Butternut squash is one of the best ingredients to add to your Thanksgiving menu. Its naturally sweet, creamy flavor pairs beautifully with savory herbs, warm spices, cheese, maple syrup, bacon, cranberries, apples, and other classic fall ingredients.

Whether you are looking for an easy Thanksgiving side dish, a comforting casserole, a roasted vegetable recipe, or a creative way to serve squash, these 21 butternut squash recipes for Thanksgiving offer plenty of delicious options.

From simple roasted butternut squash to creamy gratin and maple-glazed squash, these recipes are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, Friendsgiving, fall gatherings, and cozy family meals.

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1. Classic Roasted Butternut Squash

Simple roasted butternut squash is an easy Thanksgiving side dish with caramelized edges and tender centers.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Peel and cut the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes.
3. Place squash on a large baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Sprinkle with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss until evenly coated.
7. Spread the squash into a single layer.
8. Roast for 30–40 minutes, turning halfway through.
9. Continue roasting until golden brown and tender.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tip

Serve alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

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2. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

Maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash and gives it beautiful caramelized edges.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, cubed
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Place cubed squash on a baking sheet.
3. Add olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss thoroughly.
5. Spread into an even layer.
6. Roast for 25 minutes.
7. Sprinkle pecans over the squash.
8. Roast for another 10–15 minutes.
9. Remove when tender and caramelized.
10. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Add a little extra maple syrup just before serving.

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3. Butternut Squash Mashed Potatoes

Combine two Thanksgiving favorites into one creamy side dish with this delicious squash and potato mash.

Ingredients

• 3 cups peeled cubed butternut squash
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place potatoes and squash in a large pot.
2. Cover with water.
3. Bring to a boil and cook until completely tender.
4. Drain well.
5. Return vegetables to the pot.
6. Add butter and milk.
7. Mash until smooth.
8. Add garlic powder and thyme.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Top with melted butter and fresh thyme.

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4. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

A smooth, comforting squash soup makes a beautiful Thanksgiving appetizer.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot.
2. Add onion and cook until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add butternut squash and broth.
5. Stir in thyme and nutmeg.
6. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
7. Blend until completely smooth.
8. Stir in heavy cream.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Heat gently and serve.

Serving Tip

Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of cream.

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5. Butternut Squash Gratin

Creamy, cheesy, and golden brown, this gratin makes an impressive Thanksgiving side dish.

Ingredients

• 5 cups thinly sliced butternut squash
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Grease a baking dish with butter.
3. Arrange sliced squash in overlapping layers.
4. Mix cream, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour cream mixture over the squash.
6. Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan on top.
7. Cover with foil.
8. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes.
10. Broil briefly if you want a more golden top.

Serving Tip

Allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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6. Brown Butter Butternut Squash

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes simple squash feel special enough for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon sage
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan

Instructions

1. Roast or steam the squash until tender.
2. Melt butter in a skillet.
3. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown.
4. Add sage and cook briefly.
5. Add cooked squash.
6. Toss gently to coat.
7. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
9. Toss once more.
10. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Fresh crispy sage makes an excellent garnish.

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7. Butternut Squash and Cranberry Salad

Sweet squash, tart cranberries, greens, and crunchy nuts make a beautiful Thanksgiving salad.

Ingredients

• 4 cups roasted butternut squash
• 5 cups mixed greens
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Roast the butternut squash at 425°F until tender.
2. Allow it to cool slightly.
3. Add greens to a large salad bowl.
4. Add squash, cranberries, pecans, feta, and onion.
5. Whisk dressing ingredients together.
6. Drizzle over the salad.
7. Toss gently.
8. Serve immediately.

Serving Tip

Use toasted pecans for extra crunch.

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8. Garlic Parmesan Butternut Squash

Garlic and Parmesan turn roasted squash into a savory side dish that pairs wonderfully with turkey.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Add squash to a large bowl.
3. Toss with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 30–35 minutes.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan over the squash.
7. Return to the oven for 5 minutes.
8. Remove when golden and tender.
9. Garnish with parsley.
10. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Serve directly from the roasting pan for an easy holiday side.

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9. Butternut Squash Casserole

This creamy casserole is comforting, family-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cooked butternut squash
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mash cooked squash until mostly smooth.
3. Add eggs, cream, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Mix well.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
6. Sprinkle pecans over the top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
8. Allow to rest for several minutes.
9. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

For a sweeter version, add a light brown sugar crumble topping.

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10. Butternut Squash with Bacon

Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor to sweet roasted squash.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cubed butternut squash
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook bacon until crispy.
2. Drain and crumble.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F.
4. Toss squash with olive oil and seasonings.
5. Roast for 30–35 minutes.
6. Add crumbled bacon.
7. Toss gently.
8. Return to oven for 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with parsley.
10. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Add a little maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory combination.

