Can You Freeze Butternut Squash? How?

Butternut squash is a great fall vegetable that works great in soups, roasts, and more.

So, if you want to have this great ingredient in year-round supply, a small amount of prep and freezing is a great option.

Using my own experience and others, here is a detailed guide on how to freeze butternut squash in all its forms.

Let’s get started with the first method.

Freezing Blanched Butternut Squash

This is a great way to freeze butternut squash if you want to keep that vibrant color and texture intact.

Clean, Peel, Dice

Clean the butternut squash and peel it.

Then dice it into cubes of a size you prefer.

Blanch It

Put the squash cubes in boiling water for three minutes and let them cook.

Then transfer the cubes into an ice bath to stop the cooking.

Portion It

Divide the blanched squash into portions you would usually consume in one go.

Bag and Seal

Put the portions of blanched butternut squash in a Ziploc bag or an air-tight freezer-safe container and then seal it.

Label and Freeze

Add a label with the date on the bag, and you can freeze the squash till you need it next.

Check out this fun and easy tutorial by “Chicken Hues” on YouTube to see how it’s done:

Freezing Cooked Butternut Squash

If you would like to do your meal prep beforehand, you could always bake, roast, or microwave the butternut squash before freezing it.

Clean, Peel, Dice

Clean and peel the butternut squash.

Then dice it into cubes of a size you prefer.

Cook the Squash

You can now bake, roast, microwave, or simply boil the butternut squash.

Cool and LayOut

Let the squash cool down to room temperature, and then lay it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

You could also use any other flat tray that you can fit in your freezer.

Flash Freeze

Let the tray sit in the freezer for a few hours or overnight.

Portion and Bag

Divide the frozen cooked butternut squash into portions you would normally consume at a time and then transfer it into Ziploc bags or any air-tight freezer-safe container.

Seal, Label, and Freeze

Seal the bag or container after making sure to remove as much air as you can.

Then add a label with the date on it, and then you are all set to freeze the squash.

Freezing Butternut Squash Puree

This is a great way to freeze squash if you want it to hold its texture well, even after it thaws.

It is also a great way to prep beforehand.

Clean, Peel, and Prep

Clean and peel the butternut squash.

Then cut it up into smaller pieces that are easy to cook and process.

Cook and Puree

Bake or cook the butternut squash and then mash and puree it.

Cool and Portion

Let the puree come down to room temperature, then scoop the puree into small manageable portions.

On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lay down scoops of butternut squash puree, ensuring that the scoops are not touching each other.

Instead, you could also use an ice-cube tray to spoon in the puree and then wrap it up with some cling wrap if you prefer.

Flash Freeze

Leave the tray of butternut squash puree in the freezer for a few hours or overnight and let it set.

Bag and Seal

Transfer the frozen butternut squash puree into a Ziploc bag or an air-tight freezer-safe container and seal it after making sure to squeeze out as much air as you can.

Label and Freeze

Add a label with the date on the bag or container, and you can pop it in the freezer till you need it next.

How Long Can You Freeze Butternut Squash?

You can freeze butternut squash for up to nine months.

But if it is frozen raw, it could last you a little longer, maybe even for a year or so.

If frozen properly, it can last for up to two years as well.

The key to a longer freezer life of butternut squash is how fresh it is before you freeze it.

The longer it has been lying around, the less time it has to stay fresh in the freezer.

How to Store Frozen Butternut Squash?

You can store butternut squash in any freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bags.

If you are looking to save freezer space, the Ziploc bags would be the best option.

If you are storing butternut squash puree, you could flash freeze scoops or cubes of it and then store it in Ziploc bags.

But if you are pressed for time, you could also simply portion the puree and store it in Ziploc bags or air-tight containers.

How to Defrost Butternut Squash?

The best way to defrost butternut squash would be to take out the portion you need and then stick it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight and then let it thaw.

You could also use the butternut squash cubes directly into your recipes as they can cook easily and still holds the crunch and flavor, which might get lost once it thaws.

Can You Refreeze Butternut Squash?

No, it is best advised not to refreeze butternut squash.

Once it thaws, the texture can change considerably, and you can also lose some of its flavors.

To avoid wasting butternut squash, once it thaws, it is ideal for portioning it out into single-serving portions before you freeze it.

Does Butternut Squash Freeze Well?

Yes, butternut squash freezes well, and it can stay in the freezer for nine to twelve months.

If the squash is fresh and frozen carefully, you can extend its freezer life to two whole years.

It is one of the best ways to store butternut squash and preserve its crunch and flavor all year long.

FAQ

Bottom Line

We hope this article has been helpful to you in figuring out how to freeze butternut squash, be it raw, cooked, or pureed.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any queries or if you would like to suggest any other ways of freezing butternut squash.

If you found this article helpful, share this article with your friends and family to give them a helping hand as well.