The Easiest Ina Garten Mashed Butternut Squash Recipe You’ll Love

Mashed butternut squash transforms ordinary side dishes into culinary masterpieces that sparkle with rustic elegance.

Creamy textures and subtle sweetness define this seasonal vegetable’s incredible potential for comfort food.

Rich golden hues promise a delightful sensory experience that goes beyond basic preparations.

Nutritious and versatile, this recipe celebrates the natural complexity of farm-fresh ingredients.

Smooth, velvety consistency emerges from careful seasoning and gentle cooking techniques that enhance the squash’s inherent character.

Each spoonful carries warmth and depth, inviting diners to savor autumn’s most beloved vegetable.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dish connects home cooks with genuine, nourishing flavors: prepare to be delighted.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Butternut Mash

• Effortless Oven-Roasted Goodness: This recipe transforms butternut squash into a delightful side dish with minimal preparation, making it perfect for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Naturally Sweet and Savory Comfort: The combination of olive oil and maple syrup creates a magical balance of flavors, bringing out the squash's natural sweetness while adding a rich, warm undertone that makes this dish irresistibly delicious.
• Versatile Texture Delight: You control the final texture – whether you prefer silky smooth or rustic and chunky mashed squash, this recipe gives you the freedom to customize to your exact liking, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dining occasions.
• Foolproof Healthy Cooking Method: Roasting the squash brings out its deep, caramelized flavors while keeping all the nutritional benefits intact, creating a simple yet sophisticated side dish that feels both luxurious and wholesome.

Gather These Ingredients for Silky Squash

Main Ingredients:

Butternut Squash: A sweet, nutty winter squash that forms the base of this creamy side dish, best when firm and heavy for its size with smooth, unblemished skin.

Olive Oil: Helps roast the squash and adds a subtle fruity flavor, choose extra virgin for best taste and quality.

Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize the squash’s surface, pure maple syrup works best for authentic flavor.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the squash’s natural sweetness and adding depth of flavor, freshly ground black pepper recommended for best taste.

Optional Finishing Ingredients:

None mentioned in the original recipe.

How to Whip Up the Creamiest Squash Ever

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Warm your oven to 350°F. Position the rack in the center. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for clean cooking and easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare Butternut Squash

Thoroughly wash and dry the butternut squash. Using a sharp knife, slice the squash lengthwise. Carefully remove all seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.

Step 3: Season The Squash

• Olive oil
• Pure maple syrup

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 4: Roast To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check tenderness by piercing with a fork – the squash should feel soft and easily mashed.

Step 5: Create Creamy Mashed Squash

Allow squash to cool slightly for comfortable handling. Scoop out the golden flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash using a potato masher or fork until reaching desired consistency – smooth or slightly chunky.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste the mashed squash. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optional: Add a touch of butter or cream for extra richness.

Tips for Depth, Sweetness, and Perfect Texture

• Roast for Maximum Flavor: Cut the squash in half and drizzle with olive oil to caramelize the natural sugars, intensifying the sweet, nutty taste.
• Customize Your Seasoning: Experiment with herbs like thyme or sage to complement the squash's natural richness and add depth to the recipe.
• Smooth Mashing Technique: Use a potato masher or ricer for a silky, lump-free texture that ensures a creamy, luxurious side dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the mashed butternut squash up to two days in advance and reheat gently, keeping the vibrant flavors intact.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Leave some skin on for extra fiber and nutrients, making this side dish both delicious and wholesome.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Flavor

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for mashed butternut squash. Remove all air and seal in airtight bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain original flavor. Ideal for long-term storage and preserving nutritional value.
• Portion Freezing: Divide leftover mashed squash into individual serving sizes using ice cube trays or small containers. Once frozen solid, transfer cubes to freezer bags for easy meal prep and quick defrosting. Perfect for future side dishes or baby food.
• Glass Container Storage: Select thick-walled glass containers with tight-fitting lids for refrigerator storage. These containers prevent flavor transfer and keep mashed butternut squash fresh for up to 4 days. Opt for transparent containers to easily track remaining quantity and prevent food waste.

Flavor Add-Ins You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner

• Spicy Maple Chili Squash: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery kick that complements the sweet maple undertones. Sprinkle ground cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Herbed Butternut Blend: Mix in fresh chopped sage, thyme, or rosemary during mashing to create an aromatic herb-infused side dish. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for brightness.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted pepitas, chopped pecans, or sliced almonds over the mashed squash for a satisfying textural contrast. Drizzle with brown butter for richness.
• Creamy Parmesan Version: Fold in grated parmesan cheese and a splash of heavy cream for a luxurious, savory transformation. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Butternut Squash, But Not Boring

Butternut squash becomes pure culinary magic with Ina Garten’s masterful recipe.

Her signature technique elevates this humble vegetable into a luxurious side dish.

Comfort meets sophistication through simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Maple syrup and olive oil create golden caramelization that deepens natural sweetness.

Home chefs can confidently recreate this restaurant-quality experience in their kitchen.

Each forkful promises warmth, richness, and authentic flavor that connects you to seasonal harvest traditions.

Savor this recipe, share its deliciousness across social platforms, spark conversation with fellow cooking enthusiasts, and inspire kitchen creativity among friends and family.

Ina Garten Mashed Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s mashed butternut squash brings rustic elegance to autumn dinner tables. Creamy, smooth, and infused with sage and brown butter, this side dish offers comfort and warmth while highlighting seasonal ingredients you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash (about 3 to 4 pounds / 1.4 to 1.8 kilograms)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) almond milk or milk of choice
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 grams) cayenne pepper

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
3. Thoroughly rinse the squash under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice the squash in half lengthwise, creating two equal portions.
5. Remove the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each squash half using a spoon, creating a clean cavity.
6. Place the squash halves with the cut side facing upward on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Drizzle of olive oil evenly over the cut surfaces of the squash.
8. Gently brush the maple syrup across the oiled surfaces to create a light, sweet glaze.
9. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper across the squash halves to enhance natural flavors.
10. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the flesh becomes fork-tender and easily pierced.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the squash to cool for 10-15 minutes to make handling easier.
12. Scoop the soft, roasted flesh into a mixing bowl using a large spoon.
13. Mash the squash thoroughly with a potato masher or fork, creating either a smooth puree or leaving some texture as desired.
14. Taste the mashed squash and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or maple syrup as needed.

Notes

• Roasting transforms butternut squash into a caramelized, sweet delicacy with minimal kitchen effort.
• Skin-on cooking preserves nutrients and creates a delightful textural contrast during the roasting process.
• Washing removes surface dirt and potential contaminants, ensuring a clean and safe ingredient.
• Selecting a high-quality squash means checking for smooth, deep-colored skin without soft spots or blemishes.
• Weight matters when choosing your squash – heavier specimens indicate more moisture and better flavor potential.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg