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Squash from the garden can be used in so many delicious ways, from roasting and freezing to baking and making soups.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with squash from garden harvests this year, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re dealing with a bumper crop of butternut, acorn, spaghetti, or zucchini, there are plenty of ways to make sure nothing goes to waste.
You can use squash from garden fresh, preserve squash from garden for later, or even share your squash from garden with neighbors and friends.
In this post, we’ll cover the best things to do with squash from garden, including cooking ideas, storage tips, and creative ways to use up every last bit.
Let’s dive in.
What to Do With Squash From Garden
What to do with squash from garden really comes down to a few main categories.
You can eat it fresh, preserve it, or get creative with how you cook and store it.
Here are the best options:
1. Roast It for a Simple, Tasty Side
Roasting is one of the easiest things to do with squash from garden.
Just cut your squash in half, scoop out the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Pop it in the oven at 400°F for about 40 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
Roasted squash from garden works great as a side dish, or you can mash it up and use it in soups, casseroles, or even pasta sauces.
It brings out the natural sweetness and makes the squash from garden taste absolutely amazing.
2. Turn It Into Soup
Butternut and acorn squash from garden make some of the creamiest, most comforting soups you’ll ever taste.
Just roast your squash first, then blend it with broth, onions, garlic, and a splash of cream or coconut milk.
You can season it with nutmeg, cinnamon, or curry powder depending on your mood.
Squash from garden soup freezes beautifully too, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.
Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade squash soup on a chilly evening.
3. Bake It Into Breads and Muffins
If you love baking, you’ve got to try using squash from garden in breads and muffins.
Mashed squash works just like pumpkin puree and adds moisture, sweetness, and a beautiful golden color.
You can swap it into any pumpkin bread recipe, or make squash muffins with walnuts and cinnamon.
It’s one of the most rewarding things to do with squash from garden because baked goods freeze well and make great gifts.
Plus, your kitchen will smell incredible while they’re in the oven.
4. Freeze It for Later Use
Freezing is a smart move when you’ve got more squash from garden than you know what to do with.
Start by roasting or steaming your squash until it’s soft, then scoop out the flesh and mash it.
Let it cool completely, then pack it into freezer bags or containers in portions you’ll actually use.
Frozen squash from garden lasts up to a year and works perfectly in soups, pies, and casseroles.
You can also freeze cubed raw squash if you plan to roast it later.
5. Make Squash Puree for Baby Food or Smoothies
Squash from garden makes an excellent puree that’s mild, sweet, and packed with nutrients.
You can steam or roast it, then blend until smooth.
That puree can go into baby food, smoothies, pancake batter, or even dog treats.
It’s a fantastic way to use squash from garden without any waste.
Just portion it out and freeze what you don’t use right away.
How to Store Squash From Garden
Storing squash from garden properly is key if you want it to last.
1. Cure Winter Squash Before Storing
Winter squash from garden like butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash benefit from curing.
Curing means letting them sit in a warm, dry spot for about 10 to 14 days so the skin hardens.
This step helps squash from garden last for months in a cool, dark place.
2. Keep Them Cool and Dry
After curing, store your squash from garden in a cool, dry area like a basement or pantry.
Temperatures between 50 and 55°F are ideal.
Avoid stacking them too high, and check on them regularly for soft spots.
3. Refrigerate Cut Squash
Once you cut into a squash from garden, wrap the leftovers tightly and refrigerate them.
Use cut squash within a few days for the best flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Use Squash From Garden
There are so many other things to do with squash from garden if you’re feeling adventurous.
You can stuff small squash with rice, sausage, and cheese for a hearty meal.
You can spiralize zucchini squash from garden into noodles for a low-carb pasta swap.
You can even pickle cubes of squash from garden for a tangy, crunchy snack.
And don’t forget about the seeds — roasted squash seeds make a fantastic crunchy topping for salads or soups.
You can also grate zucchini squash from garden into fritters, lasagna, or even chocolate cake.
So, What to Do With Squash From Garden?
What to do with squash from garden really comes down to cooking it fresh, preserving it, or getting creative with recipes.
You can roast it, soup it, bake it, freeze it, or puree it.
You can store winter squash for months and use zucchini in more ways than you can count.
The best part is that squash from garden is versatile, nutritious, and nearly impossible to mess up.
So next time you’re staring at a pile of squash from garden, you’ll know exactly what to do with squash from garden — and you might just enjoy every single bite.