4 Ways To Cook Butternut Squash In The Microwave - WikiHow

Home » How To Microwave Butternut Squash » 4 Ways To Cook Butternut Squash In The Microwave - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Microwaving a Whole Butternut Squash 2 Microwaving a Cubed Butternut Squash 3 Microwaving a Spiralized Butternut Squash 4 Using the Butternut Squash Seeds + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Related Articles References Article Summary 4 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories Reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: April 28, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article X

This article was reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur. Chef Jennifer Levasseur is a Personal Chef and the Owner of The Happy Cuisiniere based in Breckenridge, Colorado. She has over 12 years of culinary experience and specializes in Mountain and Contemporary Rustic cuisine. Moreover, she can craft dishes and modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free diets. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College. This article has been viewed 112,093 times.

Butternut squash is a large, thick, nutty gourd full of Vitamins A, C, E, and B.[1] If you want to make a dish with butternut squash, but find yourself low on time, don’t fret! Butternut squash can be prepared easily and safely in the microwave. If you’ve got a little more time, you can even reserve the seeds of the squash for a tasty snack.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Microwaving a Whole Butternut Squash

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wash the butternut squash. 1 Wash the butternut squash. Rinse the squash with cold water and pat it dry. This will remove any dirt particles lingering on the squash’s skin.[2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 2 Poke holes in the squash with a fork. Poking holes in the squash will allow steam to escape while the squash cooks in the microwave. Just like a potato, the squash needs to be able to vent while it cooks.
    • Your holes don’t need to be more than 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) in, so don't worry if the squash is too hard to stab the fork very far. If you pierce the skin at all, steam will escape.
    • Space the holes a few inches apart; you don’t need more than 15-20 holes.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 3 Plate the squash and microwave it for 5 minutes. Place the butternut squash on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes. This will soften the squash, which will help you cut it.
    • Don't worry if you can't fit the whole squash onto one dish; it's fine if it sticks out.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 4 Cut the squash from top to bottom. Using a sharp chef's knife or serrated knife, cut the squash into 2 equal halves with a sawing motion. Cutting the squash will help it cook faster.
    • When using your knife, hold the handle with your middle, ring and pinky finger, while using your thumb and index finger to hold the blade itself. This is called a "blade grip" and offers more control and balance than using all of your fingers to hold the handle.[3]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 5 Remove the seeds and plate the squash flesh-side down. If you have the time (and access to an oven), set your seeds aside to make a tasty snack later. If not, discard the seeds. Place the butternut squash halves flesh-side down on a microwave-safe dish.
    • Again, the halves can be larger than the dish.
  6. Step 6 Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes. 6 Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes. The length of time will depend on the size of your butternut squash. It’s okay to take it out and check it at 5 minutes. If it needs more time, put it in for another 5 minutes.
    • The squash should be tender enough that you can stick a fork all the way through it.
  7. Step 7 Let the squash cool and serve it any way you like. 7 Let the squash cool and serve it any way you like. Microwaved butternut squash is great for soups, hummus, or a healthy snack.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Microwaving a Cubed Butternut Squash

