Butternut squash for beginners

Everything you need to know about butternut squash, including when to harvest it, how to peel it, how to cook it and how to store it. You will also find links to lots of delicious butternut squash recipes.

Jump to:

• 💭 What is a butternut squash?
• ⏲️ When to harvest butternut squash
• 🔪 How to cut butternut squash
• 🍴 How to peel butternut squash
• ♨️ How to cook butternut squash
• 🍱 How to store butternut squash
• 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
• 🍲 Butternut squash recipes

Summer is almost over and winter squash season is starting! Butternut is definitely my favorite winter squash. So I have decided to share with you everything I have learnt about butternut squash from the garden to the plate.

💭 What is a butternut squash?

As you can see in the picture below, it is a pear shaped very light orange coloured squash, that usually weighs between 2 to 4 pounds. You can find it throughout autumn and winter seasons.

⏲️ When to harvest butternut squash

Below is a picture of a tiny butternut squash that is growing in the garden throughout summer. As you can see, they are green when they are not ripe. They need a lot of space to grow in the garden. You harvest them at the end of the summer and during autumn once they have reached their nice light orange color.

🔪 How to cut butternut squash

Although it looks scary, it's actually pretty easy to cut. I recommend using a large and very sharp knife. The knife you can see in the picture below is a Santoku knife and is my favorite one for cutting a butternut squash. (FYI: Santoku is not a brand but the name of the type of knife).

First step. Cut the stem off.

Second step. Stand the butternut squash upright and cut it in half, lengthwise. I recommend using both hands to carefully push the knife down the squash.

Here is what you will get.

Third step. Using a spoon, scoop the seeds and stringy bits out of the squash. Do not throw away the seeds. you can either roast them to eat them or use them to plant in your garden to get some butternut squash next year.

🍴 How to peel butternut squash

The skin of butternut squash is thick and hard. So peeling it is tricky. Especially if you have arthritis or any other kind of pain or condition in your hands. For this, you will need a sharp vegetable peeler.

I find it easier to peel the squash lengthwise.

♨️ How to cook butternut squash

How to cook butternut squash in the oven

Roast halves with skin on

This method is the easiest and quickest one as you don't peel the squash before roasting it. As I am someone who really doesn't like to slave in my kitchen, this is my favorite one!

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Rince out the squash under cold water
• Cut the stem off of the butternut, cut it in two halves and remove the seeds.
• Place the squash halves cut side down (as seen in the picture below) on a baking tray.
• Bake for 45 minutes or until squash is tender. To check if the squash is cooked, prick a knife into it through the skin : it should be soft.

Roast in cubes

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Cut the stem off of the butternut, cut it in two halves and remove the seeds.
• Peel the butternut squash and cut it into cubes.
• Place the cubes on a baking tray. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
• Bake for 30 minutes or cubes are tender.

How to cook butternut squash on stove

To cook butternut squash on the stove you can either use a steamer or a frying pan. Either way, you first need to cut the butternut squash into cubes.

Start by cutting the butternut crosswise.

Then cut the slices in cubes.

Cook butternut using a steamer

• Put all the cubes in your steamer basket add the water according to the specific instructions of your steamer and let the squash cook for about 30 minutes or until squash is tender.

Sauteed butternut squash

Heat a little bit of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add squash cubes and cook, stirring frequently, until tender (about 30 minutes).

🍱 How to store butternut squash

How to store raw and whole butternut squash

Whole and raw squashes can be stored for a few months in a dark and cool place.

How to store cut butternut squash

Whether it is cooked or still raw, cut butternut squash should not be stored for more than a few days (3 to 4 days) in an airtight container, in the fridge.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

🍲 Butternut squash recipes

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