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Carnival squash is one of the most versatile and delicious winter squash varieties you can cook with.
If you’ve ever picked one up at the farmers market and wondered what to make with carnival squash, you’re in the right place.
This little squash, with its cream-colored skin and green or orange stripes, has a sweet, nutty, and slightly buttery flavor that works in everything from soups to casseroles.
In this post, we’ll explore what to make with carnival squash so you can use this amazing ingredient in your cooking.
Let’s get to it.
What to Make with Carnival Squash: The Basics
The best part about what to make with carnival squash is that this squash is basically a blank canvas in the kitchen.
You can roast it, puree it, stuff it, or turn it into a salad and it will taste amazing every single time.
Carnival squash is a hybrid between a sweet dumpling squash and an acorn squash.
It has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor similar to butternut or acorn squash.
The flesh is creamy when cooked and the skin is thin enough that you can actually eat it in some recipes.
When thinking about what to make with carnival squash, you can use it anywhere you’d use butternut, acorn, or delicata squash.
So let’s dive into some delicious options.
1. Roasted Carnival Squash
Roasting is probably the easiest answer to what to make with carnival squash.
Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and slice it into wedges or rings.
Toss the pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little maple syrup or brown sugar for extra caramelization.
Roast at 400°F for about 25 to 35 minutes until the edges are golden and the flesh is fork-tender.
This method brings out the natural sweetness of carnival squash and makes a perfect side dish for any meal.
2. Carnival Squash Soup
If you’re wondering what to make with carnival squash on a chilly evening, soup is always a winner.
Roast the squash first to deepen the flavor, then scoop out the flesh and add it to a pot with onions, garlic, and vegetable broth.
Simmer everything together, then blend until smooth.
Add a splash of coconut milk or cream for richness and season with nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne.
This creamy carnival squash soup is comfort food at its finest and it freezes beautifully too.
3. Stuffed Carnival Squash
Stuffed carnival squash is another fantastic option when you’re deciding what to make with carnival squash.
Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and roast it cut-side down until it’s almost tender.
Then flip it over and fill the cavity with a mixture of cooked quinoa, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and herbs.
Top with breadcrumbs or cheese and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes.
The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that looks impressive on any dinner table.
More Ideas for What to Make with Carnival Squash
Beyond the classics, there are so many creative ways to use carnival squash in your kitchen.
Once you start exploring what to make with carnival squash, you’ll find it fits into almost any recipe.
4. Carnival Squash Salad
Roasted carnival squash is incredible in salads.
Cube the roasted squash and toss it with fresh greens, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese or feta.
Drizzle with a maple-balsamic vinaigrette and you’ve got a restaurant-quality salad right at home.
This is a great way to enjoy what to make with carnival squash without spending hours in the kitchen.
5. Carnival Squash Puree
Another answer to what to make with carnival squash is a simple puree.
Roast or steam the squash until soft, then blend the flesh with butter, salt, and a touch of cream.
This puree works as a side dish, a base for soups, or even as a filling for ravioli and pierogi.
You can also freeze the puree in ice cube trays for easy portioning later.
6. Carnival Squash Curry
If you love bold flavors, try adding carnival squash to a coconut curry.
Cube the squash and simmer it in a pot with coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger, and garlic.
Add chickpeas or tofu for protein and spinach for greens.
Serve over rice and you’ve got a warming, flavorful meal that highlights exactly what to make with carnival squash in a totally different way.
7. Carnival Squash Muffins or Bread
You can also use carnival squash puree in baked goods just like pumpkin.
Swap it into your favorite pumpkin bread or muffin recipe for a slightly nuttier flavor.
The natural sweetness of the squash means you can even reduce the sugar in the recipe a bit.
This is a fun and unexpected answer to what to make with carnival squash that your whole family will love.
8. Carnival Squash Risotto
For a creamy, elegant dish, stir roasted carnival squash cubes into a classic risotto.
The sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with Parmesan, sage, and a little white wine.
It’s a comforting meal that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.
This is definitely one of the best things to make with carnival squash when you want to impress.
How to Prepare Carnival Squash
No matter what you decide to make with carnival squash, the prep is basically the same.
Wash the squash and cut off the stem.
Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
You can peel it if you want, but the skin is edible and softens nicely when roasted.
Cut it into cubes, wedges, or rings depending on your recipe.
The seeds can be roasted just like pumpkin seeds for a tasty snack.
So when you’re planning what to make with carnival squash, don’t throw those seeds away.
9. Carnival Squash Gratin
Layer thin slices of carnival squash in a baking dish with cream, garlic, thyme, and Gruyere cheese.
Bake until golden and bubbly for a rich, decadent side dish.
This is one of those what to make with carnival squash recipes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple.
It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or pork.
10. Carnival Squash Fries
Cut the squash into thin strips, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake or air fry until crispy.
Carnival squash fries are a fun, healthier alternative to regular fries.
Sprinkle with Parmesan and herbs right out of the oven for extra flavor.
This is a kid-friendly answer to what to make with carnival squash that even picky eaters will enjoy.
So, What to Make with Carnival Squash?
What to make with carnival squash really comes down to your mood and what you have in your kitchen.
You can roast it, stuff it, puree it, or bake it into soups, salads, curries, and even desserts.
Carnival squash is sweet, nutty, and incredibly versatile so it works in almost any recipe that calls for winter squash.
Hope this post has helped you figure out what to make with carnival squash so you can enjoy this delightful ingredient all season long.