The Best Ways to Freeze Butternut Squash
Pumpkins and winter squashes like butternut, acorn, and kabocha will keep for months when stored in a cool, dry place, but sometimes it’s helpful to extend their shelf life even more. And the best way to do it is by freezing.
Regardless of the variety, and whether you’re working with raw or cooked winter squash, here are the two best methods for preserving it in the freezer.
Peel and Freeze Cubes of Raw Butternut Squash
The best way to freeze raw butternut and other varieties of winter squash is in one-inch cubes, after first peeling it and removing the seeds.
Peel and cut the squash into one-inch chunks. Spread the pieces in a single layer on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer. When completely frozen, transfer the squash to a freezer-safe bag or container with about 1/2 inch headspace to allow for food expansion. The squash can be roasted straight from the freezer (no thawing necessary!), or tossed directly into soups, stews, and chili.
Roast it: How To Roast Frozen Butternut Squash
Recipes to Use Thawed Butternut Squash Cubes
Portion and Freeze Cooked Butternut Squash
When cooked, the best way to freeze winter squash is as a purée, which holds up well once thawed. And the best method is to portion the puréed squash, then freeze for later.
Purées can be frozen in ice cube trays, muffin tins, and in small portions (about 1/2 cup) on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, the purée can be transferred and stored in a resealable freezer bag for up to three months.
Recipes to Use Butternut Squash Puree
How to Freeze Raw Butternut Squash
Cut your butternut squash into cubes and freeze them to use down the road.
Ingredients
Butternut squash, any amount
Equipment
Knife
Cutting board
Vegetable peeler
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Freezer-safe bags
Instructions
Peel butternut squash and remove its seeds.
Cut into 1-inch chunks.
Spread the pieces in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer.
When completely frozen, transfer the squash to a freezer-safe bag or container with about 1/2 inch headspace to allow for food expansion.
How to Freeze Cooked Butternut Squash
The best way to preserve butternut squash that's been cooked is to freeze it as a purée.
Ingredients
Butternut squash purée, any amount
Equipment
Muffin tin, ice cube trays, or baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Freezer-safe bags
Instructions
Scoop 1/2-cup portions of purée in rows onto parchment-lined baking sheet or into the compartments of a muffin tin. Alternatively, if using ice cube trays, fill each with purée, leaving about a 1/4 inch at the top since the squash will slightly expand as it freezes.
Put the baking sheet, muffin tin, or ice cube trays in your freezer and freeze until solid, 3-4 hours.
Once frozen, the purée can be transferred and stored in a resealable freezer bag for up to three months.
