Mashed Butternut Squash

Mashed Butternut Squash is a simple side dish recipe that is made with roasted squash, butter and cinnamon. The warm spices give it the perfect flavor to pair with all of your favorite, cozy fall meals.

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Mashed Butternut Squash is the perfect fall side dish to serve alongside of all of your favorite seasonal meals.

Butternut squash is roasted until caramelized and tender, then mashed until creamy with the perfect blend of butter and cinnamon.

Roasting the squash adds a more savory depth of flavor to the naturally sweeter squash that is absolutely delicious along with the warm, spiced buttery flavors its blended with.

Butternut squash is a fall staple. Try it in some of our other unique recipes like Butternut Squash Flatbread and Butternut Squash Grits while this veggie is in season for the best flavor!

Why This Recipe Works

Making mashed butternut is very easy to do. You can even prepare the remainder of your meal while the squash is roasting. Scooping it out and mashing it only takes a few minutes

This is a very flavorful recipe. It’s the perfect side dish for fall and winter and you can easily adjust the seasonings to suite your own tastes.

It’s a healthy option that is lower in carbohydrates than regular mashed potatoes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash: ideally your squash should be around 4 pounds, but larger or smaller squash will also work. 
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (divided)
• salt
• pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Create!

Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Remove and discard the seeds.

Place the squash halves on a rimmed baking sheet, cut side up. Brush with the melted butter and sprinkle on 1/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon, reserving the rest for later use. Season with salt and pepper.

Roast in the oven for 45 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Remove from the oven and scrape the butternut squash out of the skin and into a medium bowl. 

Melt the butter in a small pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through.

Gradually add the butter mixture to the butternut squash, mashing with a potato masher until the desired consistency is reached.

Chef’s Tip: you can also use a hand or stand mixer to mix the butternut squash and butter until smooth.

Taste and add remaining cinnamon, if desired. 

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Present!

Serve as is, or top with extra melted butter, if desired.

Tips and Techniques

• If your butternut squash is larger or smaller than 4 pounds, you may need more or less butter and cream. 
• A hand or stand mixer can be used to “mash” the butternut squash with the butter and cream.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 to 4 days.

FAQ’s

Is It Better To Roast Or Boil Butternut Squash?

Butternut squash can be either boiled or roasted, depending on personal preference and what the squash will be used for.

Boiling is a quick and easy way to cook butternut squash. It’s especially useful if you want to purée the squash for soup or puree, as boiling makes the flesh soft and easy to blend. However, boiling can result in more loss of flavor and nutrients.

Roasting is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of butternut squash. When roasted in the oven, the squash caramelizes and develops a rich, complex flavor. Roasting also helps to preserve the nutrients in the squash. However, roasting takes longer than boiling.

What Brings Out The Flavor Of Butternut Squash?

There are several ingredients and cooking techniques that can help to bring out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of butternut squash. Here are some popular options:

• Spices: Adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or cloves can enhance the natural sweetness.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary can add depth and complexity.
• Sweeteners: Adding a small amount of brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey can help to balance out the natural bitterness and enhance its sweetness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar can help to bring out the rich, earthy flavors of butternut squash.
• Roasting: Roasting butternut squash in the oven caramelizes the sugars in the squash and enhances its natural sweetness. Roasting also intensifies the nutty flavor of the squash.

Can You Freeze Mashed Butternut Squash?

You can freeze mashed butternut squash in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

More Butternut Squash Recipes

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