4-Ingredient Mashed Butternut Squash

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4 Servings

Mashed butternut squash is full of flavor, easy to prepare, and a great alternative to mashed potatoes at mealtime. I like to slice the whole squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast it in the oven. This way the squash becomes so soft and tender all you have to do is gently scoop it from the outer layer of skin. The squash is already smooth and creamy, so mashing is easy. You can then add a bit of butter for flavor, a splash of cream for richness, and just about any seasoning you like. Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor similar to pumpkin so salt, pepper, and a dash of autumnal nutmeg is classic, but a bit of heat in the form of harissa or chipotle powder can play off that signature sweetness.

Ingredients

2 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds each)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Cut 2 medium butternut squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Place cut-side up in a large roasting pan.
Place 4 tablespoons unsalted butter a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, about 60 seconds total. Brush the melted butter onto the cut sides of the butternut squash, using it all. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg evenly over the butter.
Bake until the butternut squash is very tender when poked with a fork, about 1 hour. Let the squash cool for about 10 minutes.
Scoop out the flesh into a large bowl and discard the skins. Coarsely mash the flesh with a potato masher. Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream and continue to mash until smooth. Taste and season with more kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and dot the top with more small pats of butter if desired.