How to Roast a Whole Butternut Squash (Pun Intended), by Jessica Gavin on YouTube. 1 min.
- Video length
- 1 min
- Time to do it
- 1 hour 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Heat the oven to 400 F (200 C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Rinse the squash and pat it dry. Prick the skin all over with a fork or the tip of a paring knife, about 10 to 15 holes.
Set the whole squash on the baking sheet and put it on the middle rack.
Roast for 50 to 60 minutes. Start checking at 45 minutes if the squash is small.
Test doneness by pushing a thin knife into the neck. It is ready when the blade slides in with no resistance.
Lift the squash onto a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle.
Cut off the stem end, then slice the squash in half lengthwise with a sharp chef's knife on a stable board.
Scoop out the seeds and stringy centre with a spoon and discard them.
Scoop the flesh into a bowl, or cube or slice it, then season and use it in soup, mash or puree.
Tips and common mistakes
Prick the skin deeply, since a sealed squash can burst in the oven.
Pick a squash that feels heavy for its size with matte, dull skin and no soft spots.
Roast until very tender if you want a smooth puree, since undercooked flesh turns stringy.
Keep leftover flesh in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Questions
Do you have to cut the squash before roasting?
No. Roasting it whole steams the flesh and softens the skin, so cutting it afterwards takes little effort and less risk with a knife.
How do you know when the squash is done?
A thin knife should slide into the neck with no resistance. If it fights back, return the squash to the oven for 10 more minutes.
Can you roast it at a lower temperature?
Yes. At 350 F (175 C) it takes roughly 70 to 80 minutes. The flesh comes out slightly softer, which suits puree.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
