If you are wondering how to freeze butternut squash you are in the right place. Freezing butternut squash is incredibly quick and easy and a great way to keep it fresh
The fall season always calls for pumpkins and tasty squashes such as butternut, acorn, or kabocha.
Out of all, butternut is the most prevalent choice for different dishes such as soups, steamed veggies, or even a pumpkin latte!
If you have abundant butternut squash present at your home, they will likely get stale soon and have a terrible odor.
Let’s check out an alternative on how you can preserve your butternut squash for longer durations without affecting the quality at all.
Can you freeze butternut squash?
Yes. You can quickly freeze your butternut squash for as long as you want without any hassle.
Freezing butternut squash is an old age tradition for preserving the quality of butternut squash for months.
In the fridge, you will ensure that you get the good old taste of butternuts even after the fall seasons!
How to freeze butternut squash[Step by Step]
Whether raw, blanched, cooked, or pureed, there are several methods to freeze it.
So let’s check them out!.
The first thing you have to do is prepare the butternut squash.
For that, you have to peel it with a knife and cut it into pieces of the size you want.
Freezing raw butternut squash
Ingredients:
- Butternut squash.
- Freeze-safe container or plastic bag.
- Baking tray.
- Wax or parchment paper.
Instructions:
Step 1: Add all the butternut squash pieces to a tray with parchment paper, place them in the freezer and freeze them for a couple of hours.
Step 2: Bring out the tray, transfer the butternut squash cubes into the plastic bag or freeze safe container, and put it back into the freezer.
Freezing blanched butternut squash
Ingredients:
- Butternut squash.
- Saucepan.
- Colander.
- A recipient for ice water.
- Paper towel.
- Baking tray.
- Wax or parchment paper
- Freeze-safe container or plastic bag.
Instructions:
Step 1: Place the butternut squash pieces in the saucepan with boiling salted water and leave for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Take them to ice water to lower the temperature and stop cooking.
Step 3: Drain and let dry or pat dry with the paper towels.
Step 4: Place the pieces on the tray covered with wax paper and ensure that the parts do not touch to provide an even freeze.
Step 5: Place in the freezer overnight.
Step 6: Remove from the tray and place the frozen pieces in the plastic bag or a suitable container for the freezer.
Freezing cooked Butternut squash
Ingredients:
- Butternut squash(cubed and cooked)
- Baking tray.
- Wax or parchment paper
- Plastic bag or freeze safe container.
Instructions:
Step 1: If the butternut squash is just cooked, let it cool for 15 minutes until it comes down to a lukewarm temperature.
Step 2: Add the cooked butternut squash cubes into a tray and place them in the freezer for about an hour.
Step 3: Transfer the cooked butternut squash to the plastic bag or freezer-safe container after an hour.
Step 4: Place the plastic bag or freeze safe container into the freezer and let it freeze.
Freezing Butternut squash puree
Ingredients:
- Butternut squash(cooked and pureed)
- Plastic bag
Instructions:
Step 1: Scoop out the butternut squash puree in sections and place them in the tray.
Step 2: Let it freeze for 1 hour.
Step 3: Take out the tray and transfer the content to a plastic bag or freeze safe container. Place it back in the freezer.
FAQs about freezing butternut squash
Is blanching the butternut squash before freezing necessary?
Yes. It would be best if you blanched the butternut squash before freezing. This procedure will provide you with a better consistency and texture post-freezing.
Does butternut squash expand on freezing?
Yes, slightly. It is always recommended that you leave a space of 1-2 inches while freezing your butternut squash.
That way will be enough space in the plastic bag or freezer-safe container for any possible expansion.
How long can you store the frozen butternut squash?
You can easily store the frozen butternut squash for about six months without any compromise in the quality.
How to thaw butternut squash?
Transfer the frozen butternut squash from the freezer to the refrigerator until thawed completely.
You can also hold the plastic bag of frozen butternut squash under running water to soften it gradually.
Don’t refreeze it once you’ve thawed it.!
What can you make with frozen butternut squash?
A great way to prepare frozen squash is in the oven. And it is also effortless!
Preheat the oven, and place the pumpkin pieces on a baking tray.
Try to arrange them in a single layer and with some separation between them. This way, you guarantee to cook all pieces evenly.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with the spices of your choice, and bake at 450 ° F for approximately 20 minutes, or until crispy crust.
Want to learn more about freezing your favorites?
- Check this post about how to freeze cupcakes the right way!
- Check this post about how to freeze strawberries
- Save this post about how to freeze peaches and keep it on hand.
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