Mashed Butternut Squash 🧡 (2024)

Mashed butternut squash is a creamy, delicious, & slightly sweet side dish made with roasted butternut squash, butter, cream, and maple syrup.

This mashed butternut squash recipe is a fall and winter favorite in our home! Try it with other seasonal dishes like garlic and blue cheese acorn squash or white chicken chili.

Mashed Butternut Squash

Mashed Butternut Squash Ingredients

• Butternut squash – Whole butternut squash. You can also substitute the equivalent amount of pre-cut fresh or frozen butternut squash.
• Heavy cream – Heavy whipping cream, or half and half will also work.
• Maple syrup – Pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
• Butter – Salted butter, melted.
• Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon.

Scroll down to printable recipe card for detailed ingredient list.

How do you make mashed butternut squash?

⭐ First, halve the butternut squash and scoop out the seeds. Place on a baking dish (cut side up), and brush the tops with melted butter.

⭐ Then, roast until squash is tender and starting to brown around the edges. When the squash has cooled enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and place it in a large bowl.

⭐ Next, add the remaining butter, maple syrup, cinnamon and heavy cream.

⭐ Finally, mash or whip until all the ingredients are well incorporated and it has reached your desired texture.

Scroll down to printable recipe card for detailed directions.

Instant pot mashed butternut squash

To make this in the instant pot, halve the squash and scoop out the seeds. Cut halves again to quarter, and place in instant pot on top of wire trivet.

Add water to the bottom of the pot, cover, and set to sealing. Cook on manual (high pressure), then allow a natural pressure release. Remove squash, and scoop the flesh out into a bowl, whisk together with remaining ingredients.

Scroll down to printable recipe card for detailed directions.

Preparation

Can you use frozen butternut squash?

Absolutely, frozen or pre-cut butternut squash would also work for this recipe. Roasting time may not take as long if the pieces are small cubed, so make sure for doneness as it cooks and remove when fork tender.

Steamed butternut squash for mashed butternut squash?

We love the flavor roasting imparts, but if you prefer, then yes it can absolutely be steamed on the stove top, in a rice cooker, in the microwave, or using a pressure cooker.

Can mashed butternut squash be made ahead of time?

Yes! This is one of those dishes that is perfect for making a few days in advance to lighten your holiday cooking load. (Or longer if you want to freeze it).

Store covered in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or on the stove top before serving. If it has thickened, you can whisk in some water or broth until it returns to your desired consistency.

Leftovers and storage

How long does mashed butternut squash last?

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 4 – 5 days. Store in a covered, air-tight container for best results.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top before serving. If it has thickened, you can whisk in some water or broth until it returns to your desired consistency.

Can you freeze mashed butternut squash?

Yes, allow the mash to cool to room temperature, then store in a freezer safe, air-tight container for up to 6 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or on defrost (low power) in the microwave, stirring every few minutes.

Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions

🧡 Add a dash or two of nutmeg for even more fall flavor.

🧡 Mix half and half with mashed potatoes for a butternut squashed mashed potato dish.

🧡 Sprinkle with goat cheese and parmesan, then bake for a mashed butternut squash casserole.

What to eat with mashed butternut squash (serving suggestions)

This is a holiday favorite in our home that is often served with brown sugar glazed ham, quick yeast dinner rolls, and green bean casserole.

It’s also great as an easy weekday side dish with parmesan chicken and roasted green beans.

What does mashed butternut squash taste like?

This recipe is reminiscent of sweet potato, but smoother and silkier with a gentle sweetness, a bit of savory, a little earthiness, and a whole lot of delicious autumn flavor.

It is not super sweet like sweet potato casserole, rather it is mostly savory with a hint of sweet from its natural flavor and the maple syrup. If you prefer it to be entirely savory, you can skip the syrup and add some salt and pepper and curry powder.

If you prefer it sweeter, try a little more syrup, a dollop of marshmallow fluff or some brown sugar.

More butternut squash recipes

• Roasted butternut squash cubes
• Butternut squash salad
• Whole roasted butternut squash
• Butternut squash mac and cheese
• See all our butternut squash recipes!

Other ideas for holiday sides

• Pumpkin pasta
• Air fryer corn on the cob
• Smashed potatoes
• Cheesy hashbrown casserole
• Corn casserole
• See all our easy side dish recipes!

Tools we love

• Butcher’s Block Cutting Board– Have it and love it! I bet you’ve seen it on theMama Loves Food Live Show!
• Stainless Steel5-Piece Flatware Serving Set – Just an overall great and classic set. Perfect for serving mashed potatoes.
• OXO Good Grips Smooth Potato Masher– While not strictly necessary, this will make the potato mashing easier and faster!

How to Make Mashed Butternut Squash