Looking for a great butternut squash purée recipe? Here's a quick, simple way to roast butternut squash, which I can also be used when recipes call for pumpkin purée.
When I'm in need of some pumpkin purée for a pie, bread, or other pumpkin-based recipe I turn to roasted butternut squash for it's reliably sweet taste and smooth texture. This recipe is a "fast" roast, but if you have time try a slightly lower temperature which will yield an even tastier, melt-in-your-mouth squash. You'll be tempted to grab a spoon and eat right out of the skin, and I proudly confess to doing so.
To slow down this roast, take the oven temperature down to 350°F (175°C, or gas mark 4) and roast for about an hour. Your roasting time will vary a bit based on the size of the squash. It's done when you can easily slide a fork in the center of the squash.
And read the headnotes for a tip on how to avoid slicing the squash before baking it!
How to Make Butternut Squash Purée
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C, or gas mark 6).
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick mat.
- Slice the butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds, or take out the seeds at the end when they'll be a bit easier to scoop out.
- Place each squash half open side face down, skin up, on the baking pan.
- Roast for 30 minutes or until you can easily insert a fork in the center of the squash.
- Cool and scoop out the flesh (minus any seeds). Place the flesh in a blender or food processor to purée.
- Store sealed in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze for a few months.
Michelle says
I agree that the butternut squash is the best tasting, so sweet!
For the holiday of Sukkot we entertained nightly, so I made a huge batch of your pumpkin bread into loaves and muffins. It was the best tasting bread ever! I made ahead and froze for 2 weeks and took out what I needed each morning. It was a hit and went well with my beef stews, soups, chicken.....
Thanks for your delicious gluten free recipes!! 🙂
Erica says
Thanks, Michelle! Sorry for the late reply. I missed it the first time. Best wishes, Erica
Sue says
I leave the seeds in . . . and then blend the whole lot - flesh, seeds and skin. You end up with a really delicious nutty flavour. You do end up with tiny pieces of skin that don't totally puree, but you won't be disappointed by the taste!!
Erica says
really? I never thought to do that. I bet the seeds are soft anyway. I'll try it next time 🙂