Squash doesn’t get nearly enough credit during the holidays, but that’s about to change. With its natural sweetness, vibrant color, and endless versatility, it’s the kind of side dish that makes everything else on the table look a little boring. Roasted, stuffed, or turned into soups and dips, these squash recipes bring real flavor without a ton of effort. They’re the kind of dishes you’ll be proud to serve—and even prouder when people ask for seconds.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This air fryer method brings out the deep caramelized flavor of butternut squash while keeping prep simple. The shallow crosshatch cuts allow melted butter and seasonings to soak into every bite, making it a perfect seasonal side dish for your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Roasted Buttercup Squash
Buttercup squash gets roasted in the oven until tender and caramelized, letting its natural sweetness shine. It’s simple to make and a great way to showcase squash as a standout holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Buttercup Squash
Roasted Sweet Dumpling Squash
Sweet dumpling squash is roasted to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of tahini maple dijon sauce. This combination of sweet and savory flavors is perfect for a holiday spread that needs something fresh and unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Dumpling Squash
Maple Baked White Acorn Squash
White acorn squash halves are baked with maple syrup, butter, and a touch of sugar for an easy side dish that balances savory and sweet. It’s a festive option for holiday dinners and pairs well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Maple Baked White Acorn Squash
Parmesan Roasted Carnival Squash
Roasted carnival squash wedges get a boost from garlic and parmesan, creating crispy edges and tender, caramelized centers. This easy recipe is a great way to add bold flavor to your holiday table without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Carnival Squash
Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash comes out tender and subtly roasted when cooked in the air fryer. Finished with parmesan, salt, and pepper, it’s simple and versatile—great as a side dish or even a light base for holiday leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Roasted Honey Patch Squash
Honeypatch squash, known for its sweet and tender flesh, is roasted with a miso butter and a hint of cinnamon. Its compact size makes it easy to cook, and it’s a beautiful addition to any seasonal dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Patch Squash
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
This creamy butternut squash dip combines goat cheese and cream cheese for a rich texture, topped with tart cherry compote for a festive finish. Serve it with pita chips for a holiday starter that doubles as a conversation piece.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup
Delicata squash and coconut milk come together for a smooth, subtly sweet soup that’s perfect for cold-weather dinners. It’s a comforting side that brings seasonal flavors to the table without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup
Roasted Koginut Squash Salad
Koginut squash, a buttery mix of butternut and kabocha, is roasted with sweet and savory spices and served on a crisp fall-inspired salad. Its delicate sweetness and edible skin make it a standout addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Koginut Squash Salad
Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup
Kabocha squash soup is made extra rich and creamy with hints of cinnamon and ginger. Topped with tart cherry drizzle and a pecan crumble, it’s a seasonal bowl of flavor that works perfectly as a first course for any festive dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
