11 Recipes that Prove Kabocha Squash Is the New Pumpkin

As soon as the nights get colder and the leaves start turning lightly yellow, orange, and red around the edges, we go into full-blown pumpkin mode. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin decor, and yeah, pumpkin coffee.

But when cooking, it’s best to look past those carving pumpkins you find at the store. They tend to be watery, stringy, and flavorless. Instead, we opt for kabocha squash

Also known as Japanese pumpkin, kabocha squash has a creamy, dense texture, a sweet and complex flavor, and is easy to find these days at grocery stores and farmer’s markets alike. Even better? They’re smaller than a carving pumpkin, which means they’re easier to butcher.

Whether you’re craving soup, pasta, or stir-fry with an autumn kick, these kabocha squash recipes deliver big on flavor.

Sesame Glazed Kabocha Squash

Sweet, savory, and earthy, this fragrant sesame-garlic kabocha dish is a delicious side.

Air-Fried Maple Bacon Kabocha

Tender kabocha squash tastes truly decadent when dressed with maple syrup, brown sugar, and crispy, savory bacon.

Kabocha Squash Egg Rolls

Kabocha squash adds a welcome hint of sweetness to these egg rolls, and acts as a binder for the filling.

Kabocha Cheddar Pasta Sauce

Tangles of al dente pasta just beg for another ladelful of this rich kabocha and aged cheddar cheese sauce. It goes well with almost literally everything.

Roasted Kabocha Breakfast Plate

Sometimes we crave a hearty, savory breakfast. A colorful blend of kabocha, mushrooms, shallot, and zucchini ribbons pair perfectly with a runny turmeric-fried egg for a completely cozy morning meal.

Kabocha, Chickpea, and Pomegranate Salad

Not every salad is worthy of entree status, but one that’s loaded with roasted kabocha, chickpeas, and walnuts will definitely fill you up.

Creamy Vegan Kabocha Squash

Silky smooth kabocha squash soup will become a winter time favorite.

Kabocha Ricotta Toasts

When tomatoes are out of season, roasted kabocha squash, caramelized onion, and ricotta on toasted bread save the day.

Smoky Lentil Kabocha Chili

A hearty pot of chili bubbling away on the stove makes the whole house smell like fall, especially when you’ve got some sweet kabocha squash in the mix.

Kabocha Squash Lasagna

If you need a vegetarian entree for a special occassion, try out a bechamel-based kabocha squash lasagna.

Kabocha Chicken Curry

Tender chicken and creamy kabocha are paired with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and onion to make a flavorful curry that will warm you all the way through.

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