Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that is known for its sweet, nutty flavor. It has tan-yellow skin and bright orange flesh. Butternut squash is very versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. When determining what to pair butternut squash with, it’s helpful to consider its flavor profile and texture.
Butternut Squash Flavor Profile
The flavor of butternut squash can be described as:
- Sweet
- Nutty
- Earthy
- Subtly floral
Butternut squash has a naturally sweet and mild flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients. Its sweetness comes from the squash’s starch content. The nutty, earthy notes complement warm spices, nuts, seeds, and herbs.
Butternut Squash Texture
When cooked properly, butternut squash becomes:
- Tender
- Creamy
- Smooth
- Rich
Butternut squash takes on a soft, creamy texture when roasted or puréed. This makes it a great addition to soups, dips, risottos, pastas, and baked goods. Butternut squash’s rich texture also allows it to stand up to bold flavors and pair nicely with crunchy toppings.
Flavor Combinations for Butternut Squash
Here are some of the most complementary flavors that pair well with butternut squash:
Warm Spices
The sweetness and subtle earthiness of butternut squash pairs perfectly with warm, aromatic spices like:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Allspice
- Curry powder
- Cumin
Adding warm spices enhances butternut squash’s natural flavors and gives it a cozy, comforting taste.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds complement butternut squash’s texture and nutty flavor notes:
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Pine nuts
Chopped nuts or toasted seeds provide delicious crunch and texture contrast to creamy, smooth butternut squash dishes. Their earthy, nutty taste also brings out the natural sweetness of the squash.
Hearty Herbs
Herbs that have an earthy, subtly bitter taste work well with butternut squash’s sweet flavor:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
These herbs complement butternut squash without overpowering its delicate nature. They add woodsy aromatics and another layer of flavor.
Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar
Maple syrup and brown sugar make an excellent pairing with butternut squash because they mirror its inherent sweetness and earthy characteristics. Adding one of these sweeteners balances and elevates the flavors of butternut squash.
Cheeses
Butternut squash works well with nutty, tangy, and pungent cheeses like:
- Aged Cheddar
- Gruyère
- Pecorino
- Parmesan
- Gorgonzola
- Goat cheese
The creaminess of butternut squash provides the perfect base for melted cheese flavors. And cheese adds a delicious savory contrast.
Garlic and Onions
Sautéing garlic and onions is a simple way to start building flavor for butternut squash dishes. When caramelized, garlic and onions take on a sweet, earthy quality that complements the natural flavors of butternut squash.
Hearty Greens
Leafy greens that can stand up to butternut squash’s bold flavor are good pairings. Consider greens like:
- Kale
- Chard
- Spinach
- Arugula
These can be sautéed, braised, or used raw in salads with butternut squash. The greens add freshness while their sturdy, vegetal flavor balances the squash’s sweetness.
Cream or Coconut Milk
Adding a splash of cream or coconut milk to butternut squash recipes creates a luscious texture contrast. The dairy smooths out the squash’s consistency while complementing its natural richness.
Crunchy Toppings
Butternut squash’s creamy texture benefits from contrasting crunchy toppings. Try:
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Chopped nuts
- Fried shallots
- Crispy bacon
- Breadcrumbs or croutons
These add delicious texture interest without overshadowing the star ingredient – the butternut squash!
Butternut Squash Flavor Combos to Avoid
While butternut squash pairs well with many ingredients, there are a few flavors that overpower or clash with its delicate nature:
- Strong, pungent spices like chili powder, cayenne, paprika, turmeric
- Very tart or acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, tomatoes
- Too many bold herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage (small amounts are great though!)
The flavors above tend to be too harsh and take over, masking the subtle sweetness of butternut squash. Keeping these combinations in check allows the butternut squash flavor to shine.
Best Protein Pairings for Butternut Squash
Hearty proteins are delicious paired with creamy, sweet butternut squash. Here are some excellent protein options:
Chicken
Chicken has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with butternut squash without overshadowing it. Shredded chicken thigh meat or seared chicken breast work well in soups, stews, and baked dishes featuring butternut squash.
Pork
The slight sweetness of pork makes it a natural complement. Pork tenderloin, chops, or sausage are tasty with roasted butternut squash. The pork adds savory depth.
Turkey
Like chicken, turkey has a delicate flavor that lets the butternut squash shine. Diced turkey breast or thigh meat can be added to squash soups or casseroles.
