Butternut squash is a delicious and versatile vegetable that’s perfect for fall and winter cooking. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish or a hearty main course, butternut squash can be roasted, mashed, pureed, and more. In this article, we’ll share a few simple tips and tricks for making butternut squash that’s tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose the right butternut squash for your recipe. Look for squash that’s firm, heavy for its size, and free from any soft or moldy spots. You’ll want to peel and seed the squash before cooking, which can be a bit time-consuming, but well worth the effort. From there, you can slice or cube the squash, depending on your preferred method of cooking. With these basic principles in mind, let’s dive into some of the best ways to make butternut squash for your next meal.

Choosing the Perfect Butternut Squash

When it comes to making a delicious butternut squash recipe, choosing the perfect squash is crucial. Follow these tips to ensure you’re picking the best one:

Look for a Uniform Shape

When selecting a butternut squash, look for one that is uniform in shape. A bulbous end with a skinny neck indicates that the squash didn’t develop evenly, and it may not taste as good.

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Check the Skin

The skin of a butternut squash should be hard and free of blemishes or cuts. If the skin is soft or dented, it may be overripe or damaged.

Weight Matters

A butternut squash should feel heavy for its size. If it feels light, it may be hollow or dried out.

Color Check

Butternut squash should be a uniform tan color. If there are green or yellow spots on the skin, the squash may not be ripe enough.

Size and Age of the Squash

A larger butternut squash may be older and not as flavorful as a smaller, younger squash. Look for a squash that weighs between 2-3 pounds for the best flavor.

Store in Cool and Dry Place

If you’re not going to use the butternut squash immediately, store it in a cool and dry place. A pantry or root cellar is an excellent location.

Avoid Moist Areas

Moisture can cause mold to form on the squash, which will spoil it. Make sure to keep your squash in a dry place to avoid this.

Don’t Wash it until You’re Ready to Use It

Washing the butternut squash will cause moisture to form on its skin, which can cause it to spoil. Wait to wash it until you’re ready to use it.

Smell it

Give the squash a sniff before adding it to your recipe. A sweet, earthy smell indicates that it’s fresh and ready to use.

Use it within Two Weeks

Butternut squash can last up to three months if stored correctly. However, for the freshest flavor, use it within two weeks of purchase.

Roasting Butternut Squash

Roasting butternut squash is a popular method of cooking as it is easy and produces a sweet and savory flavor. Here is how you can roast butternut squash to perfection:

Selecting the Squash

Before roasting the squash, it is important to select one that is ripe and in good condition. Look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a matte skin color.

Cutting the Squash

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cut off both ends of the squash and peel it using a vegetable peeler. Cut off the bulbous end and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Finally, cut the squash into 1-inch cubes.

Seasoning the Squash

Drizzle olive oil over the cubes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme for additional flavor.

Baking the Squash

Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the inside is fork-tender. Be sure to give the cubes a stir halfway through cooking.

Serving the Squash

Once the butternut squash is roasted to perfection, it can be used in various ways. You can simply serve it as a side dish or add it to salads or soups. You can also mash the roasted squash and use it as a filling for ravioli or as a base for a creamy sauce.

Storing the Squash

Roasted butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months, but note that the texture may change slightly.

Roasting Whole Squash

If you prefer to roast the squash whole, simply pierce the skin of the squash several times with a fork. Place the whole squash on a baking sheet and roast for 60-75 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, until a knife can easily pierce through it. Then, cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and use as desired.

Using Spices

To add a unique flavor to your roasted butternut squash, try experimenting with different spice blends. For example, you can use a mix of cumin, coriander, and chili powder for a Mexican-inspired flavor, or use cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet and spicy taste.

Avoid Overcooking

Be sure not to overcook the butternut squash, as it can become mushy and lose its flavor. Aim for a slight crunch on the outside with a fork-tender center.

Other Roasting Methods

While roasting in the oven is the most common cooking method, you can also grill or roast butternut squash in a smoker for a unique flavor. Be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

5 Simple Butternut Squash Recipes

Now that you know how to properly prepare and cook butternut squash, it’s time to put that knowledge to the test with some delicious recipes. Here are five easy and tasty ideas:

Recipe Ingredients Instructions
Butternut Squash Soup
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 1 onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup of cream
  • 1 tbsp of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds
  2. Roast the squash in the oven at 400°F for 45-50 minutes
  3. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened
  4. Add the broth and roasted squash to the pot and bring to a boil
  5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes
  6. Blend the soup until smooth and add cream
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste
Butternut Squash Risotto
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup of arborio rice
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp of butter
  • 1 tbsp of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Cut the squash into cubes and roast in the oven at 400°F for 30-35 minutes
  2. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic in butter and olive oil until softened
  3. Add the rice and stir for a couple of minutes
  4. Gradually add the broth to the pot, stirring constantly and waiting for the liquid to be absorbed before adding more
  5. Add the roasted squash and parmesan cheese to the pot and stir until everything is combined
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste
Butternut Squash Fries
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1 tsp of garlic powder
  • 1 tsp of onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Peel the squash and slice it into fries
  3. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
  4. Toss the fries in the mixture until they’re coated
  5. Spread the fries on the baking sheet and bake for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through
Butternut Squash Salad
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 4 cups of mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup of pecans
  • 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 tbsp of honey
  • 1 tbsp of dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Cut the squash into cubes and roast in the oven at 400°F for 30-35 minutes
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper
  3. In a large bowl, combine the roasted squash, mixed greens, pecans, feta cheese, and dried cranberries
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated
Butternut Squash Curry
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 1 onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 can of chickpeas
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 tbsp of curry powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Cut the squash into cubes and roast in the oven at 400°F for 30-35 minutes
  2. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened
  3. Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, coconut milk, curry powder, salt, and pepper to the pot
  4. Add the roasted squash to the pot and bring everything to a boil
  5. Simmer for 20-25 minutes

There are many other ways to use butternut squash in your cooking, like adding it to pasta dishes, stir-fries, or even desserts. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your own perfect butternut squash recipe. Enjoy!

Time to Dig In!

Congratulations, you did it! You now know all the secrets to making delicious butternut squash. Whether you decide to roast it, bake it, or enjoy it in a soup, you’re guaranteed a tasty meal that satisfies your taste buds. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and it inspires you to try out new recipes. Don’t forget to thank your local farmer for growing such a great vegetable! Until next time, happy cooking!