How to Cook Butternut Squash

Here are a few tips on how to cook butternut squash. You really should give this vegetable a try. Its gorgeous orange interior will brighten your winter days, and its lightly sweet and satisfying flavor can be the start to a truly memorable meal.

Peeling

This is the hardest part about how to cook butternut squash. The peel is very tough. Use a high quality vegetable peeler and peel the whole squash before slicing. It helps to slice a small piece off of the top - this gives your peeler a place to start.  

Alternatively, you can slice it first, then use a very sharp paring knife to remove the peel.  

Many times you can just leave the peel on, cook the squash, and remove it afterwards. Another trick is to place the entire squash in a pot of boiling water and cook it for just 3 or 4 minutes. This cooks the peel just enough to make it easy to remove. 

Slicing

Use a very sharp knife to cut up the squash as it is just as sturdy as its peel. Just like with a pumpkin, you'll need to remove the seeds and scrape out the stringy interior of the squash. 

Baking

The butternut squash bakes beautifully. You needn't peel it, just slice it in two and scrape out the seeds. Place it cut side down on a lightly greased pan and bake in 350 degrees F oven for 40 minutes to an hour (depends on size and oven). It will be fork tender when it is done. For extra moistness you can add a small amount of water to the pan. To serve, you can just fill the interior with butter, brown sugar and some cinnamon. Yum. The kids are going to love that.

Roasting

Peel, slice and remove the seeds and fiber. Cut the squash into one inch cubes and place on a baking sheet. Toss with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast in 400 degrees F oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

Microwaving

For how to cook butternut squash in the microwave, simply halve the squash, remove the seeds, and place in a microwavable dish cut side down. Add a small amount of water and cover. Place in the microwave on high. Cooking time will vary depending on squash size and your microwave. Check at about 6 minutes, but it may need more.

Sauteeing

You'll need to peel and slice the squash into small pieces. Sautee in a small amount of olive oil, maybe with a little butter, on low heat. You may need to add a very small amount of water to keep things from sticking. 

Steaming

Slice into smaller pieces, then place in steamer basket over simmering water and cover. Steam for about 10 minutes or until fork tender. 

Pureeing

You can make a puree from butternut squash just like you'd make mashed potatoes. Either steam or bake the squash until it is very tender, allow to cool, then scoop the flesh into a food processor or food mill. Process until smooth.

Substituting

If you have a favorite recipe that uses sweet potatoes or pumpkin, don't hesitate to try substituting butternut squash. Try it in pies, cookies, and cakes, but also savory dishes. 

Seeds

You can save the seeds and roast them separately just like you would pumpkin seeds.  

How to Cook Butternut Squash with Other Foods

Wondering what to combine with butternut squash? Well butter to start with. You can also sweeten it up further with brown sugar or maple syrup. There are many spices that marry well with butternut squash, try allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, and nutmeg. Complimentary herbs include rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon, and thyme.

Try combining butternut squash with apples, Swiss chard, spinach, nuts, or chickpeas.