“The pumpkins and squashes were piled in orange and yellow and green heaps in the attic’s corners.”
Squash was a perfect produce for early settlers and pioneers to grow in their gardens because the thick skins of winter squashes allowed the fruit to store for a long time. Another benefit of squashes is that they’re full of flavor and very versatile, able to be used in a wide variety of dishes. The winter squash variety that is mentioned in the Little House books is Hubbard squash. Laura describes how the family would sometimes bake Hubbard squash for dinner and that the rind was so hard that Ma would use Pa’s ax to cut it into pieces.
Today, Butternut squash is more commonly available in farmer’s markets and grocery stores than Hubbard squash. For this reason, we have gathered some of our favorite butternut squash recipes, and while Laura did not use these recipes herself, we’re pretty sure she would have loved to try them just as she loved to spread the soft insides of the Hubbard squash with butter, scoop out the flesh from the rind and eat it (Little House in the Big Woods).
Butternut Squash Side Dish Recipes
These butternut squash recipes are the perfect side dishes to pair with a main course like Laura’s famous cinnamon chicken, for example.
Kale with Butternut and Pomegranate Salad Recipe by Two Peas & Their Pod – An amazing winter salad filled with flavor, this kale salad includes Brussels sprouts, pomegranate, candied pecans, and, of course, the ingredient of the hour, butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe by The Pioneer Woman – This recipe combines butternut squash with rice and cream and makes an amazing side dish that could easily serve as a main dish if you prefer vegetarian dishes in your family.
Healthy Butternut Squash Au Gratin Recipe by Skinny Mom – This is a delicious recipe that replaces the more common potato with a sweet, buttery squash. Butternut squash paired with skim milk and low-fat cheese, makes this dish a crowd-pleasing casserole.
Quick Butternut Squash Coconut Curry by Pinch of Yum – The only thing better than a delicious and healthy dish, is a recipe that is also quick and easy to put together. We love the addition of cilantro to this dish!
Butternut Squash Breakfast Biscuits Recipe by The Healthy Foodie – Butternut squash biscuits? Yes! Can you believe that this flexible food item can be made into bread? This biscuit recipe is perfect for a healthier version of a country-style breakfast.
Maple and Butternut Squash Sauce Recipe by Gourmande in the Kitchen – Like apples, butternut squash can be turned into a sweet sauce to use as a condiment in the kitchen. Drizzle this sauce on pancakes, over biscuits, in coffee, or on ice cream. This recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Butternut Squash Main Dish Recipes
Don’t think that butternut squashes are only for side dishes and salads. There’s also many ways to use it as a main course for a filling, but healthy, meal.
Butternut Squash Lasagna by Skinny Taste – In this dish a simple lasagna recipe is completely transformed with a savory butternut and Parmesan. A must try!
Penne Pasta with Butternut Squash and Mushrooms Recipe by Kalyn’s Kitchen – No ordinary pasta dish here! This recipe calls for sharp goat cheese, sweet butternut squash, and hearty mushrooms for a delicious, healthy meal.
Butternut Squash Carbonara with Sage Cream Sauce and Bacon Recipe by Closet Cooking – Butternut squash can transform a traditional summer recipe into a marvelous fall and winter dish. The sweet, buttery flavor of the squash is complemented with salty bacon, and fresh sage cream sauce.
Butternut Squash Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe by Eat Yourself Skinny – Creamy and delicious, the butternut squash only increases the creaminess of this homemade mac and cheese recipe, without making it any less healthy! A complete win/win situation.
Butternut Squash Galette with Parmesan and Sage by How Sweet It Is – Cubes of butternut squash with sage, brown sugar and Parmesan cheese are wrapped in the crusty bread of this galette. Pie? Pizza? Dessert? We this think yummy recipe is a little of each!
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe by Chow.com – This creamy and delicious butternut squash soup is a perfect meal for a chilly winter evening. This recipe can be made ahead of time and even frozen.
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This looks delicious.
i love everything about the show and the recipes’s too. thank you for the show.
Butternut squash is so versatile and delicious! Thanks for including my recipe.
recette en Français s,il vous plait merci..
I always loved little house on the prairie. I would be interested in the recipes that were made on the show. Such as apple dumplings and apple pudding. I wish there was a cook book about all their recipes. I love to cook
You can see many of the recipes from Laura’s time, and some great discussion of the food in that era, in this book http://littlehouseontheprairie.com/the-little-house-cookbook-review/ Enjoy!
i love the book thank you for making the book