's a great low-carb option.

Pumpkin

Yes, pumpkin is technically a squash! It's often used in pies and other desserts but can also be added to savory dishes.

Zucchini

This is another versatile squash. Try it in sweet or savory dishes.

Adding shredded zucchini to quickbreads is a good way to slip some extra veggies into your family's diet.

13 Unique Ways to Prepare Squash

various ways to prepare squashes sitting on a table

There are many ways to prepare squash, no matter what type you have. Many squash varieties produce a bountiful harvest, giving you extra summer vegetables to last all winter long.

One of the most common ways to prepare squash is to simply roast it in the oven. It's often cut into 2-inch slices and seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil or sweetened with a little maple syrup. And another popular option is to bake up a loaf of zucchini bread.

Yet when you have too much squash, even your favorite squash recipes can get old quickly. That's why I'm sharing 13 less common ways to prepare squash.

1. Squash in Shepherd's Pie

Replace a tired old potato in your shepherd’s pie recipe with mashed yellow squash. This winter vegetable is not only lower in carbohydrates but also boasts a higher nutritional value than its starchier counterpart.

Tip: look through your favorite recipes for any that call for potatoes or pasta. Then look for the best way to replace them with winter squashes. Or just add a small amount of squash.

2. Roasted Butternut Squash Oatmeal

Give your morning oatmeal a nutrition boost, and try adding some roasted butternut squash to it. This will give it a lovely sweetness and make it more filling. The creamy texture of butternut squash blends right in.

3. Zucchini Macaroni & Cheese

Create a unique take on classic macaroni and cheese by using zucchini noodles in place of the pasta. This dish is not only lower in calories but is also a good idea for gluten-free diets.

Tip: squeeze excess moisture from the noodles with a paper towel. Just spread the noodles in a single layer on a cookie sheet, cover with a paper towel and squeeze!

4. Squash Patties

Make squash patties as a fun and easy way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. All you need to do is grate small quantities of squash into a large bowl, mix in some egg and breadcrumbs, and form them into small patties.

Then, simply fry them up in a pan. Eat them like that, or put them on a bun for an interesting, crunchy sandwich.

5. Squash or Zucchini Smoothies

Add any type of cooked squash to your smoothies. If you’re looking for a way to add more veggies to your diet, but don’t necessarily want the taste or texture, add small amounts of squash to your smoothie.

Adding squash to your regular fruit smoothie is a good option because you won’t even know it’s there, but you’ll get all the nutritional benefits.

6. Squash Fries

Create a healthy and flavorful alternative to French fries by roasting some sliced squash on parchment paper in the oven. Season them with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.

7. Squash Tots

I bet you've heard of tator tots. So try making squash tots!

These are just like potato tots but are made with squash instead.

You can combine potato and squash to get the best of both worlds. Peel and add the diced squash to a large pot of boiling water. Boil the cubed squash until soft, then mash them up to make your squash tots.

8. Pizza Toppings

Squash can also be used as a pizza topping! Simply grate or slice it thin and top your favorite pie with it. The possibilities are endless. My favorite way is to add zucchini slices drizzled with olive oil.

9. In a Frittata

If you’re looking for a nutritious way to add some extra veggies to your diet, try incorporating squash into your breakfast routine. Add it to scrambled eggs or omelets, or make a veggie-packed frittata.

10. Stuffed Squash

For a fun and easy appetizer, stuff some roasted squash with your favorite dip or spread. These make a great party snack or a healthy alternative to chips and other junk food.

11. Top it With Pesto

Use squash as a base for a delicious and nutritious pesto.

Simply blend it with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices. This is a great way to use up any extra squash or extra zucchini you may have.

12. Roasted Squash as a Salad Topper

Make a batch of roasted squash and then use it to top a salad. This is a great way to add extra flavor and nutrition to your lunch or dinner.

13. Roasted Squash Seeds

Roast the seeds from your squash, pumpkin, or zucchini, and then use them as a crunchy topping for soups or salads.

This is a great way to get some extra nutrients and fiber, and it’s also fun to use up something that would otherwise be considered garbage.

You may have already heard of roasting pumpkin seeds in the fall, but the same technique works very well for other kinds of squash, too.

No matter what type of squash you have, there are endless ways to prepare it.

What's the Difference Between Summer Squash and Winter Squash?

For years I read about summer squash and winter squash without knowing the difference. Finally, I found this article from The University of Georgia Extension Program.

It explains that the summer squash plant doesn't have a vine. Summer squashes include soft-skinned squashes such as yellow-skinned squash, patty pan squash, and zucchinis.

On the other hand, winter squash is a hard-skinned squash that ripens on a vine. Varieties of winter squash include

acorn squash
butternut squash
banana squash
Hubbard squash
Marrow squash

Preserving Squash

If you grew squashes in your garden this summer, you might have too much to use right now. In this case, look for ways to preserve squash for winter use and long-term storage. Some ideas include

Use squash in quick pickles recipes
experimenting with recipes for old-fashioned squash pickles
making zucchini pickles
making zucchini chips with a food dehydrator

Remember these tips to store your squash for as long as possible over winter.

Pick the squash when it is fully ripe and has turned a deep yellow or orange color.
Do not wash the squash before storing it, as this will shorten its shelf life.
Store the squash in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Wrap the squash loosely in newspaper or cloth to allow for airflow.
Check on the squash regularly and immediately use any that show signs of rotting or mold.

By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh squash all winter long.

Backyard gardeners often have an abundance of squash, which is a good thing! It is an inexpensive and easily available source of vitamin C and other nutrients.

You'll find many good options for storing, preserving, pickling and preparing squash. Best of all, squash is easy to grow and can be stored for a long time.