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11. Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy risotto with roasted squash makes an elegant Thanksgiving side or vegetarian main dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 3 cups roasted butternut squash
• 5 cups warm vegetable broth
• 1 small onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup Parmesan
• ½ cup white wine
• ½ teaspoon sage
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet or pot.
2. Add onion and cook until soft.
3. Add Arborio rice and stir for 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine.
5. Cook until mostly absorbed.
6. Add warm broth one ladle at a time.
7. Stir frequently and allow each addition to absorb before adding more.
8. Continue until the rice is creamy and tender.
9. Fold in roasted butternut squash.
10. Stir in Parmesan and sage.
11. Season with salt and pepper.
12. Serve immediately.

Serving Tip

Top with extra Parmesan and crispy sage.

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12. Honey Roasted Butternut Squash

Honey gives roasted squash a glossy, caramelized finish.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Place squash on a baking sheet.
3. Add olive oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss well.
5. Roast for 25 minutes.
6. Add walnuts.
7. Continue roasting for 10 minutes.
8. Remove when caramelized and tender.
9. Toss gently.
10. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Add fresh rosemary for a savory contrast.

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13. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese gets beautiful color and extra richness from butternut squash.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked butternut squash
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk.
5. Cook until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in squash.
7. Add cheddar and Parmesan.
8. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
9. Add cooked pasta.
10. Stir until coated.
11. Transfer to a baking dish if desired.
12. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

Serving Tip

Top with breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan before baking.

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14. Maple Sage Butternut Squash

Maple syrup and fresh sage create an irresistible Thanksgiving flavor combination.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Roast squash at 425°F for 30–35 minutes.
2. Melt butter in a small skillet.
3. Add sage and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in maple syrup.
5. Remove roasted squash from the oven.
6. Drizzle maple sage butter over it.
7. Toss gently.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve immediately.

Serving Tip

Sprinkle toasted pecans on top before serving.

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15. Butternut Squash Stuffing

Give traditional Thanksgiving stuffing a seasonal twist with roasted butternut squash.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed bread
• 2 cups roasted butternut squash
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sage
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Melt butter in a skillet.
3. Add onion and celery.
4. Cook until softened.
5. Add sage and thyme.
6. Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
7. Add roasted squash and cooked vegetables.
8. Pour broth over the mixture gradually.
9. Toss until evenly moistened.
10. Transfer to a baking dish.
11. Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes.

Serving Tip

Add dried cranberries or toasted pecans for extra Thanksgiving flavor.

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16. Butternut Squash with Apples

Apples and butternut squash make a wonderful sweet-savory fall side dish.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Add squash and apples to a baking dish.
3. Drizzle with melted butter and maple syrup.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss gently.
7. Roast for 30–35 minutes.
8. Stir halfway through.
9. Continue roasting until tender.
10. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Use firm apples that hold their shape during roasting.

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17. Butternut Squash Fritters

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these squash fritters make a fun Thanksgiving appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked mashed butternut squash
• 1 egg
• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 green onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Combine squash, egg, flour, Parmesan, green onion, and garlic powder.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix until a thick mixture forms.
4. Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet.
5. Scoop small portions of the mixture into the pan.
6. Flatten gently.
7. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side.
8. Continue until golden brown.
9. Drain on paper towels.
10. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Serve with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or maple dipping sauce.

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18. Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

This creamy pasta makes an excellent vegetarian Thanksgiving main course.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta
• 2 cups butternut squash puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon sage
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet.
3. Add garlic and sage.
4. Cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add butternut squash puree.
6. Stir in heavy cream.
7. Add Parmesan.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Toss with cooked pasta.
10. Add a little pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
11. Serve immediately.

Serving Tip

Top with Parmesan, toasted walnuts, and crispy sage.

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19. Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Pecans

This colorful side dish looks beautiful on a Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cubed butternut squash
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss squash with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 30 minutes.
4. Add pecans during the final 8 minutes.
5. Remove from oven.
6. Add dried cranberries.
7. Toss gently.
8. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Add a little fresh rosemary for color and aroma.

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20. Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash create a delicious combination of crispy, caramelized, and tender textures.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cubed butternut squash
• 3 cups halved Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Place squash and Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet.
3. Add olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss thoroughly.
5. Spread into one layer.
6. Roast for 30–35 minutes.
7. Stir halfway through.
8. Continue roasting until caramelized.
9. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Add dried cranberries and toasted pecans for a festive Thanksgiving version.

