How to Cook Buttercup Squash

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 Tested

This sweet and savory winter squash tastes best roasted in the oven, and can be served as either a side dish or a healthy dessert. This article will give you two easy-to-follow recipes for roasted buttercup squash.

Ingredients

Sweet and Savory Buttercup Squash

1 buttercup squash, seeded and cut into 1-inch wedges
2 tablespoons agave nectar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper

Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 2

Buttercup Squash with Chopped Apples

1 small buttercup squash
1/2 cup chopped cooking apple
2 teaspoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 2

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Sweet and Savory Buttercup Squash

1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Coat a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. Lay the squash wedges in a single layer on the baking dish.
2
Mix together the agave nectar and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Use a basting brush to coat each piece of squash with the mixture.
3
Roast the squash in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove halfway through, turn the squash over, and brush the other side with the agave and vinegar mixture.
4
Remove the squash from the oven. The pieces should be lightly browned when finished, and easily pierced with a knife.
5
Sprinkle with black pepper and sea salt and serve immediately.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Buttercup Squash with Chopped Apples

1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). On a cutting board, use a sharp chef's knife to cut the squash in half from top to bottom.
- Remove the stem first if it is still intact.
2
Scoop out the seeds and pulp from the inside of each half. Place the squash halves skin side down on an ungreased baking sheet.
3
Combine the apples, butter, sugar, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Spoon the mixture into each half of the squash.
4
Cover and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes. The squash should be tender when finished.
- Serve the squash warm as a sweet side dish or as dessert.
5
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I eat the skin?

Community Answer

You can; it's not very appetizing, though, as it tends to have the texture of a thin sheet of plastic when cooked. I like to cook the squash with the skin on, but then remove the skin before serving as the cooking makes the skin peel off more easily.
Question

Should I add water to make it moist?

Community Answer

It should already be moist, but you can try to use a little bit of olive oil on it.
Question

Can I bake it whole if I puncture it in a few places?

Community Answer

Yes, you can as long as you bake it at a low temperature for a longer duration. Make sure the puncture holes are sufficient.
Question

Can you use unripened butternut squash?

Community Answer

Like most fruits and vegetables, butternut squash tastes the best when it is ripe. It is safe to eat unripened butternut squash, but it might not taste very good.