Whole butternut squash roasted in the oven (easy & quick)

Oct 07, 20250 comments
Whole butternut squash baked in the oven, golden and melting

Whole butternut squash roasted in the oven (easy & quick)

Lou Chardin – Editor at Neary
By Lou Fall Recipes 🍂

Quick answer: To bake a whole butternut squash in the oven without cutting it, wash it, prick the skin, then bake it as is at 180°C until it is tender (about 1 hour 10 minutes depending on size). You will obtain a soft flesh, easy to stuff, blend or simply enjoy with a drizzle of olive oil. 🥄🔥

How to bake a whole butternut squash in the oven without cutting it?

Want a super simple, no-fuss way to cook your butternut squash? Roasting the butternut squash whole in the oven is the secret to melt-in-the-mouth, ultra-flavorful flesh. You don't even have to struggle with peeling or cutting it (we all know it can be a bit of a challenge 🏋️‍♂️). Here's how to do it, step by step:

  1. Wash your squash well under water to remove all traces of soil.
  2. Pierce the skin with a fork or the tip of a knife in several places (like a potato). This prevents it from exploding during cooking 🤓.
  3. Place it on a baking sheet lined with baking paper or in an ovenproof dish.
  4. Bake at 180°C (fan-assisted if possible) and cook for about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. The time depends on the size of your butternut squash, so check with a knife: it should sink in like butter 🧈.
  5. Leave to cool for 10 minutes outside the oven before handling: the skin will then peel off by itself, and you can cut it and remove the seeds without burning yourself.

The result: a golden, soft squash that's so easy to use! Make quick purées, creamy soups, or even a "butternut surprise" vegetable stuffing 🥄.

Tips and tricks to enhance cooking!
  • Smart seasoning : You can rub the skin with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, or even spices (curry, smoked paprika 🌶️) before putting it in the oven. This gently flavors the flesh.
  • Sweet and savory version : Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup halfway through cooking, and some fresh herbs (thyme, sage 🌿) for a real autumnal twist.
  • Save time : Whole-baked is perfect if you want to prepare ahead of time. Once cooked, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, ready to be used in many recipes.
  • Edible skin : After cooking, the skin of the butternut squash is tender and can be eaten (after blending into soup or gratin) if you use an organic squash.
Side dish and recipe ideas with whole butternut squash
  • In a smooth purée : Collect the cooked flesh, mash it with a dash of vegetable cream or milk, a pinch of nutmeg and a little grated parmesan 🧀.
  • Quick Soup : Blend butternut squash with broth, roasted garlic, and a touch of coconut milk for a smooth and flavorful soup. A handful of toasted seeds on top and it's guaranteed to be a treat 🥣.
  • For stuffing : Cut the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, then fill the hollow with fresh goat cheese, walnuts, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake in the oven to brown, and you've got a stunning veggie dish!
  • Warm salad : Warm butternut squash cubes, lamb's lettuce, feta, hazelnuts, dried cranberries and balsamic vinaigrette 🍇.

Want to vary your cooking? Try Lorraine pumpkin for a different flavor or discover other cooking methods with our air fryer guide !

What to do with the skin and seeds?
  • Roasted seeds : Collect them, wash them, dry them, and roast them with a little salt or paprika in the oven. They're perfect for snacking on as an aperitif or to add crunch to a soup 🤩.
  • The skin : If it's well cooked and your squash is organic, blend it into a puree or a velouté, it's zero waste and just as tasty!

And for even more inspiration, discover our local butternut squash , to cook however you like!

Frequently asked questions about cooking whole butternut squash
  • Should you pierce the squash? Yes, it's important to prevent it from bursting under the pressure of the steam 🔥.
  • Can you bake a stuffed butternut squash whole? Yes: start by pre-cooking it whole, then cut it, remove the seeds, and garnish it as desired before finishing baking it in the oven.
  • How long does it take to cook? Generally, a medium squash takes around 1 hour 10 minutes at 180°C, but this can be adjusted according to size and ripeness. The bigger it is, the longer it takes!
  • Does this work with other squashes? Yes, the method also works for pumpkin or butternut squash.
  • What is butternut squash? Discover all about the history of butternut squash and its nutritional benefits.

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