How to Freeze Butternut Squash
Butternut squash has proven to be one of the simplest vegetables to cultivate in our garden. Last fall, we casually tossed squash seeds along with kitchen scraps into our garden, and by summer, our backyard was filled with sprawling butternut squash vines. We ended up with so much of this wonderful fall vegetable that we couldn’t consume it all or give it away to our neighbors. This experience taught me the valuable skill of freezing butternut squash.

How to Freeze Butternut Squash
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Freezing preserves the flavor and texture of butternut squash, allowing you to enjoy it in soups, casseroles, or roasted dishes at any time. Here’s how to effectively freeze butternut squash so you can have it ready for recipes throughout the year.
There are two primary methods for freezing butternut squash, depending on whether you want to freeze it raw or uncooked or cooked. Both methods will help you keep your squash long after the fall harvest.
Freezing Uncooked Butternut Squash
Freezing uncooked butternut squash is an easy process, ideal for using in soups, stews, or roasted vegetables. This method is often favored for its simplicity and speed.
- Rinse the squash under cold water to eliminate any dirt.
- Peel and chop the squash into cubes or slices based on your preference. Smaller cubes cook faster, while slices are perfect for roasting.
- Thoroughly dry the squash pieces with a paper towel or kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange the dried pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours until solid. This step prevents them from clumping together later.
- Once frozen, transfer the pieces into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date and store them for up to 12 months.
Freezing Cooked Butternut Squash
Cooked butternut squash also freezes well and is an excellent choice for purees, soups, or casseroles where texture is less critical.
- Cook the squash by roasting, sauteing, steaming, or boiling until tender. Using an Instant Pot is a convenient option.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- If desired, puree the squash.
- Portion the cooked squash or puree into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Remove any excess air from the bags, seal them tightly, and label the containers with the date. Store them in the freezer for up to 10 months.
Using Frozen Squash in Recipes
How you use frozen butternut squash depends on whether it was frozen raw or cooked. Uncooked squash will maintain more of its texture than cooked squash.
Uncooked butternut squash can be added directly to soups, stews, or casseroles without thawing since the moisture retained from freezing won’t impact these dishes. It can also be pureed or mashed and served alongside delicious roast chicken or lamb. However, it’s not ideal for roasting after freezing, as it may become too wet and steam instead of roast.
“I always keep a bag of frozen butternut squash in my freezer as it saves me the hassle of peeling and chopping a fresh squash,” says Kristin King of Dizzy Busy and Hungry. “It’s perfect for making quick stovetop butternut squash soup. Sometimes I even dump a bag into the slow cooker with some diced apples, dried cranberries, and warm spices for an easy, flavorful side dish!”
Cooked butternut squash can be incorporated into recipes like purees, soups, or baked goods. Since cooked squash becomes softer after freezing, it works best in dishes where texture isn’t a primary concern, such as creamy soups, sauces, or mashed dishes. Adding warm spices like cumin or pumpkin spice for added flavor.
Here’s what you need to know about other types of winter squash, including how to freeze them, too.
Final Thoughts
To get the best results when freezing butternut squash, consider using the best specimens possible. You want squash that is firm and free of blemishes. Conversely, avoid overripe or damaged squash. That’s like to turn mushy after freezing.
To prevent freezer burn, ensure that you remove as much air as possible from bags or containers before sealing. Finally, always label your frozen items with the date to monitor their freshness. Once their best-by date has come and gone, toss the frozen squash in the compost.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.