Butternut squash is a versatile and nutritious squash that can add a burst of flavor and vibrant color to your meals. In this article guide, we will explore the entire process, from selecting the butternut squash to how to cook butternut squash in 4 different ways.
1. How To Cook Butternut Squash in Oven
1.1. Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt,
- 2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tsp oregano seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp parsley leaves (freshly chopped for garnishing)
- A baking tray, foil, and fork
Instructions
Cut the butternut squash in half crossswise, diving the bulb and the long neck. Cut the pieces in half lengthwise. Use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin. Scoop out the seeds and as much of the stringy middle from the inner cavities as possible. Carefully cut the squash into 1/2 inch to 1 inch cubes.
Set the oven to 400°F for preheating.
Put the butternut squash cubes into a large bowl and mix them with olive oil, salt, black pepper powder & oregano seasoning.
Line the baking tray with foil paper. Then spread out seasoned butternut squash cubes on the baking sheet. In a single layer, without overlapping.
Place the tray in the oven for 25 minutes until the butternut squash is tender.
1.2. Baked Butternut Squash Halves
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1⁄4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, slice butternut squash in half lengthwise; scoop out and discard seeds and strings.
Place squash halves cut-side up on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each half with 1 1⁄2 tablespoons olive oil.
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Sprinkle spice mix evenly over oiled squash flesh.
Roast butternut squash for 45-50 minutes until extremely tender when pierced with a fork, and edges are browned.
Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Scoop out roasted squash flesh into bowls and enjoy!
2. How To Cook Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise through the stem. Scoop out the seeds.
Drizzle the squash faces with olive oil then brush into the face of the squash. Season with salt and pepper.
Place squash in the air fryer basket face down in a single layer. Air fry for 20 minutes at 380 degrees F.
Flip, then air fry for another 10-15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
3. How to Cook Butternut Squash in Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2½–3 pounds)
- ¼ cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional seasonings: ½ teaspoon cinnamon for sweet dishes, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder and dried thyme for savory versions
Instructions
Start by preparing the butternut squash. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim off both ends of the squash. If you prefer easier serving later, peel the squash with a vegetable peeler, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
Then cut the squash into large chunks, about 2 to 3 inches each. You can also cook the squash whole if your slow cooker is large enough, but cutting it speeds up cooking and makes serving easier.
Pour the water or vegetable broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. This small amount of liquid creates steam that helps soften the squash without making it watery. Place the prepared squash pieces into the slow cooker in an even layer.
Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter if using, and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings you like. Gently toss the pieces to coat them evenly with seasoning.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The squash is done when it is fork-tender and easily pierces all the way through without resistance.
Once cooked, you can serve the butternut squash as is for a simple side dish. For mashed butternut squash, transfer the cooked pieces to a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
This slow cooker method is perfect for busy days when you want a healthy vegetable ready without watching the stove.
4. How to Cook Butternut Squash in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2½–3 pounds)
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional add-ins: ½ teaspoon paprika, cinnamon, rosemary, or nutmeg depending on your flavor preference
Instructions
Begin by preparing the butternut squash. Trim off both ends, peel the skin with a vegetable peeler, and cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Cut the flesh into evenly sized cubes, about 1½ to 2 inches. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking in the Instant Pot.
Pour 1 cup of water or vegetable broth into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Insert the steamer basket that comes with the appliance. Place the cubed butternut squash on top of the steamer basket. This keeps the squash out of direct contact with the liquid, allowing it to steam instead of boil.
Drizzle the squash with olive oil or butter if desired, then season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices. You can also keep the seasoning simple and add flavors after cooking, depending on your recipe.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting.
Open the lid carefully, being cautious of the hot steam. Check the squash for doneness by piercing a cube with a fork. It should be tender and soft. If the squash is not quite tender enough, you can reseal the lid and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes under pressure.
Remove the cooked squash using tongs or a slotted spoon. Serve immediately as a side dish, or mash it for soups, purees, and baby food. Instant Pot butternut squash is especially convenient when you need quick, consistent results in under 15 minutes total time.
Now, you knew how to cook butternut squash in 4 different ways. It’s pretty easy and simple, isn’t it?. I hope that after reading this article, you can easily enjoy the sweet and delicious taste of butternut squash at home. Good luck.
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