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There are so many delicious things to make with a lot of squash, and you’ll be amazed at how versatile this humble vegetable truly is.
If you’ve got a garden overflowing with squash or your local farmer’s market is practically giving it away, you’re in the right place.
Squash is one of those ingredients that works in savory dishes, sweet treats, and even cozy soups that warm you from the inside out.
Whether you’re dealing with butternut, acorn, spaghetti, or yellow squash, there’s a recipe out there that will make you glad you had so much on hand.
In this post, we’ll explore the best ideas for what to make with a lot of squash, from simple weeknight meals to creative ways to use up every last one.
Let’s dive into some seriously tasty possibilities.
What to Make with a Lot of Squash: Savory Dishes That Steal the Show
When you’re figuring out what to make with a lot of squash, savory dishes are usually the first place to start.
Squash has a natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked that pairs beautifully with herbs, garlic, and cheeses.
Here are some of the best savory options to make with all that squash.
1. Roasted Squash Soup
Roasting squash brings out its deep, caramelized flavor, and turning it into soup is one of the coziest things to make with a lot of squash.
Just halve your squash, scoop out the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until tender.
Then blend it with broth, onions, garlic, and a splash of cream for a velvety soup that freezes beautifully.
This is a great way to use up several squash at once.
2. Stuffed Squash Boats
If you’re wondering what to make with a lot of squash that looks impressive but is actually easy, stuffed squash boats are the answer.
Cut acorn or delicata squash in half, roast them, and fill the centers with a mixture of rice, ground meat, veggies, and cheese.
Bake until everything is bubbly and golden.
It’s a filling meal that makes squash the star of the plate.
3. Squash Casseroles and Gratins
Casseroles are a fantastic way to make a lot of squash feed a crowd.
Layer sliced squash with cream, cheese, and breadcrumbs, then bake until the top is crispy.
You can also mix squash into a cheesy grits casserole or a savory bread pudding.
This is comfort food at its finest.
4. Spiralized or Noodle-Style Squash
Spaghetti squash is a gift when you have too much squash on your hands.
Roast it, shred the flesh into strands, and use it as a pasta alternative.
You can also spiralize butternut or zucchini-style squash for stir-fries and salads.
It’s a lighter way to enjoy what you can make with a lot of squash without feeling weighed down.
Sweet Ways to Use Up a Lot of Squash
Squash isn’t just for savory dishes.
Its natural sugars make it perfect for baking, and you’ll be surprised at how many sweet treats you can make with a lot of squash.
1. Squash Bread and Muffins
Think pumpkin bread, but with whatever squash you have on hand.
Mashed roasted squash works beautifully in quick breads and muffins.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a handful of nuts or chocolate chips for a bakery-style treat.
This is one of the easiest things to make with a lot of squash because you can bake several loaves at once and freeze them.
2. Squash Pie and Cheesecake
Yes, you can make pie with squash, and it tastes almost identical to pumpkin pie.
Pureed squash also swirls beautifully into cheesecake for a rich, creamy dessert.
If you’re hosting a holiday dinner and wondering what to make with a lot of squash, these desserts will disappear fast.
3. Squash Pancakes and Waffles
Add pureed squash to your morning pancake or waffle batter for extra moisture and a subtle sweetness.
They turn out fluffy and golden, and they’re a sneaky way to get veggies into picky eaters.
Top them with maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt.
Preserving Your Squash So Nothing Goes to Waste
When you have a lot of squash, preserving it is just as important as cooking it.
You can roast, puree, and freeze squash in portion-sized bags for later use.
This makes it easy to make soup, bread, or casseroles anytime you want without starting from scratch.
You can also cube and freeze squash for roasting or dehydrate thin slices for chips.
Squash also stores well in a cool, dark place for weeks, so you don’t have to rush.
Knowing what to make with a lot of squash starts with knowing how to keep it fresh.
1. Freezing Pureed Squash
Roast your squash, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth.
Freeze in ice cube trays or freezer bags.
Then pop out what you need for soups, smoothies, or baking.
2. Canning and Pickling
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can pickle cubes of firm squash for a tangy snack.
Canning squash puree is another option, though it requires a pressure canner for safety.
These methods let you enjoy your harvest for months.
3. Sharing the Bounty
Sometimes the best thing to make with a lot of squash is a gift for friends and neighbors.
Drop off a basket with a favorite recipe attached.
It’s a simple way to spread the joy without any extra cooking.
So, What to Make with a Lot of Squash?
You can make just about anything with a lot of squash, from hearty soups and stuffed boats to sweet breads and pies.
The key is to embrace its versatility and not be afraid to experiment.
Whether you roast, puree, freeze, or bake, squash is one of the most generous ingredients you can have in your kitchen.
So the next time you’re staring at a counter full of squash, you’ll know exactly what to make with a lot of squash.
Happy cooking.