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21. Butternut Squash with Parmesan and Crispy Sage

This elegant side dish combines sweet roasted squash, salty Parmesan, and fragrant crispy sage.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 8–10 fresh sage leaves
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss squash with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 30–35 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet.
5. Add sage leaves.
6. Cook until the leaves become crisp.
7. Remove sage and set aside.
8. Toss roasted squash with Parmesan.
9. Drizzle with the sage butter.
10. Garnish with crispy sage.
11. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Serve this dish alongside turkey and gravy for an elegant holiday plate.

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Best Butternut Squash Recipes for Thanksgiving

If you’re trying to decide which recipes to add to your Thanksgiving menu, these are some of the best choices:

• Classic Roasted Butternut Squash – easiest option
• Maple Roasted Butternut Squash – sweet and caramelized
• Butternut Squash Gratin – creamy and cheesy
• Brown Butter Butternut Squash – rich and elegant
• Butternut Squash and Cranberry Salad – fresh and colorful
• Garlic Parmesan Butternut Squash – savory and flavorful
• Butternut Squash Casserole – perfect for a crowd
• Butternut Squash Risotto – elegant vegetarian option
• Butternut Squash Stuffing – perfect Thanksgiving twist
• Butternut Squash with Brussels Sprouts – colorful fall side

Tips for Cooking Butternut Squash for Thanksgiving

Choose a Good Squash

Look for butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has firm, unblemished skin.

Cut the Squash Evenly

Try to cut the cubes into similar sizes so everything cooks at the same rate.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

For roasted squash, spread the pieces into a single layer. Too much squash on one pan can cause steaming instead of caramelization.

Roast at a High Temperature

Temperatures around 400–425°F work especially well for developing golden-brown edges.

Add Fresh Herbs

Sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley pair particularly well with butternut squash.

Balance Sweet and Savory Flavors

Butternut squash is naturally sweet, so ingredients such as garlic, Parmesan, sage, bacon, and black pepper can help create a balanced dish.

Can You Make Butternut Squash Ahead of Time?

Yes. Butternut squash is excellent for Thanksgiving meal prep.

You can peel and cube raw squash a day or two ahead and store it refrigerated in an airtight container.

You can also roast the squash ahead of time and gently reheat it before serving.

For casseroles and gratins, assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

How to Store Leftover Butternut Squash

Store cooked butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Roasted squash, casseroles, soups, and mashed squash can all be refrigerated and reheated later.

For longer storage, cooked squash can also be frozen in freezer-safe containers.

How to Reheat Roasted Butternut Squash

For the best texture, reheat roasted squash in a 400°F oven until warmed through.

You can also use an air fryer to bring back some of the crispy edges.

Microwaving is convenient but may make roasted squash softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook butternut squash for Thanksgiving?

Roasting is one of the easiest and most flavorful methods because it caramelizes the natural sugars and creates golden-brown edges.

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes. Frozen butternut squash is convenient for soups, casseroles, mashed squash, and many other recipes. For roasting, fresh squash generally provides a better texture.

Can I prepare butternut squash the day before Thanksgiving?

Yes. You can peel and cube the squash ahead of time or cook many recipes completely in advance and reheat them before dinner.

What herbs go well with butternut squash?

Sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and oregano all pair well with butternut squash.

What flavors pair well with butternut squash?

Butternut squash works well with maple syrup, honey, apples, cranberries, pecans, walnuts, Parmesan, bacon, garlic, sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Is butternut squash good for a vegetarian Thanksgiving?

Absolutely. Recipes such as squash risotto, gratin, roasted squash, creamy pasta, and squash salads are excellent vegetarian Thanksgiving choices.

Can I make butternut squash vegan?

Yes. Replace butter with olive oil or plant-based butter and use dairy-free alternatives where necessary.

How do I keep roasted butternut squash from becoming mushy?

Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet and make sure the oven is fully preheated. A single layer allows the squash to roast and caramelize instead of steaming.

Should I peel butternut squash before cooking?

For most recipes, peeling is recommended. However, some roasting methods can be done with the skin on if the squash is properly prepared.

Can butternut squash be frozen?

Yes. Cooked butternut squash freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Final Thoughts

These 21 butternut squash recipes for Thanksgiving give you plenty of ways to turn this classic fall vegetable into something special for your holiday table.

If you want an easy side dish, start with Classic Roasted Butternut Squash or Garlic Parmesan Butternut Squash. For a sweeter holiday flavor, try Maple Roasted Butternut Squash or Butternut Squash with Apples. If you’re feeding a crowd, Butternut Squash Casserole, Squash Gratin, and Butternut Squash Stuffing are excellent choices.

Whether you’re preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or creating a modern Friendsgiving menu, these cozy butternut squash recipes are delicious ways to celebrate the flavors of fall.