Ina Garten’s Silky Butternut Squash Mash Recipe: Autumn Magic

Silky smooth butternut squash meets Ina Garten’s magical touch in this irresistible side dish that turns ordinary vegetables into culinary poetry.

Her technique transforms a humble gourd into something extraordinary.

The recipe brings warmth and comfort to any autumn table, blending rich flavors with elegant simplicity.

Roasted butternut squash melts into a creamy, golden perfection that beckons dinner guests closer.

Smooth butter and delicate seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of the squash, creating a side dish that steals the spotlight.

Each spoonful promises a delectable journey through seasonal comfort and professional cooking expertise.

Dive into this delightful recipe and watch your meal become an unforgettable experience.

How to Cook Ina Garten Mashed Butternut Squash

Roasted Butternut Squash Bliss

• Oven Preparation Kitchen warmth begins with setting your oven to a cozy 350°F, ensuring the rack sits right in the center for even cooking magic.
• Baking Sheet Setup A simple piece of parchment paper transforms your baking sheet into a mess-free canvas for culinary creativity.
• Squash Transformation With a sharp knife, slice the butternut squash lengthwise, revealing its hidden seeds which you'll gently scoop away.
• Flavor Infusion Lovingly brush the squash's exposed surface with a delightful mixture of olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with a whisper of salt and black pepper.
• Roasting Perfection Let the oven work its wonder for about 75 minutes, transforming the squash into a tender, golden masterpiece.
• Creamy Finale After a brief cooling moment, scoop the soft flesh into a bowl and mash until it reaches your desired texture – smooth or slightly rustic.

Tweak the Taste of Ina Garten Mashed Butternut Squash

• Experiment with different squash varieties like acorn or kabocha for unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Stir in freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon, or a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.
• Prepare the mashed squash up to two days in advance and gently reheat in the oven or microwave before serving, saving precious time during meal prep.
• Blend in cream cheese, goat cheese, or a splash of heavy cream for an extra luxurious and silky smooth mashed squash experience.
• Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs like chives or sage on top to add crunch and depth of flavor to the final dish.

Plating Tips for Ina Garten Mashed Butternut Squash

• Pair with Roasted Proteins: Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork tenderloin for a complete autumn-inspired meal that highlights the squash's rich, sweet flavor.
• Create Thanksgiving Centerpiece: Spoon the mashed butternut squash into a beautiful ceramic dish, garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped pecans for an elegant holiday side that wows dinner guests.
• Layer in Gourmet Bowls: Build hearty grain bowls by placing the warm mashed squash as a creamy base, then top with roasted vegetables, crispy chickpeas, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a nutritious and satisfying lunch.
• Elevate Brunch Spread: Use as a luxurious spread on toasted artisan bread, topped with crumbled goat cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a gourmet weekend breakfast option.

Storage Guide for Ina Garten Mashed Butternut Squash

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store mashed butternut squash in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled squash to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for quick side dish options.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated squash in a microwave, stirring occasionally, or reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy texture.
• Repurpose Creatively: Transform leftover mashed squash into soup, use as a pasta sauce base, or mix into muffin or bread recipes for added nutrition and subtle sweetness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Ina Garten Mashed Butternut Squash

• Butternut Squash: Offers sweet, creamy foundation with rich orange color and packed with nutrients; choose firm squash with smooth, matte skin and heavy for its size.
• Olive Oil: Helps create silky texture and enhances roasting process; select extra virgin for best flavor.

• Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and caramelized depth; opt for pure, dark grade for more robust taste.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies overall flavor profile; use kosher or sea salt for clean, pure seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle warmth and subtle heat; freshly ground delivers most vibrant taste.

• Optional Garnish (Not Mentioned in Original Recipe): Consider fresh herbs like thyme or sage to elevate presentation and add aromatic complexity; chopped chives or parsley can introduce fresh, green notes.

Cooking Tools for Ina Garten Mashed Butternut Squash

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting the butternut squash evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting the butternut squash in half safely and cleanly.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for scooping and mashing the roasted squash.
• Pastry Brush: Great for evenly spreading olive oil and maple syrup on squash.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Helps measure olive oil and maple syrup precisely.
• Spoon or Potato Masher: Ideal for mashing the roasted squash to desired consistency.

Silky Ina Garten Mashed Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s mashed butternut squash brings creamy comfort to autumn dinner tables with rich, velvety texture. Roasted squash blends perfectly with butter and herbs, creating a simple side dish elegant enough for special gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large butternut squash (about 3 to 4 lbs / 1.4 to 1.8 kg)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) almond milk or milk of choice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp (0.625 g) cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsps (30 g) Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack in middle and preheat to 350°F, creating optimal roasting environment for butternut squash.
2. Squash Preparation: Rinse squash, slice lengthwise with sharp knife, carefully remove seeds and stringy pulp, exposing clean interior cavity.
3. Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil across cut surfaces, brush maple syrup for caramelization, generously sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper to enhance natural squash flavors.
4. Roasting: Place squash halves cut-side upward on parchment-lined baking sheet, roast in preheated oven for approximately 75 minutes until flesh becomes tender and easily pierced with fork.
5. Cooling: Remove from oven, allow 10-15 minutes resting time to facilitate safe handling and continued internal cooking.
6. Mashing: Transfer roasted squash flesh into mixing bowl, thoroughly mash using potato masher or fork, creating desired texture from smooth puree to rustic consistency.
7. Finishing: Taste mashed squash, adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or maple syrup to achieve perfect balanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Roast with Care: Position the squash cut-side up to prevent moisture loss and ensure even caramelization during roasting.
• Timing Matters: Check squash tenderness around 1 hour mark, as cooking duration can vary based on squash size and oven performance.
• Seasoning Strategy: Maple syrup and olive oil create a delicate sweet-savory glaze that enhances natural squash flavors.
• Texture Control: Use a potato masher for rustic texture or blend for ultra-smooth puree, depending on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg