Butternut squash is a versatile autumnal veggie that tends to have a long shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place. But given its popularity on Thanksgiving tables and as a hearty plant-based addition to soups, chili, stir fries and baked goods, it can be helpful to extend its shelf life so you can use this bountiful fall ingredient year-round. For more info, we consulted Alexis deBoschnek, a recipe developer and author of Nights and Weekends: Recipes That Make the Most of Your Time. DeBoschnek is based in the Western Catskills in upstate New York, where she gardens, hosts, and entertains on her 100-acre farm.

Preparing Butternut Squash for Freezing

How to choose ripe butternut squash

DeBoschnek advises looking for butternut squash with uniform colored flesh and without any green spots or blemishes. “The deeper the color, the riper the squash is,” she says.

Peeling and cutting techniques

Here, DeBoschnek shares how to peel and cut butternut squash, step-by-step, plus tips for removing the seeds and stringy insides.

Start by slicing off the stem and end of the butternut squash with a chef's knife. Take a vegetable peeler and peel the squash until the orange flesh is revealed, discarding the skin.

Next, cut the squash just above the round bulbous part; you’ll be left with two parts, the bulb and neck of the squash. For the bulb, slice it in half and use a large metal spoon that easily fits inside the cavity of the squash to scoop out the seeds and any stringy bits. “With the right size spoon, you should be able to remove everything in just a few scoops until the cavity is smooth,” she says.

Cut both the bulb and neck into planks and then cubes.

Freezing Raw Butternut Squash

Freezing raw butternut squash in cubes is ideal. DeBoschnek recommends placing the squash cubes on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between each cube to prevent squash from sticking together. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer until the squash is completely frozen. Then, transfer the frozen squash cubes to a resealable plastic bag or sealed storage container, label with the date and contents, and store in the freezer until ready to use.

Freezing Cooked Butternut Squash

Methods for cooking butternut squash

Butternut squash is a versatile vegetable that lends itself to many different preparations that yield a variety of textures and consistency. “For a caramelized exterior and tender interior, try roasting squash with olive oil, salt, and your desired seasonings at 425 degrees ˚F for at least 30 minutes, sometimes longer depending on the size,” DeBoschnek says. “Squash can be boiled in water or stock and then pureed for a silky consistency. You can also add squash to stir fries by cooking it in a hot pan until golden brown. Additionally, you can steam, broil, air-fry, and even grill squash.” For more how-to, check out our primer How to Cook Butternut Squash: 3 Ways.

How to puree cooked squash for freezing

The best way to prepare cooked squash for freezing is make squash puree by boiling peeled, cubed squash in a pot of boiling water or stock until easily pierced with a knife. Drain the squash through a colander to get rid of any excess moisture. “You can either add the squash to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth, or use an immersion blender,” DeBoschnek says. Allow the squash puree cool completely before storing it in the freezer.

Portioning and storing cooked squash safely

Before storing cooked squash, be sure that the squash has completely cooled to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the cooked butternut squash to a sealed container (or try freezing butternut squash puree in ice cube trays for smaller portions) and store in the freezer.

Using Frozen Butternut Squash

Frozen butternut squash is a versatile ingredient to incorporate into savory and sweet dishes. “Add it to soups and stews, either as a creamy base, or to add in some texture. It's a great addition to stir fries, curries, frittatas, and chili,” DeBoschnek says. “Squash can also be used for baking, in muffins, sweet loaves or even cakes. You can even add it to smoothies!”

Thawing methods and cooking tips

If you have the foresight, DeBoschnek recommends allowing frozen butternut squash to defrost overnight in the refirgerator. But if you’re pressed for time, use the microwave to defrost the frozen butternut squash, or add the frozen puree to a pan and stir over medium heat until it has thawed.

Related Links:

33 Butternut Squash Recipes That Are Hearty and Delicious

80 Fall Weeknight Dinners That Are Full of Flavor

Vegetarian Recipes for Fall