Kabocha Squash Recipes: 12 Delicious Ways to Cook and Serve

Try these delicious kabocha squash recipes this season—soups, fries, donuts, fritters, breads and more.

Kabocha squash recipes to try

Discover a selection of tasty kabocha squash recipes to enjoy this season.

Kabocha squash is one of the best fall vegetables. Sweeter than many squash varieties, it has a creamy, nutty flavor that’s often compared to roasted chestnuts. Kabocha is lower in carbohydrates than butternut squash and provides fiber and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice. Its versatility means it works equally well in savory and sweet dishes—below are a variety of recipes to inspire your kitchen this season.

Kabocha Squash Recipes

golden brown roasted kabocha squash wedges on parchment paper
5 from 226 votes

Roasted Kabocha Squash | Japanese Pumpkin

Roasted kabocha squash is a simple, healthy way to enjoy this winter squash. Its natural sweetness is similar to roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes. Also called Japanese or Korean pumpkin (danhobak), kabocha makes a satisfying side dish when roasted until tender and caramelized.

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roasted kabocha squash soup, vegan pumpkin soup in a black bowl with cream and herb garnish
5 from 58 votes

Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup | Vegan Pumpkin Soup

This roasted kabocha squash soup is creamy and nutty, made with coconut milk and vegetable stock for a vegan, low-carb, and gluten-free option. It’s a comforting bowl for cool evenings and showcases the squash’s natural sweetness.

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kabocha squash fries in a white bowl with ketchup and condiments
5 from 48 votes

Kabocha Squash Fries

Crispy and healthy kabocha squash fries make a great low-carb or keto-friendly snack. Slice thinly and either bake or fry them, then serve with your favorite dip for a satisfying side or appetizer.

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Easy Baked Kabocha Pumpkin Donuts

kabocha pumpkin donuts with coffee
Tender baked kabocha pumpkin donuts topped with cinnamon brown sugar or a maple butterscotch glaze—an ideal treat for a chilly fall day.

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kabocha squash mulitas

Kabocha Squash and Bacon Mulitas

Stuffed with kabocha squash puree, caramelized onions, bacon, and cheeses like mozzarella and cotija, these mulitas layer sweet and savory flavors for a satisfying bite.

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kabocha pumpkin shaped bread

Kabocha Shaped Pumpkin Bread

Sweet kabocha anko paste wrapped in soft Japanese milk bread and shaped like a kabocha squash—an adorable and tasty snack for seasonal gatherings.

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kabocha squash fritters

Kabocha Squash Fritters

Inspired by Filipino-style fritters, thin slices of kabocha are mixed with a light batter and fried until golden for a crunchy, flavorful snack or side.

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kabocha squash chili

Kabocha Two Bean Chili

A cozy two-bean chili featuring kabocha in a chipotle-poblano base with fire-roasted tomatoes and warming spices—perfect for cold nights.

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instant pot kabocha squash rice

Instant Pot Kabocha Squash Rice

A quick and simple side, Instant Pot kabocha squash rice takes only minutes to prepare and pairs well with many main dishes.

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stewed vietnamese kabocha squash

Simple Vietnamese Stewed Squash

A straightforward Vietnamese-style stewed kabocha that brings Asian flavors to this sweet squash—an easy, comforting side dish.

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kabocha squash hummus

Roasted Kabocha Squash Hummus

Roasted kabocha tossed into hummus creates a slightly sweet, velvety dip. One version is topped with spiced ground lamb and a lemon-parsley sauce for a Middle Eastern twist.

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