Description

This creamy and flavorful Mashed Butternut Squash recipe is a comforting side dish perfect for any meal. Roasted to bring out its natural sweetness and mashed with butter, garlic, thyme, and a touch of maple syrup, this dish balances savory and sweet perfectly. Easy to prepare and ideal for holiday dinners or weeknight meals, it yields a smooth and rich texture that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash

3 ½ – 4 pounds butternut squash
1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
1 ¼ teaspoons salt (divided)
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Seasoning and Add-ins

3 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2-4 tablespoons milk (regular or plant-based)
1 teaspoon thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the squash.
Prepare the squash: Cut off 1-inch from both ends of the butternut squash. Carefully slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out all seeds and scrape any stringy strands from the cavity.
Roast the squash: Drizzle the cut sides of the squash halves with oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt. Place them cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until fork tender throughout. Let cool for about 20 minutes until safe to handle.
Mash the squash: Scoop the roasted flesh out into a large bowl. Using a potato masher, mash the squash until no large lumps remain. For a smoother texture, pulse the squash briefly in a food processor if desired.
Season the mash: Melt the butter in the microwave along with the minced garlic to slightly cook the garlic. Add this garlic butter to the mashed squash along with maple syrup, chopped thyme, the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
Adjust consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time to the mixture while stirring until you achieve your preferred creamy consistency.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired, and enjoy your flavorful mashed butternut squash.

Notes

Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil and use plant-based milk.
Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your desired sweetness level.
Mashed butternut squash pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, or as a vegetarian main dish side.
You can prepare the squash ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.