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Home » Vegetable Recipes » Creamy Mashed Butternut Squash

Creamy Mashed Butternut Squash

A photo of Vered DeLeeuw.
by Vered DeLeeuwUpdated Jun 25, 2025
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5 from 9 votes

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This easy recipe for mashed butternut squash is ready in 25 minutes and produces wonderfully flavorful and creamy results.

Mashed butternut squash is served in a white bowl.

Delightfully buttery and cheesy, mashed butternut squash is one of my favorite substitutes for mashed potatoes. I cook the squash in the microwave, then add butter, Parmesan, garlic, and salt. It's simple and good!

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make mashed butternut squash.

See the recipe card for exact measurements. Here are my comments on some of the ingredients.

  • Butternut squash: Peeled and cubed.
  • Butter: I use unsalted butter, but salted butter works too.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Make sure you use finely grated cheese and not coarsely shredded.
  • Minced garlic: You can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder instead, but freshly minced is best.

Sweet Variation

I usually prefer savory side dishes. But on occasion, I make a sweet version of this recipe. To try it, omit the salt, garlic, and parmesan. Then, add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the mash and process as usual. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon.

Instructions

The detailed instructions and step-by-step photos are included in the recipe card. Here's a quick overview.

Microwave the squash cubes until tender. Drain well.

Adding water to the bowl with the squash.

Add the cooked squash and the remaining ingredients to your food processor bowl and process until smooth.

The mash is ready in the food processor.

Transfer the mash to a serving bowl and serve.

The mash is served in a white bowl.

Recipe Tip

I make life easy by buying pre-cubed butternut squash, either at Whole Foods or at the supermarket. It usually comes in small plastic containers. If you buy it whole, make sure you have a sharp chef's knife and work carefully as you cut it into cubes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen squash?

Yes, absolutely, and this is what I do in the video below. Simply cook it according to the package directions and drain well.

I don't own a food processor. Can I still make this recipe?

Yes! Using the food processor is the easiest method. But you can use a potato masher or even a fork if you don't mind some elbow grease and a slightly lumpier consistency.

How do you thicken this mash?

Two things help thicken it. The first is draining the squash thoroughly after cooking it. The second is the addition og grated Parmesan. The Parmesan adds flavor and also acts as a thickener.

How long can I keep the leftovers?

You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave at 50% power. You can also freeze the cooled leftovers for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

This mash is a versatile side dish that goes with anything. I often serve it with one of the following main dishes:

  • Baked pork chops
  • Skin-on chicken breast
  • Ribeye roast
  • Pan-seared pork medallions
  • Chicken patties
  • Pulled chicken

Recipe Card

Mashed butternut squash is served in a white bowl.
5 from 9 votes
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Creamy Mashed Butternut Squash

This easy recipe for mashed butternut squash is ready in 25 minutes and produces wonderfully flavorful and creamy results.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 171kcal
Author: Vered DeLeeuw
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Video

Ingredients

  • 1 pound raw butternut squash - peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - softened
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese - grated; not shredded
  • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic - minced
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt - or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt

Instructions

  • Place the butternut squash cubes in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add ½ cup of water, cover, and microwave until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
    Adding water to the bowl with the squash.
  • Place the cooked squash in your food processor bowl. Add the butter, parmesan, garlic, and salt.
    The mash ingredients were added to the food processor.
  • Process until smooth, 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides with a spatula as needed. Start processing on low, then process on high until smooth.
    The mash is ready in the food processor.
  • Serve the mash immediately.
    The mash is served in a white bowl.

Notes

  • I make life easy by buying pre-cubed butternut squash, either at Whole Foods or at the supermarket. It usually comes in small plastic containers. If you buy it whole, make sure you have a sharp chef's knife and work carefully as you cut it into cubes.
  • If using frozen butternut squash cubes, microwave them according to the package directions and drain well.
  • Using the food processor is the easiest method, but you can use a potato masher or even a fork if you don't mind some elbow grease and a slightly lumpier consistency.
  • To ensure a thick mash, drain the squash well after microwaving it, and don't skip the grated Parmesan - it acts as a thickener in addition to adding flavor. 
  • You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave at 50% power. You can also freeze the cooled leftovers for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 0.25 recipe | Calories: 171 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Sodium: 380 mg | Fiber: 3 g

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Disclaimers

Most recipes are low-carb and gluten-free, but some are not. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate. Please verify it independently. The carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Please read these Terms of Use before using any of my recipes.

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Healthy Recipes Blog was founded in 2011 by Vered DeLeeuw. It features real food recipes with a focus on low-carb and gluten-free ingredients. All recipes are nutritionally reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. Contact us at HealthyRecipesBlog@gmail.com.

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