Kitchen Tips • Prep Made Easy
How to Prep Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is delicious, versatile, and so much easier to prepare when you have the right tools. Let’s face it, though—some squash seem determined to fight back.
Here’s how I cut and cube butternut squash so it’s ready for roasting, soup, and more.
Before you start: two tips
- Use a sharp knife! A sturdy, sharp chef’s knife gives you better control and makes cutting easier. Work on a stable cutting board.
- Squash super hard? Pierce it several times with a fork or the tip of a knife, then microwave for 3 minutes to slightly soften it. Let it cool enough to handle before cutting.
How I roast butternut squash
- Preheat the Deluxe Air Fryer & Oven to 450°F.
- Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and seasonings you like.
- Spread them in a single layer on the baking pan, leaving space between the cubes.
- Roast until fork-tender with golden edges, checking regularly and turning partway through. Cooking time varies with cube size and batch size.
Kitchen tip: Don’t crowd the pan! Give those cubes room to roast instead of steam. Nobody invited soggy squash to dinner.
Prep now, cook later
Keep peeled, cubed squash in a covered container in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Use it in soups, skillet meals, salads, or as an easy roasted side.
Featured Pampered Chef Products
Here are the helpful tools for prepping and roasting butternut squash:
- 8" Chef’s Knife — For cutting and cubing.
- 12" x 18" Composite Cutting Board — A roomy surface for prep.
- Pivoting Peeler — For removing the tough skin.
- Pepper Corer — Handy for scooping out the seeds.
- Small Oven Baking Pan — Great for roasting a smaller batch.
A little prep today means less work when dinner rolls around!