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 1 Cut off the top and bottom of the squash. Using a sharp chef’s knife or a serrated knife, saw the knife back and forth until the top inch and the bottom inch (2 centimeters) of the butternut squash are gone. Discard these pieces.
    • When cutting a squash, hold your knife's handle with your middle, ring and pinky finger. Use your thumb and index finger to balance the blade. The "blade grip" offers more control and balance than a normal grip.
    • Since butternut squash is circular, it has a tendency to roll around on the cutting board. Stabilize the squash with your non-dominant hand before cutting into it, and curl your non-dominant fingers under your palm in order to make a claw shape, pressing down on the squash with the first joints of your fingers. [4]
  2. Step 2 Peel the squash, then cut it in half. 2 Peel the squash, then cut it in half. Peel the squash like a potato, working from top to bottom. Discard all of the skin. Then, cut the squash's top away from the bottom, so that you have one small piece (the top) and one large piece (the bottom).
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 3 Cube the top. Keep the small piece on its side, like a rolling pin, and cut a slice every half-inch or inch. Cut evenly through the piece so that the slices come out as perfect circles.
    • To make the cubes, cut 2 or 3 evenly-spaced slices across the width of the circle. Then turn the circle and cut it again. This will create a cube shape.
    • Remember that the cubes don't have to be perfect. Keep the irregular pieces to cut down on food waste.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 4 Cut the base in half. Place the base of the squash on the cutting board and cut it down the middle.
    • You can use your other hand to press the blade down, working in a see-saw motion. Be sure your hand is not wet or slippery, however, as you could easily cut yourself if it slips.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 5 Remove the seeds. Using a melon baller, an ice cream scoop or a spoon, remove the seeds from the squash.
    • Set them aside to make a tasty snack, if you like. If not, discard them.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 6 Cube the base. Cut the base into half-moons and then cube them. Make them as close in size as you can to the top cubes.
  7. Step 7 Microwave the squash cubes for 3-4 minutes. 7 Microwave the squash cubes for 3-4 minutes. The cubes should be tender enough to be pierced with a fork.
  8. Step 8 Put the cubed squash inside your favorite dish. 8 Put the cubed squash inside your favorite dish. Cubes of butternut squash can go in omelettes, pizzas, salads or by themselves a healthy snack.
    9. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Microwaving a Spiralized Butternut Squash

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 1 Cut off the ends of the squash. Use a sharp chef’s knife or a serrated knife, and use a gentle sawing motion. Discard the ends.
    • Hold the knife handle with your middle, ring and pinky finger, and use your thumb and index finger to hold the blade. The "blade grip," as it's called, offers more control and balance than using every finger to hold the handle.
  2. Step 2 Peel the skin and cut the squash in half. 2 Peel the skin and cut the squash in half. Using a vegetable peeler, peel and discard all of the skin from the squash. With a sharp chef's knife or a serrated knife, cut the top away from the bottom, so that you have one small piece and one large piece.
    • Reserve the bottom for a different recipe, as it’s difficult to spiralize.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 3 Cut the top in half. Laying the squash top on its side (like a rolling pin), cut the top into two equal pieces. This will help the squash fit in the spiralizer.
    • Spiralizers come in different shapes and sizes. Cut your squash to fit your spiralizer.[5]
  4. Step 4 Spiralize the squash and put it in a bowl. 4 Spiralize the squash and put it in a bowl. Use the largest setting on your spiralizer and transfer the spiralized squash into a microwave-safe bowl.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 5 Add water to the bowl and cover. Add half a cup of water into the bowl, then cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap.
  6. Step 6 Microwave the squash for 5 minutes. 6 Microwave the squash for 5 minutes. The squash should be able to be pierced with a fork. Drain the water from the bowl.
  7. Step 7 Let the spiralized squash cool and serve it. 7 Let the spiralized squash cool and serve it. Spiralized butternut squash works as a pasta substitute, a topping for toast, or a standalone side dish.
    8. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Using the Butternut Squash Seeds

