How to Cook Butternut Squash

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Learn how to cook butternut squash the easy way! Peel your squash and then dice it into chunks, toss in olive oil and spices, and roast at 400ºF until fork tender.

butternut squash
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Butternut squash is a favorite vegetable of mine because it’s slightly sweet, yet savory at the same time. Over the years of running a food blog, I’ve found that peeling and dicing your butternut squash and then roasting it at a higher heat is the best way to cook it.

Today, we’re taking a deep dive into how to cook butternut squash. Follow our simple steps (just 3 of them!) for perfectly roasted and caramelized butternut squash every time. Just peel, cube, and roast in the oven!

Featured Comment

“I’ve roasted butternut squash before but found this recipe while searching for a sweet and spicy spice combination for my Thanksgiving side- loved the cumin and cinnamon together.” – Eliza

What You Need to Cook Butternut Squash

It doesn’t get much simpler than roasted butternut squash. You’ll need:

  • Butternut squash
  • Olive oil
  • Salt + pepper

What does butternut squash taste like?

Butternut squash has the texture of a roasted sweet potato but is a bit softer. It tastes nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet.

Roasted Butternut Squash Variations

Our favorite way to jazz up butternut squash is with seasonings. In these photos specifically, we used a little cumin and cinnamon, but feel free to get creative! Feel free to use your favorite spices or any of these fun spice mixes – add to the squash in step 5.

  1. Homemade fajita seasoning
  2. Homemade chili seasoning
  3. Homemade Old Bay seasoning
  4. Everything bagel seasoning
  5. A pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat
  6. And, pumpkin pie spice for a little something different!
peeled butternut squash

FAQ

Do you have to cut butternut squash before roasting it?

No, you can simply halve the squash and roast it (like in this Instant Pot butternut squash recipe). We prefer to chop it before roasting so it cooks and caramelizes perfectly.

How big should the squash cubes be?

We like to cut butternut squash into roughly 1-inch cubes. Feel free to cut whatever size cubes you like, but try to cut them all around the same size so they cook evenly.

How do you know when butternut squash is done?

Butternut squash is cooked through when it’s fork-tender. The edges of the roasted butternut squash should be golden brown and a bit crispy!

Can you use frozen butternut squash cubes?

We do not recommend buying frozen butternut squash for this recipe – the squash will turn out a bit mushy. Feel free to use frozen butternut squash for this butternut squash soup!

Butternut squash cut in half on a cutting board.
Instant Pot Butternut Squash cooked in a stainless steel pot.

Instant Pot

Butternut Squash

Perfectly cooked Instant Pot Butternut Squash in under 20 minutes! In this post, we’re sharing how to cook butternut squash in the Instant Pot – 2 ways!

Butternut squash cubed and ready to be roasted.

Storing Roasted Butternut Squash

Let the roasted butternut squash cubes cool completely. Once cool, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm up the squash before serving or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

We don’t recommend freezing roasted butternut squash. The texture becomes a little grainy when frozen, thawed, and reheated.

Make Ahead Roasted Butternut Squash

Store cubed butternut squash in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 days before roasting. When ready to roast, follow the recipe as written.

cubed roasted butternut squash on tray

Serving Suggestions

Now that you know how to cook butternut squash, use it in any of these recipes:

Harvest Grain Bowl: The ultimate grain bowl is made with wild rice, roasted butternut squash, and a Brussels sprout slaw.

Butternut Squash Soup: Our butternut squash soup recipe uses roasted butternut squash – it’s so good!

Butternut Squash Lasagna: This vegetarian butternut squash lasagna is made with mushrooms, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: We use roasted butternut squash in the cheese sauce for a fun twist on classic mac!

5 from 14 votes

How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Oven

This recipe for butternut squash is simple – peel, dice, season, and roast at 400ºF for about 25 minutes!
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • 1 large butternut squash*
  • 2-4 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Prepare a baking sheet: line a baking sheet with parchment paper OR foil sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. You can also spray the baking sheet directly. Set aside.
  • Peel the butternut squash with a vegetable peeler. Place the peeled squash on a cutting board and use an extremely sharp knife to cut it in half, hotdog style. Don't be afraid to put a little muscle into it!
    peeled butternut squash
  • Once cut in half, use a spoon to remove any seeds and flesh from the inside.
    butternut squash cut in half
  • Cut the prepared squash however you'd like! We like to cut butternut squash into bite-sized pieces so it cooks faster. Make sure all of the pieces are approximately the same size so they roast evenly. Transfer the squash to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to massage the oil and spices into the veggies.
    How to roast butternut squash on a baking sheet.
  • Evenly spread the cubed squash onto the baking sheet. Make sure the cubes aren't touching – if they overlap at all, they will not roast evenly. 
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing the squash halfway.
    cubed roasted butternut squash on tray

Tips & Notes

  • Storage: Once the squash is cool, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Make Ahead Instructions: Store cubed butternut squash in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 days before roasting. When ready to roast, follow the recipe as written.
  • Squash: 1 large butternut squash will yield approximately 4 cups of cubed squash.
  • To Save Time: If you’re in a time crunch, pick up pre-cut butternut squash at the store. Simply add oil, seasonings, and roast!

Nutrition

Calories: 153 kcal, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 10 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 3 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Emily Richter

Emily is Fit Foodie Finds' editor-in-chief. She has a master's degree in strategic communication, and a passion for food. She is an incredible at-home cook making her writing an important part of the content creation process.

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Jermy
September 23, 2024 10:55 pm

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Jonny
September 23, 2024 10:54 pm

5 stars
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Suika
September 4, 2024 11:12 am

5 stars
This butternut squash recipe is straightforward and perfect for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine. By peeling, dicing, and roasting the squash with just olive oil and your favorite spices, youโ€™ll achieve deliciously caramelized results every time. The suggested variations, like using cumin and cinnamon, offer great ways to customize the flavor. Whether youโ€™re making a side dish or adding squash to a main course, this method ensures a tasty and versatile addition to any meal!

Linux Fragen
August 21, 2024 6:44 am

5 stars
The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. The suggested spice variations are a great touch for those looking to add some flair to their dish. Plus, the tips for storage and make-ahead options make it easy to incorporate this delicious veggie into any meal plan.

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