How to Microwave Butternut Squash

Name: How To Microwave Butternut Squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash

Learn how to microwave butternut squash in a few simple steps. This steamed butternut squash can be used in many different ways.

Butternut squash is a staple winter squash in many households. Packed with vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber, this veggie is nutritious and delicious.

Steamed butternut squash in a white bowl with a dish of butter, two plates and two forks next to the squash all on top of a wood round.

It is also a vegetable that kids love. The bright orange color combined with the sweet flavor has my kids requesting butternut squash throughout the fall and winter months.

Once you learn how to microwave butternut squash, it will be your go-to cooking method. It is the quickest way to cook squash. This step-by-step guide will show you how simple it is to microwave squash.

How to Microwave Butternut Squash:

The best part of microwaved butternut squash is that it uses a few pieces of equipment and only 1 ingredient. To get started, gather the equipment and grab your butternut squash.

Equipment

cutting board
chefs knife
spoon
parchment paper
bowl

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash

A butternut squash cut in half on top of a white cutting board with a knife on the cutting board all on top of a wood countertop.

1. Prepare the squash.

Prepping a butternut squash can be intimidating. It is actually a lot easier than you expect. To prepare the squash, cut the ends off each side. This will create a flat surface to help you carefully cut the squash in half.

Next, stand the squash on one of the flat ends. Cut in half. Cutting the squash is important because it allows steam to escape when cooking.

Scoop the seeds out of each half.

FUN FACT: you can eat butternut squash seeds just like pumpkin seeds. Roasted Squash Seeds are very tasty.

2. Cook the squash.

Place each half (with the skin side facing up) on a piece of parchment paper.

Place the parchment paper with the squash halves into the microwave. Microwave for 15-25 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender. Rotate halfway through.

PRO TIP: The microwave time will depend on the size of the squash. For a medium-sized squash, it will take around 15 minutes. However, large sizes will require more time.

A microwave steamed butternut squash cut in half that is on top of brown parchment paper with a spoon that has scooped out squash into a white bowl.

3. Scoop cooked squash from the shell.

Carefully remove from the microwave using potholders. Scoop out the flesh of the squash from the shell.

What do I make with butternut squash?

There are so many different ways to enjoy butternut squash. Butternut squash tastes great alone or seasoned with salt and pepper.

It is also a great winter squash to add to a recipe. A few include Slow Cooker Butternut Swash Soup with Apple, Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta, Butternut Squash Risotto, Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins

Steamed butternut squash in a white bowl.

FAQs:

Do I have to cook butternut squash in the microwave?

Butternut squash can be roasted, baked or slow cooked. Microwaving butternut squash is only one way to enjoy this veggie. As a Registered Dietitian, I do recommend microwaving if you are looking for a simple and quick cooking method.

Can I cook other winter squash varieties in the microwave?

Yes. You can microwave butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash. Simply swap any squash variety for the butternut squash in this step-by-step guide.

More How To Recipes:

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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