Fish
Hearty fish with flaky flesh like salmon and halibut work well with butternut squash. The fish adds lean protein without overwhelming the other flavors. Roasted butternut squash pairs nicely with simply seasoned fish.
Shrimp
Sweet shrimp is fantastic with butternut squash risotto or pasta dishes. The briny seafood flavor contrasts the squash’s sweetness.
Tofu or Tempeh
For a plant-based option, try baking cubed tofu or tempeh with seasoned butternut squash. These protein-rich ingredients soak up the delicious flavors.
Beans or Lentils
Earthy, hardy beans and lentils complement roasted butternut squash when added to soups and stews. Try cannellini, chickpeas or brown lentils.
Nuts
Nuts can provide crunchy texture and plant-based protein. Sprinkle chopped walnuts, almonds or pistachios over butternut squash dishes.
Vegetable Pairings for Butternut Squash
In addition to herbs, nuts, and proteins, butternut squash pairs well with certain vegetables. Options include:
Onions
Sautéed onions add a sweet, aromatic base for butternut squash recipes. Red, yellow or sweet onions all work beautifully.
Garlic
Like onions, garlic adds a warm, complementary flavor when sautéed or roasted with butternut squash.
Celery
Celery has a crisp, earthy flavor that makes a great addition to squash-based soups and stir fries.
Carrots
The subtle sweetness of carrots enhances butternut squash’s natural sugars. Grate them raw over salads or add to roasted veggie medleys.
Sweet Potatoes
Pairing sweet potatoes with butternut squash gives you a double dose of starchy, sweet goodness. Use in baked dishes and purées.
Broccoli
Broccoli florets add texture and freshness when combined with roasted or sautéed butternut squash.
Cauliflower
Like broccoli, cauliflower balances butternut squash’s richness when roasted together or blended into soups.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts have an earthy, slightly sweet quality that enhances butternut squash’s flavor.
Grain and Starch Pairings
Butternut squash works wonderfully with grains, pastas, breads and starches like:
Rice
For an easy vegetarian meal, top rice pilaf with roasted butternut squash. Arborio rice is also perfect for risotto featuring butternut squash and Parmesan.
Barley
Nutty, toothsome barley makes a delicious base for hearty butternut squash stews and sides dishes.
Farro or Freekeh
These healthy ancient grains pair nicely with butternut squash in pilafs or fall salads.
Polenta
Creamy polenta is a comforting bed for braised or roasted butternut squash topped with cheese or savory sauces.
Potatoes
Mashed or roasted potatoes complement the sweet creaminess of butternut squash well.
Pasta
Toss cubes of roasted butternut with hearty pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni or orecchiette. Finish with cheese or browned butter-sage sauce.
Bread
Warm, crusty bread is great for dipping in butternut squash purées and soups.
What Dishes to Make with Butternut Squash
Here are some delicious dishes that highlight butternut squash and complementary pairings:
Butternut Squash Soup
Puréed butternut squash soup seasoned with garlic, onion, warm spices, and a splash of cream or coconut milk
Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy arborio rice enriched with roasted butternut squash and finished with Parmesan
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Layered lasagna with butternut squash, spinach, cheese, and béchamel sauce
Butternut Squash Curry
Indian-spiced curry with butternut squash, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and spinach
Butternut Squash Salad
Roasted butternut squash, kale, goat cheese, pepitas, and maple vinaigrette
Butternut Squash Flatbread
Naan or pizza crust topped with mashed butternut squash, mozzarella, sage, and walnuts
Butternut Squash Tacos
Warm corn tortillas topped with roasted butternut squash, black beans, avocado, and queso fresco
Butternut Squash Gnocchi
Tender potato gnocchi tossed with roasted butternut squash and browned butter-sage sauce
Butternut Squash Quesadillas
Grilled tortillas with mashed butternut squash, peppers, onions, black beans, and cheese
Conclusion
With its sweet, earthy flavor and creamy texture, butternut squash pairs wonderfully with nuts, seeds, warm spices, cheese, dark leafy greens, and an array of proteins. It shines in comforting soups and stews, fall vegetable sides, creamy risottos and pastas, and more. Butternut squash provides a perfect canvas to layer seasonal flavors and create satisfying vegetarian mains or hearty meat dishes.
The keys to butternut squash flavor pairings are complementing its natural sweetness with nutty, earthy tastes and adding textural contrast with mix-ins like crunchy nuts and seeds. With so many possible ingredient combinations, you can enjoy butternut squash in diverse, scrumptious dishes all season long.