Buttercup squash, named for its dark green skin and sweet bright orange flesh, has a rich creamy texture perfect for all your fall and winter dishes. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook buttercup squash in 3 different ways.
1. How to Cook Buttercup Squash in Oven
Cooking buttercup squash in the oven is one of the easiest ways to bring out its sweet and rich flavor. You can prepare it either in slices or halves, depending on your preference.
1.1. Roasted Buttercup Squash Slices Recipe
This recipe creates caramelized and flavorful slices that make for a fantastic side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium buttercup squash
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse and peel the buttercup squash, then cut it into ½-inch thick slices. Remove seeds from the center.
In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and tender.
Serve warm and enjoy!
1.2. Roasted Buttercup Squash Halves Recipe
This method is perfect for a slightly softer and sweeter dish that you can scoop out directly from the squash.
Ingredients
- 2 large buttercup squash, halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
- Boiling water
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the buttercup squash in half and remove the seeds. Place the halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
Add ½ tablespoon of butter and ½ tablespoon of maple syrup to the cavity of each squash half. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of ground cinnamon if desired.
Pour about ½ inch of boiling water into the baking dish to help steam the squash while it roasts.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and easily pierced with a fork.
Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and serve immediately.
2. How to Cook Buttercup Squash in Microwave
The microwave method is quick and convenient while still delivering soft and flavorful squash.
Ingredients
- 1 medium buttercup squash, halved and seeded
- 1 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Place the buttercup squash halves cut-side up in a microwave-safe dish.
Add ½ tablespoon of maple syrup and ½ tablespoon of butter to each cavity.
Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
Cook on high for 10–12 minutes, checking for doneness with a fork. The squash should be soft and tender when finished.
Let it cool for a minute or two, then scoop out the flesh with a spoon and serve.
3. How to Cook Buttercup Squash in Air Fryer
The air fryer method produces crispy and flavorful squash slices with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 medium buttercup squash, rinsed, seeded, and cut into half-moon slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse and peel the buttercup squash, then cut it into half-moon slices about ½ inch thick.
In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with olive oil, garlic powder, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is golden and slightly crisp.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking buttercup squash is incredibly easy and rewarding. Whether you choose to roast it in the oven, microwave it for a quick meal, or air fry it for a crispy treat, each method enhances the natural sweetness and creamy texture of this delightful vegetable. Experiment with seasonings to make it your own, and enjoy it as a side dish or a wholesome snack!