What To Serve With Butternut Squash? 15 Best Side Dishes

Butternut squash is such a versatile vegetable. It can be cooked in so many ways and served with a variety of ingredients.

But if you are wondering what to serve with butternut squash, then you have come to the right place.

I’m sharing 15 of the best side dishes for butternut squash including roasted vegetables, salads, potato side dishes, grains, breads and more.

Whether you are serving butternut squash as an appetizer or a main course, these sides will take your meal to the next level!

Why Consider Serving Sides with Butternut Squash?

Butternut squash is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be served as a side dish or main course.

It has a sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture that pairs well with many other ingredients.

Serving sides alongside butternut squash allows you to create an interesting and flavorful meal.

• For example, roasted Brussels sprouts are the perfect accompaniment to butternut squash because they have similar flavors and textures.
• You could also serve sautéed kale or spinach for added nutrition, or roasted potatoes for some crunchy contrast.
• Adding grains like quinoa or farro will add more texture and protein to the dish, while adding nuts like walnuts or pecans will provide additional crunchiness.
• Finally, topping your butternut squash with herbs such as sage, thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley or chives will give it an extra layer of flavor complexity.

What To Serve With Butternut Squash? 15 Best Side Dishes

Butternut squash is a versatile and delicious vegetable, but it can be difficult to know what to serve with it.

Here are fifteen side dishes that pair perfectly with butternut squash, each adding its own unique flavor and texture:

1 – Beef Stew

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Nothing complements the sweetness of butternut squash like a hearty beef stew.

The savory spices and flavorful vegetables combine to create an unforgettable dining experience.

There’s something magical about the combination of flavors that just can’t be replicated.

And don’t forget the crusty, fresh-baked bread to mop up every last saucy bite!

2 – Roasted Vegetables

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Roasted vegetables bring an earthy sweetness to the table that compliments butternut squash perfectly.

Plus, roasting brings out all of the wonderful and complex flavors of the vegetables.

So if you’re serving butternut squash, think about side-kicking it with some succulent roasted veggies.

Carrots, red peppers, onions – feel free to get creative!

With some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning, you’ll be sure to make a dish that your taste buds won’t forget.

3 – Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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Butternut squash is surprisingly versatile. With a few simple tools, you can turn it into delicious side dishes to accompany a toasty grilled cheese sandwich!

Try roasting cubes of the squash with olive oil, garlic powder and rosemary for an easy addition.

Or get creative by turning your roasted butternut squash into mashed potatoes — seasoned with fresh chives and sharp cheddar cheese — for an unexpected twist on this classic dish.

Alternatively, slice the squash thin and fry it like potato chips for a crunchy compliment to your grilled cheese.

4 – Macaroni and Cheese

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Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but did you know that it also pairs wonderfully with butternut squash?

This meal takes some of the best flavors in fall cuisine and combines them into one satisfying plate.

Start off by roasting your butternut squash until golden brown.

Then add a creamy cheese sauce to cooked elbow noodles with herbs and spices of your choice – cayenne pepper adds an unexpected kick!

Top it off with a sprinkle of buttery crumbled breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

The result is a delicious autumnal dish that warms both the heart and stomach.

5 – Lentil Soup

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Butternut squash has a delicate flavor that can be easily eclipsed by strong accompaniments.

Lentil soup is an ideal pairing; its subtle undertones will let the squash stand out, while both dishes naturally complement each other in sweetness and texture.

Whether your preference is for French green or red lentils, you’re sure to love it with butternut squash.

The warmth of the soup clashing with the coolness of the squash creates a delightful autumnal embrace that’s truly addicting!

6 – Sweet Potato Casserole

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The sweet potato casserole is an excellent complement to the butternut squash.

It’s packed with flavor from brown sugar, butter, and spices.

To top it off, you get that delightful crunch from a pecan and marshmallow topping.

The sweetness really enhances the earthy notes of the roasted butternut squash while contrasting wonderfully with its savory side dishes.

