Sautéed Butternut Squash Recipe

This creamy, sweet, tender sautéed butternut squash is an easy, quick, and versatile addition to any meal. This guide will show you not only how to cook your butternut squash to perfection, but to properly prepare and cut it, too.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Sautéed Butternut Squash Recipe
• What You'll Need for Simple Sautéed Butternut Squash
• How to Cut Butternut Squash
• How to Sauté Butternut Squash
• Recommended Equipment
• Variations
• FAQ
• Expert Tips
• How to Store
• How to Serve this Sautéed Squash Recipe
• More Recipes You'll Love
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Sautéed Butternut Squash Recipe

Butternut squash signals the beginning of fall for me - its warm, welcoming fall flavors and vibrant orange hue are a reflection of the shift to more moderate temperatures, changing leaves, and spending time with family and friends as the holidays approach.

This easy side dish is an easy way to experience all of those lovely fall moments with limited effort and time required. 

I'll first show you how to prepare, cut, and cook butternut squash with step-by-step directions to ensure success, then I will teach you to cook it to perfection. Feel free to reference this guide any time you need a refresher!

The great thing about this recipe is that its simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but elegant enough to have on your holiday table, whether that's for Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas celebration. It's really the perfect side for any occasion!

You can also use it for an appetizer. Try adding it to this tasty butternut squash bruschetta.

If you're looking for more winter squash recipes, try this delicious sautéed delicata squash recipe or this comforting buttercup squash soup.

What You'll Need for Simple Sautéed Butternut Squash

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• Butternut Squash I used a fairly small squash here, which resulted in about 2 heaping cups of diced squash. You can buy pre-cut squash, but I would recommend cutting those pieces into more even shapes before cooking.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil is always a treat, but any kind you have on hand will be fine here.
• Garlic Powder I prefer using garlic powder here over fresh garlic because it is less likely to burn.
• Cayenne You can omit cayenne, or choose a warm spice that has no heat, such as cinnamon, if you are sensitive to spicy food.
• Kosher Salt I always recommend using kosher salt in recipes. It is easier to control the saltiness and it coats food more evenly.

How to Cut Butternut Squash

Step One To dice fresh butternut squash, first cut off the top and bottom of the squash.

Step Two Peel.

Step Three Slice in half lengthwise.

Step Four Remove the seeds with a large spoon or ice cream scoop.

Step Five Set hollowed squash on a cutting board.

Step Six Cut the squash in half crosswise.

Step Seven Cut the top half into planks lengthwise.

Step Eight Slice across the hollow top portion of the squash and set aside to cube.

Step Nine Cut the remaining portion of the base lengthwise into batons.

Step Ten Cut all of the other planks lengthwise into batons.

Step Eleven Cut across the batons to create approximately 1-inch cubes.

Step Twelve You are ready to cook! See below for cooking instructions.

How to Sauté Butternut Squash

Step One Heat a pan to medium heat. Add the olive oil and the squash.

Step Two Let the butternut squash cook on one side for several minutes until you see some browning. Continue to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until the squash is tender and lightly browned. At about the 10-minute mark, season with salt, garlic powder, and cayenne.

Step Three When the squash is tender throughout and lightly browned, taste for seasoning and serve!

Recommended Equipment

Kitchen Knife

Cutting Board

Vegetable Peeler

Large Frying Pan

Spatula or Wooden Spoon

Variations

Traditional You can omit the garlic powder and cayenne if you would prefer a more traditional butternut squash. Try adding another warm spice like cinnamon in their place.

Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs can make anything better. This would be delicious with some finely chopped rosemary or fried sage leaves.

Sweet Try adding a sprinkling of brown sugar near the end of your cook time for a sweeter butternut squash. Be cautious not to add too early or on too high a heat or you risk the sugar burning.

Garlicky Try adding some chopped garlic cloves near the end of the cook time for a garlicky squash side.

FAQ

Expert Tips

• Cut your squash evenly. For even cooking, cut your butternut squash into very similarly shaped cubes. This will provide even heat distribution and allow each cube to cook at the same rate.
• Pick the best squash. When selecting butternut squash, choose one with an even beige exterior. Scarring on the surface is normal, but avoid soft spots or cuts that puncture the skin. Choose one that is heavy for its size with no bruises and an intact stem.
• Use a sharp knife. Always use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board on a flat surface when cutting your butternut squash. They can take a little bit of muscle to get through, so avoid injury by using the best possible tools.
• Use a big enough pan. It's best to have a bit of room between the pieces of squash to allow it to brown properly rather than steam. This is best achieved by using a large skillet or by working in batches.

How to Store

Fridge You can store leftover butternut squash in the fridge for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container.

Freezer If freezing, place individual cubes on a cookie sheet and freeze. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan with a little oil over medium heat for the best texture, or in the microwave if you are in a hurry.

How to Serve this Sautéed Squash Recipe

There are so many ways to enjoy this delicious side dish. Here are just a few ideas for main dishes, sides, and garnishes: 

Chicken Dinner Try with Italian Chicken Cutlets and Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Crunch for a comforting dinner. It's also delicious with crisp-skinned roasted chicken, like this Roast Half Chicken or this Roast Herbes de Provence chicken.

Steak/Beef Serve some Carne Asada or Kafta with a side of sautéed butternut squash.

Grain Bowl Try swapping the brown rice in this Warm Grain Bowl with Goat Cheese and Greens for butternut squash.

Turkey What says fall more than turkey? Try this traditional roast turkey or these delicious Smoked Turkey Legs. Make your life easy by preparing this simple butternut squash for your Thanksgiving table!

These would also be delicious alongside some Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.

Pork This would be fantastic with some Mustard and Sage Roasted Pork Tenderloin, these Juicy Pork Chops, or this pork meatball recipe!

Breakfast Serve your squash with an assortment of breakfast dishes like sausage spinach quiche, fresh pear bread, and Thanksgiving fruit salad.

Salad Topping Try adding some cubes of butternut squash to your next fall salad.

Soup Topping This also serves as a delicious topping for a cream-based soup, like butternut squash or mushroom soup.

Looking for a dessert to finish your meal? Try this amazing Pumpkin Torte, this Butternut Squash Pie or these spectacular Cinnamon Madeleines!

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More Recipes You'll Love

For more vegetable sides, this sautéed sweet potatoes recipe is a favorite, as is this roasted baby broccoli. For another delicious squash recipe, try this koginut squash bowl. If you can't find koginut squash, delicata squash would be a lovely alternative.

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