Creamy Mashed Butternut Squash Recipe
Butternut squash mash is a smooth, creamy side dish made by cooking and mashing tender butternut squash until velvety. Naturally sweet and slightly nutty, it pairs beautifully with savoury herbs, butter, or a hint of warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This colourful mash is a cozy, nutrient-rich alternative to mashed potatoes and adds a touch of autumn flavour to any meal.
In this blog post, you will learn how to make butternut squash mash.
How to Make Butternut Squash Mash
Take your butternut squash and cut it in half lengthwise.
Scrape out the seeds.
Place the squash onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle the olive oil onto the flesh of the squash, then season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 1 hour.
When the squash is finished baking, scoop the flesh out with a spoon. Place the cooked squash flesh into a medium bowl.
Add the brown sugar, butter, and cream. Mix together well.
Serve with your favourite main course!
Storage
Store your cooked squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze cooked squash in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
To reheat, remove the squash from the freezer, let it thaw, then place it in a skillet or saucepan over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry, and stir gently until heated through.
What can I serve with mashed butternut squash?
Mashed butternut squash pairs well with roast chicken, turkey, pork chops, steak, meatloaf, roasted carrots, and slow cooker stuffing. It’s also a delicious addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is the main ingredient, giving the mash its naturally sweet, nutty flavour and smooth, creamy texture. Butternut Squash Soup is another great recipe to make with squash.
Olive Oil: olive oil is used for roasting the squash, adding a subtle richness and helping enhance its caramelized flavour.
Salt: salt balances the natural sweetness of the squash and brings out its flavour.
Pepper: pepper adds a gentle hint of warmth and spice for depth.
Brown Sugar: brown sugar enhances the squash’s sweetness and adds a touch of caramel-like richness.
Butter: butter adds creaminess, richness, and a silky mouthfeel to the mash.
Double Cream: double cream makes the mash extra smooth, luxurious, and indulgently creamy.
Tips
- You can use any other type of squash, I just find that Butternut Squash is the easiest type of squash to find.
Butternut Squash Mash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Butternut Squash
- 1 tsp. Olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1/8 c. double cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉/200℃/Gas Mark 6.
- Take the butternut squash and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds.
- Place the sliced squash onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the olive oil onto the flesh side of the squash. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the squash flesh can be easily scooped out.
- Remove from the oven then scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl. Mix in the brown sugar, butter, and double cream.
- Enjoy and serve!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook butternut squash for mashing?
Butternut squash can be roasted, steamed, or boiled before mashing. Roasting is a great option because it helps bring out the squash’s natural sweetness while removing some excess moisture.
How do I make mashed butternut squash creamy?
For a creamy texture, mash the cooked squash thoroughly and add butter, cream, or milk. You can also use a hand mixer or food processor if you prefer a very smooth consistency.
Can I make mashed butternut squash ahead of time?
Yes! Mashed butternut squash is an excellent make-ahead side dish, especially for Thanksgiving and holiday dinners. Prepare it ahead of time and gently reheat it before serving.
Why is my mashed butternut squash watery?
Too much moisture can make mashed squash watery. This can happen when the squash is boiled for too long or hasn’t been drained well. Roasting the squash can help create a thicker, richer mash.
Can I add brown sugar to mashed butternut squash?
Yes! Brown sugar pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of butternut squash. Add a small amount if you prefer a sweeter side dish.
What seasonings go well with mashed butternut squash?
Butter, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, thyme, sage, and rosemary all pair well with butternut squash. You can keep the seasoning simple or make it more savory depending on your meal.
Can I make mashed butternut squash without dairy?
Yes! Replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative and use your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk if additional creaminess is needed.
Is mashed butternut squash good for Thanksgiving?
Yes! Its naturally sweet and creamy texture makes it a delicious alternative or addition to traditional mashed potatoes. It’s especially good served alongside turkey, stuffing, gravy, and other holiday side dishes.
In this blog post, you learned how to make mashed butternut squash.