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). 1 Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 2 Wash the pulp from the seeds. After pulling as much pulp away from the seeds as you can, place them in a bowl of water and wash the seeds clean. After washing, pat them dry with a towel.
    • A little pulp on the seeds is fine.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 3 Toss the seeds in a bowl with oil and spices. Put the seeds in a bowl with a teaspoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of fennel seeds (or whatever spice you like) and a pinch of salt. Toss the seeds until they’re evenly coated.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave 4 Spread the seeds evenly onto the aluminum-covered baking sheet. Make sure they’re separated from each other; this will help them cook uniformly.
  5. Step 5 Bake for 15-20 minutes. 5 Bake for 15-20 minutes. The seeds should turn golden.
    • The seeds may begin popping during baking. This is normal, but should be taken as a sign that the seeds are done cooking.[6]
  6. Step 6 Let the seeds cool down before you eat them. 6 Let the seeds cool down before you eat them. Spiced seeds can go in a salad, in trail mix, or by themselves as an appetizer.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Freeze Butternut SquashHow toFreeze Butternut Squash How toCook Butternut Squash in the Oven How toBoil Butternut Squash Cook Delicata SquashHow toCook Delicata Squash How toBake Gem Squash Steam Vegetables in the MicrowaveHow toSteam Vegetables in the Microwave Cook a Sweet Potato in the MicrowaveHow to Cook a Sweet Potato in the Microwave: Quick & Simple Recipes How toMicrowave Carrots How toShell Pumpkin Seeds Cook in a Microwave OvenMicrowave Cooking 101: Everything You Need to Know Steam Food in the MicrowaveHow toSteam Food in the Microwave Use a Food ProcessorHow toUse a Food Processor Shred ZucchiniHow toShred Zucchini How toSteam Apples Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-butternut-squash
  2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-cook-butternut-squash/
  3. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/knife-skills-how-to-hold-a-knife
  4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cut-and-peel-a-butternut-squash-249946
  5. ↑ https://www.skinnytaste.com/roasted-spiralized-butternut-squash/
  6. ↑ https://www.theviewfromgreatisland.com/how-to-roast-perfectly-crisp-squash-seeds-five-ways-recipe/

About This Article

Jennifer Levasseur Reviewed by: Jennifer Levasseur Personal Chef This article was reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur. Chef Jennifer Levasseur is a Personal Chef and the Owner of The Happy Cuisiniere based in Breckenridge, Colorado. She has over 12 years of culinary experience and specializes in Mountain and Contemporary Rustic cuisine. Moreover, she can craft dishes and modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free diets. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College. This article has been viewed 112,093 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4 Updated: April 28, 2025 Views: 112,093 Categories: Squash Article SummaryX

If you want to microwave a cubed butternut squash, cut off the top and bottom of the squash with a sharp knife. Next, peel the squash, cut it in half, and scoop out the seeds. After you've cubed the squash, put it in a microwavable dish and cook for 3-4 minutes. If you'd rather cook a whole squash, rinse it with water and poke holes in it with a fork to let out steam. Cook the squash in the microwave on high for 5 minutes, then cut it in half with a sharp knife. Remove the seeds, place the halves in a dish with the flesh facing down, and microwave for another 5-10 minutes. If you want to learn how to cook spiralized butternut squash, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Dutch Indonesian German Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 112,093 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Lori Schleg

    Lori Schleg

    Jun 4, 2021

    "Easy. Cooked up nicely." Rated this article:
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jennifer Levasseur Reviewed by: Jennifer Levasseur Personal Chef Co-authors: 4 Updated: April 28, 2025 Views: 112,093 100% of voters found this recipe helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Lori Schleg

Lori Schleg

Jun 4, 2021

"Easy. Cooked up nicely." Rated this article: Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

What's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Veggie Am I QuizWhat Veggie Am I QuizTake QuizGuess the Food QuizGuess the Food QuizTake QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizTake QuizWhat Squishmallow Am I QuizWhat Squishmallow Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Freeze Butternut SquashHow toFreeze Butternut SquashCook Butternut Squash in the OvenHow toCook Butternut Squash in the OvenBoil Butternut SquashHow toBoil Butternut SquashCook Delicata SquashHow toCook Delicata Squash

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Featured Articles

Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Tie a Loop KnotHow toTie a Loop KnotMake Body OilHow toMake Body OilMake Almond MilkHow toMake Almond MilkWash White Clothes by HandHow toWash White Clothes by HandSkin a ChickenHow toSkin a ChickenClean Tile Floors with VinegarHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar

Trending Articles

What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb CrushesYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb Crushes151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?What Is Your Lip Type?

Quizzes & Games

Which Diet Is Right for Me QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake QuizRandom Recipe GeneratorRandom Recipe GeneratorGenerateWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizWhat Should I Eat for Dinner QuizTake QuizWhat Food Am I QuizWhat Food Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Eat for Lunch QuizWhat Should I Eat for Lunch QuizTake QuizWhat Fruit Am I QuizWhat Fruit Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Recipes
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Squash
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --774

Tag » How To Microwave Butternut Squash