Yes, you can definitely cook butternut squash with the skin on! When cooked, the skin softens and becomes meltingly tender, especially when baked or stewed. Simply wash the squash thoroughly, cut or slice it according to the recipe, and then season it. You save time, retain more fiber, and limit waste. Butternut squash skin is thin, soft, and edible after cooking, unlike other thicker squashes.
- Brush and rinse the butternut squash thoroughly under water.
- Cut it in half, remove the seeds (save them for grilling!).
- Slice into cubes or quarters, without peeling.
- Season (olive oil, spices, herbs, etc.), then bake or steam.
- Cook it roasted, stuffed, in soup or fried – the skin becomes very pleasant to eat.
Can you cook butternut squash with the skin on?
The question often comes up: is it really possible—and good—to cook butternut squash with the skin on? Good news: yes! You can prepare and enjoy butternut squash without peeling it, and it's even a zero-waste, quick, and flavorful tip. Discover why, how, and in which recipes keeping the skin on will change the way you cook this essential fall vegetable.
Why keep the skin of the butternut squash?
- Save time : no more struggling to peel raw squash!
- Zero waste : we use everything, including the skin – it’s good for the planet.
- Nutritional richness : fibers, vitamins, antioxidants are concentrated in the skin.
- Texture : Once cooked, the skin becomes tender, especially when roasted or stewed.
When and how to cook butternut squash with the skin?
The skin of the butternut squash is thin and soft . It is easy to eat after cooking, unlike the thick skin of pumpkin or butternut squash. To enjoy it without worry:
- Wash and brush the squash thoroughly to remove all traces of soil.
- Slice into cubes or quarters , depending on your recipe.
- Remove the seeds (and save them for roasting, they're delicious!).
- Season (olive oil, salt, pepper, spices, herbs... depending on your mood).
- Bake (roast), steam, or stew. The skin will soften!
The result: a soft, flavorful squash with melting skin that's effortless to eat. Tip : roasting pieces skin-down becomes slightly crispy—a real treat!
Recipes where to keep the butternut skin
- Oven-roasted butternut squash : cut it into wedges, season, and bake for 35-40 minutes. The skin becomes tender!
- As fries : cut into sticks, oil, spices, and pop in the oven.
- Quick pan-fry : cubes sautéed with garlic, onion, rosemary, the skin is discreet.
- In a velvety texture : if you mix well, the skin does not feel it and it adds a velvety texture.
- Butternut squash individually : ideal for testing cooking with the skin on at home.
Should you always keep the skin on?
Most of the time, yes ! But if the squash is very old or the skin is damaged, you may prefer to remove it. For certain very smooth purees or recipes where the texture must be ultra-melting, peeling may be justified. But for the majority of uses, leave it on, you'll see, you won't regret it!
Butternut Squash Skin: Taste, Texture, and Nutrition
Once cooked, the butternut squash's skin is soft, discreet, and doesn't interfere with eating. Taste-wise, it remains neutral, leaving room for the squash's sweet flesh and pairing perfectly with spices. Nutritionally, you'll benefit from more fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins—perfect for a guilt-free treat!
Zero waste tip: everything is edible!
In addition to the skin, remember to save the butternut seeds: wash them, dry them, and toast them in the oven with a little salt and paprika. A healthy, waste-free, and ultra-crunchy snack!
Practical summary
- Yes, you can cook and eat the skin of the butternut squash – especially roasted or stewed.
- Clean the squash well before cutting it.
- No need to peel if the skin is nice and thin.
- Ideal for saving time and enjoying all the benefits of squash.
Try it at home!
The next time you cook a butternut squash, try cooking it with the skin on. You'll see, it's simple, quick, and delicious. And if you want an organic, local, and flavorful squash, check out our single butternut squash or get inspired by this recipe for roasted butternut squash with goat cheese to get you started.
FAQ – Can you cook butternut squash with the skin on?
- Is butternut squash skin really edible?
- Yes, it becomes soft after cooking and does not bother the mouth. Just wash it well before cooking.
- What cooking method should I use to keep the skin on?
- Oven (roasting) or steaming are great. The skin softens and gives a pleasant texture.
- Are there any precautions if I keep the skin?
- Choose an organic or local butternut squash, brush the skin well, and remove any damaged parts if necessary.
- Can you mix the skin in a soup?
- Yes! If you blend finely, the skin disappears and enriches the soup with fiber.
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