Mashed Butternut Squash (sweet or savory)
Whether you make it sweet or savory, mashed butternut squash will be a standout on your Thanksgiving table, or as a healthy side dish any day of the week!
Servings 8 servings
Calories 147kcal
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (3 to 3 ½ lbs.)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup whole milk (or any milk you choose)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Savory Mashed Squash
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (or ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Sweet Mashed Squash
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (or freshly grated)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Scrub squash. Using a sharp heavy knife, cut the squash in half lengthwise (from stem to blossom end). Use a sturdy spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy fiber in the center.
- Rub cut side of squash halves with oil and sprinkle with salt. Place cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes to one hour or until squash is fork tender.
- Remove squash from oven. When squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out flesh, putting it into a large mixing bowl.
- Add milk and butter; choose sweet or savory additions. Use a potato masher to mash the squash until you achieve the desired consistency (see note).
- Serve hot, or cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating.
Notes
- You may use an electric hand mixer if you prefer a smoother mash.
- Storage: Mashed butternut squash can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make ahead: Make squash mash and place in a baking dish. Cover with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and then bake at 350ºF for 30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Refer to the post for more flavor ideas.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 637mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 18270IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 1mg