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How to Cook Butternut Squash

I recently shared with you how to cook acorn squash and now it’s time to talk about how to cook butternut squash.

You probably already have a butternut squash soup recipe you’d like to try, but butternut squash tastes amazing in many recipes. After we’ve talked about how to choose a butternut squash, how to prepare a butternut squash, and how to cook a butternut squash, scroll on down for fifteen delicious butternut squash recipes to try this fall.

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How to Choose a Butternut Squash

Look for a butternut squash that has a mostly uniform matte beige color.
If you can easily pierce the skin with your fingernail, it’s not ripe. The rind toughens as it ripens.
Pick a butternut squash with dull, matte skin instead of shiny skin.
Shiny skin means the squash was picked before it ripened.
Choose a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size.

How to Cut a Butternut Squash

How you prepare and cut a butternut squash will depend on the recipe you’re making. Always follow the recipe instructions, of course.

Here’s a general guide for preparing and cutting a butternut squash for roasting two halves, cutting into large pieces, or chopping/dicing.

How to cut a butternut squash for roasting two halves:

Rinse and dry the butternut squash. You do NOT need to peel it for this preparation method.
Trim the top and bottom of the squash, which creates a flat surface at each end.
Stand the butternut squash up on a cutting board.
Slice it in half from top to bottom carefully with a chef’s knife.
Scoop out the seeds (save them for later to roast if you want).
Season as the recipes instructs and roast according to the recipe or the ‘How to Cook a Butternut Squash” section below.

How to cut a butternut squash into large pieces:

Rinse and dry the butternut squash.
Peel the squash with a good quality vegetable peeler.
Trim the top and bottom of the squash, creating a flat surface on each end.
If your recipe calls for butternut squash rounds, carefully slice the neck of the squash into rounds of the desired thickness.
You’ll still have to cut the bottom in half (from top to bottom) and scoop out the seeds. You can make semi-circle squash pieces with the bottom half of the butternut squash.
Scoop out the seeds (save them for later to roast if you want).
Season as the recipes instructs and roast according to the recipe or the ‘How to Cook a Butternut Squash” section below.

How to chop or dice a butternut squash

Rinse and dry the butternut squash.
Peel the squash with a good quality vegetable peeler.
Trim the top and bottom of the squash, creating a flat surface on each end.
Stand the butternut squash up on a cutting board and slice down the middle from top to bottom.
Scoop out the seeds (and save them for later to roast if you want.)
Lay the butternut squash halves flat side down on the cutting board.
Slice the necks off of the bottoms – the butternut squash will now be in four pieces.
Slice each of the four pieces lengthwise into smaller pieces that are about a 1/2 inch thick.
Stack a few of those pieces and cut them into 1/2 inch thick strips.
Dice or cube each strip into the desire size.

How to Cook a Butternut Squash

Always follow the recipe instructions for cooking a butternut squash, of course. However, if you’re going off recipe or creating your own recipe here are some general instructions for how to cook a butternut squash.

How To Cook Butternut Squash Halves

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Drizzle the flesh side of each half with melted butter, maple syrup, and real salt.
Place flesh side down on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat.
Bake for about 40 minutes. Cooking times will vary based on the size of the squash. You want it to be soft and fork tender.

How to Cook Chopped Butternut Squash

You can cook cubed or diced butternut squash by boiling it, but I don’t recommend it. You’ll just boil out all the flavor and nutrients. That’s just sinful, mamas. Look below for a great roasted butternut squash recipe, or follow these simple instructions.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Follow the instructions above to cut, peel, and chop the butternut squash.
Place the cubes or dices in a bowl and drizzle with melted butter, maple syrup, and real salt.
Toss (or stir with a wooden spoon) the squash until each piece is coated.
Place squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat.
Cook for 25-30 minutes. Cooking times will vary based on the size of the chopped butternut squash. You want it to be soft and fork tender.

15 Delicious Butternut Squash Recipes

Easy Butternut Squash Soup

Delicious, creamy, sweet, and savory. This butternut squash soup recipe checks every box for a delicious fall lunch or simple winter family dinner.

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Maple Bacon Roasted Butternut Squash

I hate to tell you, but I think this sweet and savory roasted butternut squash dish might be addictive. Whether you’re making it for your family as a weeknight dinner or as a delicious Thanksgiving side dish, don’t expect leftovers!
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Garlic Butter Butternut Squash Steaks

This recipe uses a classic steakhouse butter-basting technique to impart that lovely garlic butter flavor into every bite. Serve these squash steaks as a side or the as the main dish for a light, flavorful meal.
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Cheesy Stuffed Butternut Squash with Bacon and Caramelized Red Onion

I don’t know about you, but this recipe is going on my meal plan immediately. The bacon and red onion create a savory flavor combo that complements the creamy butternut squash and gooey melted cheese. Mouth watering yum, y’all!
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Almond Butternut Squash Soup

This butternut squash recipe has a surprise ingredient that I’ve never seen used a soup: Almond butter. How interesting! The almond butter lends a unique flavor and a creaminess to this dairy free butternut squash soup recipe.
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Butternut Squash Home Fries

If you’re staying away from potatoes try these butternut squash home fries, which are roasted in duck fat. Of course, you can use avocado oil or coconut oil instead if that’s what you have on hand. Either way, this yummy side dish is sure to be a hit.
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Hasselback Butternut Squash

Here’s another potato-alternative meal idea. I’m sure you’ve heard of hasselback potatoes, but who knew you could “hasselback” butternut squash? This recipe makes a lovely holiday side dish.
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Butternut Squash Lasagna

Looking for a gluten free alternative to everyone’s favorite pasta dish? Try this butternut squash lasagna.
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Mediterranean Baked Butternut Squash

In this delicious recipe roasted butternut squash is topped with feta and pine nuts for a yummy Greek flavor.

One Pan Butternut Squash and Salmon

This recipes pairs two nutrient-rich main ingredients – butternut squash and salmon – for an easy, sheet pan dinner. Your family will love the flavors and you’ll love the simple clean up after dinner.

Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole

In the mood for Mexican food? Try this yummy butternut squash and enchilada casserole for an autumn spin on this family dinner classic.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Rosemary Gratin

You had me at cheese. The subtle sweetness of butternut squash pairs well with the savory ingredients in this delectable fall recipe. Bring it to your family holiday dinner and wait for the ‘wows’.

Butternut Squash Bake with Cranberries and Apples

This lovely paleo butternut squash recipe combines several fall flavors to create a delicious vegetarian main dish or a sensational side.

Easy Sheet Pan Butternut Squash and Sausage

Hooray for another simple sheet pan dinner! Just a few ingredients, just a lot of flavor. Oh, and easy cleanup.

Butternut Squash Fries

Put a fall spin on a classic burger-night side. Bake up these yummy butternut squash fries for an easy way to get more vegetables into your picky eaters.