Frozen Butternut Squash: Raw, Blanched or Cooked – Tips & Advice
Freezing butternut squash is the perfect way to avoid waste—especially when you find a beautiful butternut squash individually or have some left over from a recipe. Whether you prefer it raw, blanched, or already cooked, freezing it will simplify your life in the kitchen 🥗. Not sure whether to chop everything upfront or freeze it as is? We'll explain everything, step by step, to keep the texture, flavor, and vitamins, without the hassle 💡.
Summary table: freezing butternut squash according to use
| Kind | Prep | Whitening | Freezing time | Ideal use | Trick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Believed | Cubes, diced | Optional (2 min if you want top preservation) | Tray 2 hours then bag | Soups, roasts, stews | Spread on a plate to avoid blocks |
| Bleached | Cubes, strips | Yes (boiling water 2–3 min, then iced) | Drained and dried, then bagged | Pan-fried, gratins, wok | The color remains vibrant 🧡 |
| Cooked | Puree, soup, roasted pieces | No | Directly in a jar or bag | Express reheating | Portions for batch cooking |
How to freeze butternut squash step by step?
- Wash and peel your butternut squash. Cut it in half and remove the seeds (keep them for grilling as an aperitif!).
- Cut into cubes, strips or brunoise, depending on the dishes you want to prepare later 🥗.
- Optional: blanch your pieces: immerse them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then in iced water to set the color.
- Dry well (clean cloth) to avoid frost.
- Spread on a plate, without overlapping, and place in the freezer for 2 hours (this prevents frozen blocks!).
- Bag portions in airtight bags or containers. Write the date and preparation method on them (blanched/raw/cooked).
- For already cooked butternut squash (roasted or mashed): wait until it is cold, then portion it into flat boxes or bags.
FAQ — Freezing Butternut Squash
Does frozen butternut squash change texture?
Yes, a little! After freezing, butternut squash becomes more tender when cooked, especially if you use it in soup or puree. For pan-frying, choose blanched cubes for optimal consistency 🥄.
Can you freeze whole butternut squash?
No, it's best to cut it first. Freezing it whole would lose flavor and texture, and it would be difficult to cut later. Cut it into chunks to maximize its flavor!
How long can you keep butternut squash in the freezer?
It can be stored for 8 to 12 months in a very cold freezer. Beyond that, it remains edible but may lose some flavor and color. Remember to write the date on your bags!
Should I defrost before cooking?
Not necessarily! You can put the still-frozen cubes directly in the oven, in a pan, or in a soup. For more even cooking, especially in a gratin, you can take them out 30 minutes beforehand.
Can you freeze butternut squash puree or soup?
Yes, no problem! Let it cool well, divide it into portions and freeze it flat to save space. Practical for quick meals, even on lazy evenings 😋.
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