How To Freeze Butternut Squash

Can you freeze butternut squash? Yes, you can freeze squash, and it’s an effective solution to avoid wasting this delicious vegetable. Often, we find ourselves in the predicament of chopping up a butternut squash for a recipe, only to use half of it and let the rest go to waste. The good news is that freezing butternut squash is a straightforward process.

To ensure your butternut squash doesn’t spoil, follow these simple steps. First, use what you need for your recipe. Then, chop the remaining squash into suitable portions and freeze them. This way, you’ll have readily available butternut squash for future culinary endeavors.

The convenience of having frozen butternut squash on hand means you can skip the last-minute trips to the store when a recipe calls for it. With these easy freezing instructions, you can enjoy the versatility and flavor of butternut squash without any waste, making your cooking experience more efficient and eco-friendly.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes

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RELATED: How To Cut Butternut Squash

How To Freeze Butternut Squash:

1. Prepare the squash. Place the diced butternut squash onto the baking sheet in one layer, making sure the pieces don’t touch.
2. Freeze the squash. Place the baking sheet into the freezer for 30 minutes – 1 hour. This ensures the squash pieces don’t freeze together. 
3. Place the squash into a Ziplock bag. Remove the baking sheet with the semi-frozen squash from the freezer and place the squash pieces into a ziplock bag. Remove as much air from the bag as possible, seal, then freeze for later use. 

Freezing Winter Squash Tips and Tricks

• Uniformly Dice the Squash: When chopping the butternut squash, aim for uniform pieces. This ensures even freezing and makes it easier to use in future recipes.
• Single Layer on Baking Sheet: Spread the diced butternut squash evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure that the pieces are not touching each other. This prevents them from sticking together during freezing.
• Pre-Chill in the Freezer: Before transferring the squash to a Ziplock bag, place the baking sheet with the diced squash in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This initial freeze helps individual pieces set and prevents them from clumping together in the bag.
• Air Removal in Ziplock Bag: Transfer the semi-frozen butternut squash to a Ziplock bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. This reduces the risk of freezer burn and maintains the quality of the squash.
• Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the Ziplock bag with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the squash has been in the freezer and ensures you use it within a reasonable timeframe.
• Portion Control: Consider dividing the diced butternut squash into smaller, recipe-sized portions before freezing. This way, you can easily grab the amount you need without defrosting the entire batch.
• Use Freezer-Safe Containers: If you prefer not to use plastic bags, you can also store the diced squash in freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave some space at the top to accommodate any expansion during freezing.

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