Butternut Bliss: Sweet or Savory

Looking for an easy and delicious side dish? This mashed butternut squash
recipe is a winner! I’ve shared other butternut squash recipes before, like
soup, curry, and even crostini. But this recipe is the easiest yet! It’s
incredibly simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday
gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Mashed Butternut Squash

Super easy to make. The beauty of this recipe is its
simplicity. You don’t even have to peel the squash! The squash halves are
roasted in the oven until tender, and then the flesh is easily scooped out
and mashed.

Sweet or savory options. Customize your mashed butternut squash
to your liking! This recipe is adaptable. Consider adding smoked paprika,
thyme, and a touch of cayenne for a savory twist, or opt for brown sugar,
cinnamon, and nutmeg for a sweet, comforting flavor reminiscent of sweet
potato casserole.

Effortless side dish. When you’re cooking a Thanksgiving dinner or
any meal that requires a lot of attention, you want simple side dishes. This
mashed butternut squash recipe delivers just that! Roast the squash until
tender, then mash with your chosen seasonings. It’s that easy!

Make it ahead. Save time and reduce stress by making the mashed
butternut squash ahead of time. It tastes just as good the next day. Reheat
it in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredient Guide

• Butternut Squash – The star of the show! Look for a
  butternut squash that is light tan in color and has a vibrant orange flesh.
  A squash around three to four pounds is ideal, but adjust the ingredients if
  it’s larger or smaller.
• Olive Oil – A light coating of olive oil prevents the squash
  from sticking to the pan and helps it roast to perfection.
• Whole Milk – Whole milk adds creaminess and richness. Feel
  free to use half-and-half for extra indulgence, or any type of milk you
  prefer.
• Melted Butter – Butter is essential for enhancing the flavor
  of mashed butternut squash. For the sweet version, consider using brown
  butter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Kosher Salt – Salt is essential to enhance the flavors.
• Savory Seasonings – For a savory dish, consider smoked
  paprika, dried or fresh thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Sweet Seasonings – For a sweet dish, use brown sugar, ground
  cinnamon, and nutmeg.

How to Make Butternut Squash Mash

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Squash. Preheat your oven to 425°F
(220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

Step 2: Season and Roast. Brush the cut sides of the squash
halves with olive oil and season with salt. Place the squash cut-side down on
the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Roast Until Tender. Roast the squash for 45 minutes to
one hour, or until the squash is fork-tender. Test it by inserting a fork
into the thickest part; it should go in easily.

Step 4: Mash and Season. Let the squash cool slightly. Then,
scoop out the flesh with a spoon and transfer it to a large bowl. Add milk,
melted butter, and your chosen seasonings.

Step 5: Mash to Desired Consistency. Use a potato masher to mash
the squash until you achieve the desired consistency. For an ultra-smooth and
creamy texture, use an electric mixer.

Recipe Variations

• Savory Flavor Ideas: Add roasted garlic, fresh rosemary or
  oregano, crispy fried sage leaves, caramelized onions, a swirl of balsamic
  syrup, or cooked crumbled bacon. Try air fryer bacon! Garnish with freshly
  grated Parmesan cheese or maple chili roasted pepitas.
• Sweet Flavor Ideas: Add a sweetener like maple syrup or
  honey for added flavor. Stir in vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, cardamom,
  ginger, or nutmeg. A teaspoon or two of pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice
  also works well. Garnish with spiced pecans or toasted walnuts.
• Make it Vegan: Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter in place
  of the dairy ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed butternut squash is the perfect side dish for any meal. Serve it
alongside proteins like roasted chicken breasts or air fryer pork chops, and
other sides like sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli. This recipe is also
great for Thanksgiving, paired with other holiday favorites like cranberry
sauce and crockpot mashed potatoes.

For a hearty vegetarian meal, serve the squash mash with rice pilaf, quinoa,
or another grain, and sautéed spinach or sweet and sour German red cabbage.

Make-Ahead Tips

The beauty of this recipe is that you can prepare it in advance. Simply make
the mashed butternut squash and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until
you’re ready to serve. It tastes just as good, so you can save time and
effort.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate/Freeze: Store mashed butternut squash in an
airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to
3 months. Thaw frozen squash in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For
larger amounts, place the squash in a baking dish, cover with foil, and let
it come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake at 350ºF (175°C) for 30
minutes, or until heated through.