Can You Freeze Butternut Squash?

Really ought to keep extra butternut squash because you have too much of it?

In this case, you undoubtedly want to know whether you can freeze butternut squash and, if so, how. Can you freeze butternut squash? Yes, you can them. If you have purchased a large batch of butternut, freezing is a great option.

If you have leftovers, you can also store them. Therefore, freezing is a simple solution if you purchase a few too many butternuts or prepare too much for the next few days.

Having said that, keep in mind that butternut squash may be stored for up to two months, meaning that if they are still whole, you likely still have time to consume them without freezing.

Before we get into the specifics of freezing, the only point to remember is that butternut squash defrosts similarly to other vegetables in terms of softening.

Let’s discuss butternut squash freezing.

Squash Freezing Equipment:

Baking sheet

Ingredients:

One or two butternut squash, peeled and chopped in 1 cube each.

Raw Butternut Squash Freezing:

Here’s a quick method for freezing butternut squash:

Preparation:

Peel, slice, and discard the seeds from the butternut. Although the tough, thick rind makes peeling challenging, it is preferable to do so now rather than after defrosting.

Butternuts should be cut into pieces:

Winter squash is usually diced, but if you prefer slicing or frying, that’s also ok. Follow your instincts based on how you want to utilize the squash once it has defrosted.

Refrigerate the butternut squash in advance:

Spread the pieces in a thin layer on a lined cookie sheet (parchment paper, silicone mat, and anything in between work). Don’t let them get in contact with one another. When everything is finished, put that tray in the freezer until it is completely frozen. Both a few hours and overnight are excellent choices.

Put the items into freezer bags:

Squash should be moved into a frozen bag or container when the cookie sheet is taken out of the freezer, and any lumps should be broken up. If you’d like, add a label with your name and the date. Also, don’t forget to press out any air before you seal the bag.

Freeze:

Place the containers or bags in the freezer.

Can We Store Butternuts In The Freezer With Skin On?

Yes, you can freeze the butternut squash with their skin on. It will not damage the food item. However, it is suggested to peel off the skin for better results.

Is It Necessary To Blanch Butternut Squash Before Freezing?

No, butternut squash freezes without needing to be blanched.

Butternuts can be blanched if you want to stop the ripening process and achieve a little higher quality after defrosting, but it’s not worth the effort.

You may blanch sliced butternuts before freezing if you’re not in a rush and don’t mind spending an extra 20 minutes in the kitchen (I never am). Alternatively, experts advise skipping it. Either way will be fine for you.

But let’s discuss how to blanch your butternuts if you do.

Blanching Butternut Squash Cubes For Freezing

Follow these steps to blanch butternut squash before freezing:

A big saucepan of water should be brought to a boil, and another dish should be ready with cold water and maybe some ice cubes.
Depending on size, cook the butternut squash chunks in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Place the partially cooked pieces in a basin of ice water and let them sit for the same amount of time.
Before pre-freezing, the butternut pieces, strain them and give them a thorough drying.
Probably change the water every few batches if you’re blanching a lot of butternut squash to keep it chilly all the way through.

Freezing Cooked Butternut Squash

Any technique that makes sense for you to freeze cooked butternut squash is OK.

Butternut puree is a common alternative to freezing. The soups and baked products that are frozen in this manner are superb. Simply divide the puree into small containers, each holding one serving that may be used later, and freeze them. Check out my article on freezing pumpkin puree for more information.
Size for a meal: Divide the cooked butternut cubes (or whatever) into freezer-safe containers or bags, with enough in each for one meal. You are now prepared for freezing.
Dishes: Most recipes may be doubled or tripled, and the extras can be frozen. It’s quite practical since you’re defrosting a ready-to-eat dish rather than a frozen component.
Preparing meals: Simply divide cooked butternut into each container and freeze it with the other ingredients if meal preparation includes it.

How Long Butternut Squash Is Preserved In The Freezer?

For the finest quality, use your frozen butternut three months before, but don’t panic if it stays frozen for 6 months or more. The only thing that can happen is a little quality degradation after extended freezing.

The storage duration is reportedly far greater than those three months, according to various sources that you can easily discover (up to a year).

To put it another way, it doesn’t matter whether the butternut is frozen for a long time. It needs to last longer in the first place, which is why you refrigerate it.

Butternut Squash Defrosting Instructions

Thawing frozen butternuts is best done using:

The refrigerator: Place the bag or container in the fridge, and leave it there overnight. The following morning, the contents should be well-defrosted. It may take longer to defrost a large piece, like half a butternut, closer to 12 to 16 hours.
On the stove: Frequently, you may dispense with the butternut frozen if you’re utilizing it in a soup, curry, or another similar dish that is cooked on the stove rather than after it has been defrosted. The frozen vegetables will quickly thaw in the presence of any liquids already in the pan. Just keep in mind to keep an eye on the butternut squash to prevent burning (if there is little liquid), and add a few extra minutes to the cooking process to account for the squash’s defrosting.
Inside the oven. You may try roasting butternuts without first defrosting them if you want to. There is only one problem: seasoning frozen butternut may not be as effective as you’d want; roasting it after thawing may be a better choice. Alternately, experiment with flavoring the freezing.

Please keep in mind that defrosted butternut squash is already pretty mushy, thus cooking it will require less time.

How To Select Squashes Before Freezing?

The very best and easiest method is to select freshly harvested squash. They will keep for a long time in the freezer. Also, make sure your squashes are unblemished and slightly underripe. Additionally, if you intend to freeze your squash, do not keep it in the refrigerator. Just prepare it and freeze it.

Can We Freeze Squash Before Cooking?

Yes! Before freezing, the squash should be prepped by peeling, seeding, and chopping. Do not roast, blanch, or sauté your food before freezing it.

Yes! Prepare your squash by peeling/removing the seeds chopping them and then adding them to the freezer. Skip the steps of roasting, blanching, or sautéing before freezing. Therefore, freezing is a simple solution if you purchase a few too many butternuts or prepare too much for the next few days.