As you are firming up your menu for Thanksgiving Day, you most likely want to serve some form of squash. After all, squash originated in the Americas and was a new vegetable for the Europeans. It was present at the first Thanksgiving dinner in 1621. Experts believe that it was either roasted or boiled. While I am personally a food purist and prefer roasted squash to casseroles, the latter is what most Americans prefer to eat for the holidays. Today we are going to look at squash three ways for Thanksgiving.

Roasted Butternut Squash

This dish allows the squash to be in the spotlight as the star of the recipe. It would be a great substitute for the more traditional mashed sweet potatoes or candied yams. This recipe utilizes maple syrup to add a hint of sweetness to the butternut squash. Cinnamon makes it especially tasty for fall. While Rosemary balances the dish with its earthy flavor. Check out this recipe by Well-Plated by Erin.

Southern Squash Casserole

This casserole rose to popularity in the 1970s and most likely has been a staple on your Thanksgiving table. The casserole is less about the squash as a whole. It uses yellow squash, which can get watery and change the consistency of the casserole. To avoid this, once you have steamed the squash, place it in a colander while you mash it so that all the excess liquid drains. Also, the most traditional recipes use Ritz crackers for the topping, but you can experiment with any buttery cracker. It is a way to make this dish your own. Check out this recipe by Simply Recipes.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Since most Americans no longer stuff their turkeys, this could be the perfect side dish. Additionally, it is a vegetarian option, which might be perfect for some of your guests. If you are looking for a gluten-free option, I think you could easily substitute rice for the farro. These stuffed acorn squash will be a showstopper. Watch out turkey! Kara Lydon Nutrition shares this beautiful recipe. Be sure to check out her time-saving tips, too.

Now that you have three side dish options for Thanksgiving, hopefully at least one peaks your interest. Whether you choose butternut squash, yellow squash, or acorn squash, you are sure to have delicious and visually pleasing side dishes. Turkey might be the main event for Thanksgiving, but we all know the sides are the most popular part of the meal. Enjoy these squash recipes!