And one taste will have your guests wanting more!

7 – Chicken and Rice

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Butternut squash is a tempting winter favorite, and it soaks up all the flavors of your sauces.

For something satisfying yet equally nutritious, try serving it with chicken cooked in garam masala or tikka masala and fragrant basmati rice.

The savory spices will bring out the sweetness of the butternut, making for an amazing combination that’ll surely be devoured.

8 – Kale Salad

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A kale salad is the perfect companion to creamy roasted butternut squash.

The earthiness of the vegetable meets its match in leafy kale, fresh mushrooms and crunchy sunflower seeds.

Cherry tomatoes lend juicy bursts of sweetness and a lemony-garlic vinaigrette complete this side with zesty punch.

It’s simple and delicious enough to stand alone as a meal!

9 – Quinoa Salad

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A wholesome and filling quinoa salad can bring out the subtle sweetness in butternut squash.

This bright side dish is a great way to give your meal that pop of color, without getting stuck on simplicity.

The tangy dressing complements the nutty nuttiness of toasted quinoa as well as the soft texture of roasted squash.

It’s a delicious medley for all you veggie-lovers out there!

10 – Baked Beans

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Butternut squash is the star of this dish, and baked beans provide the perfect sidekick.

The natural sweetness in both flavors will have your taste buds singing harmony.

Mix it all together with some garlic, herbs, and seasonings to get perfectly cooked beans that enhance any meal.

Plus, they add a dosage of protein so you know you’re getting as much nutrition as flavor!

11 – Baked Apples

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Butternut squash and baked apples go together like two peas in a pod!

The earthy, nutty flavor of Butternut squash blends nicely with the natural sweetness of tart apples.

Plus, you can always add some crunch by sprinkling on a topping made from oats, nuts, cheese or whatever you prefer.

Baked apples make an excellent side dish that adds both flavor and texture to your meal!

12 – Roasted Potatoes

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One of the easiest and tastiest sides to serve with butternut squash is roasted potatoes.

They’re a comfort food classic, hearty enough to keep you full, but economical on the wallet.

Plus they cook quickly—you can roast them while your squash is in the oven.

But feel free to get creative; switch out salt and pepper for herbs like thyme or rosemary. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese also amps up the flavor game.

13 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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Butternut squash is a hearty fall classic, but it’s time to spruce it up with something equally as mouth-watering.

Enter roasted Brussels sprouts which caramelize in their own juices during roasting – they’re easy to make, simply delicious!

The heat brings out their intense nutty flavor and slightly sweet character, making them the perfect flavour companion to the otherwise mellow butternut squash.

Roast a few garlic cloves alongside too for an added kick of warmth.

14 – Cornbread

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If you’re looking for a homey accompaniment to your delicious butternut squash, look no further.

Cornbread is the perfect choice.

The mellow sweetness of the squash meets perfectly with the buttery, slightly crunchy texture of cornbread.

And this combination takes it up a notch!

Once it comes out of the oven, make sure to slather on some warm honey butter or cream cheese spread and if you wish, sprinkle it with fresh diced herbs for a pop of color and flavor. It’s guaranteed to be gobbled down in no time!

15 – Cranberry Sauce

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Butternut squash is great on its own, but when you add cranberry sauce to the mix it’s exponentially tastier.

The tartness of the cranberries lends a nice balance to the natural sweetness of the squash.

Plus, it adds an interesting visual element and texture that just can’t be beat!

Conclusion

In conclusion, butternut squash is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be served as a side dish for any meal.

But what to serve with it?

The best side dishes to serve with butternut squash are beef stew, roasted vegetables, grilled cheese cubes, macaroni and cheese, lentil soup, sweet potato casserole, chicken and rice, kale salad, quinoa salad, baked beans, baked apples, roasted potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts.

All of these sides pair perfectly with butternut squash and can be prepared in a variety of ways.

With these 15 side dishes, you’re sure to find something that everyone in your family will love.