Have you ever wondered what to do with squash? Fall is here so we’re sharing some tips and tricks for cooking with squash. Here are four of the most common varieties of squash in season right now, and some helpful ideas for how to make them delicious!

Kabocha Squash

Why you should cook with it: Kabocha squash is one of the best varieties for curries and soups. It’s hearty texture and sweet, mild flavor make it perfect for simmering in your favorite aromatic broth.

Cooking tip: To make cutting a kabocha easier, try roasting it whole in the oven at 400F for 20 minutes first. Once it’s partially baked (and fully cooled) you will be able to easily open it without fearing for your fingertips. Remember that kabocha squash skin is edible so you can leave it on when you cook your kabocha!

When in doubt, try seasoning with: Coconut milk, curry powder, chilis

Need a recipe? Curried kabocha squash soup

Spaghetti Squash

Why you should cook with it: Spaghetti squash is incredibly easy to cook well and is the type of “set it and forget it” ingredient that lends itself well to meal-prepping. Once you’ve got roasted spaghetti squash on hand, the possibilities for what to do with its pasta-like interior are almost endless.

Cooking tip: To yield easy-to-use “nests” of squoodles (squash noodles, move aside zoodles), just cut your spaghetti squash into thick rings, scoop out the seeds, and roast in the oven. By cutting it into rings, you’ll allow it to cook quicker and then easily be able to twirl out the squash into long noodles with a fork once it’s tender!

When in doubt, try seasoning with: Garlic, oregano, thyme, parsley

Need a recipe? Spaghetti squash with garlic and rainbow chard

Acorn Squash

Why you should cook with it: Acorn squashes have one of the best shapes for stuffing, making them the starting point for many filling fall meals. Their hearty texture also makes them very hard to overcook in the oven. They tend to just get sweeter!

Cooking tip: When cutting an acorn squash in half, it’s easier to slice it stem-to-point rather than across the “squash equator.” You can save the seeds and roast them into a tasty and healthy snack!

When in doubt, try seasoning with: Allspice, maple syrup, ginger

Need a recipe? Roasting squash with maple ginger glaze

Butternut Squash

Why you should cook with it: Butternut squash has one of the richest flavors of the squash family, making it an ideal candidate for roasted veggie medleys and comforting soups.

Cooking tip: To easily remove the tough peel, just poke it all over with a fork, cut off the top and bottom, and microwave it for 5 minutes. The skin will easily come off afterwards!

When in doubt, try seasoning with: Butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, sage

Need a recipe? Butternut squash soup with ginger