How to cook a butternut squash in the microwave

How to microwave butternut squash 6 different ways

Microwaving butternut squash is a versatile and time-saving method for preparing this nutritious vegetable. In this guide, discover six different ways to make butternut squash in the microwave, including cooking it whole, cubed for salads or sides, and even as spiralized noodles for a healthy “pasta” alternative. Each method offers a unique approach to enjoy this delicious ingredient in your meals. Note that suggested cooking times are based on a 1,000-watt microwave. Adjust cooking time for your microwave’s wattage.

How to cook a whole butternut squash in the microwave

Microwaving a butternut squash whole is best for mashed or pureed butternut squash recipes as it may come out too soft to cube after cooking. This method requires the least amount of prep and allows you to microwave butternut squash with the skin on. Here are the steps to microwave butternut squash whole:

1. Pierce the skin of the squash multiple times with a fork or paring knife to allow steam to escape during cooking.

2. Place the squash on a microwave-safe plate.

3. Microwave on high for about 14 to 16 minutes, or until it becomes tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Once cooked, allow the squash to cool slightly.

5. Carefully cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds.

6. Scrape out the flesh and incorporate it into your favorite recipes.

Adjust your cooking time for larger or smaller squash. When in doubt, cut the microwave power to 50% after around 12 minutes for a small squash or 14 minutes for a larger squash. Microwave the squash one additional minute at a time, checking for doneness in between.

How to cook butternut squash halves in microwave

Microwave butternut squash halves when you plan to mash or puree the cooked squash. If you plan on cubing the squash, stop cooking it a few minutes early. Use a knife to score cubes into each side. Then, use a wide spoon to carefully scoop the cubes away from the skin.  Follow these steps to cook butternut squash halves in the microwave:

1. Cut off the stem of the butternut squash.

2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise.

3. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and guts.

4. Rub the cut sides with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with your choice of seasonings.

5. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a microwave-safe dish, covering them with a microwave-safe paper plate to help minimize splatter.

6. Microwave on high for about 10 to 12 minutes, checking for tenderness with a fork. If needed, continue cooking in 2-minute increments on 50% power until fully tender.

7. Once done, allow the squash to cool slightly before serving or scraping the flesh into a bowl.

Microwave quartered butternut squash

Save a few minutes of cooking time by making an additional slice and cutting your butternut squash into 4 pieces. This method is great when you plan to serve the squash in its skin, making individual-sized portions. Here’s how to microwave butternut squash quarters:

1. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds.

2. Slice each half into quarters.

3. Place the quartered squash in a microwave-safe dish, cut-side up.

4. Add a small amount of water to the dish to create steam, or drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasonings.

5. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe plastic wrap or a vented lid, ensuring there’s space for steam to escape. You can place toothpicks between the squash and plastic wrap if desired.

6. Microwave on high for about 8 to 10 minutes, checking for tenderness with a fork; continue cooking in one- to two-minute increments at 50% power if needed.

7. Once the squash is tender, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and allow it to cool slightly before serving or using in recipes.

How to microwave cubed butternut squash

While this method requires the most prep, cubed butternut squash in the microwave offers a ton of versatility. Add cubes to soups, salads, grain bowls, or serve them alone as a flavor-packed side dish. Microwaved butternut squash cubes are also easy to freeze and drop into soups later, or quickly reheat in an air fryer or convection oven to add a crispy, carmelized exterior. To microwave cubed butternut squash, follow these steps:

1. Cut off the stem with a sharp knife.

2. Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler or knife. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

3. Slice the squash into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

4. Place the cubed squash in a microwave-safe bowl. Season with salt, pepper or other flavorings and add 1-2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil if desired.

5. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of water over the cubes to create steam during cooking.

6. Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a vented lid, ensuring there’s space for steam to escape.

7. Microwave butternut squash cubes on high for 3-4 minutes, then carefully remove the cover (watch out for steam). Gently stir the squash and re-cover.

8. Microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.

9. Once cooked, gently stir the squash again and adjust any seasonings if needed before serving.

If you opt to freeze the cubes for later, first spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they are not touching and pop them in the freezer for about an hour. You can then transfer the semi-frozen cubes to a freezer bag or container. This will help prevent them from sticking together.

How to cook butternut squash noodles in a microwave

Butternut squash noodles cooked in the microwave are a speedy and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. If using a vegetable spiralizer to create your noodles, you may only be able to use the neck of the squash. Save the bulbous half to cook in the microwave with one of the methods above. To microwave butternut squash noodles, follow these steps:

1. Cut the stem and bulbous half from the squash.  Peel the remaining neck of the squash using a vegetable peeler or knife.

2. Slice the neck in half or in quarters and use a vegetable spiralizer to create butternut squash noodles. You can also hand slice noodles from the squash if you don’t have a spiralizer. 

3. Place the squash noodles in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or other seasonings to taste.

4. Add a few tablespoons of water to the bowl to create steam during cooking.

5. Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a vented lid, leaving a small opening for steam to escape.

6. Microwave on high for about 3 minutes. Carefully remove the cover (watch out for steam) and stir the noodles.

7. If needed, re-cover and microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm.

8. Once cooked, remove from the microwave, stir again, and serve immediately as a healthy alternative to traditional pasta or incorporate them into your favorite dishes.

How to cook frozen butternut squash cubes in a microwave

You can now often find pre-cubed squash in the fresh or frozen aisle of your grocery store. Keeping a bag in your freezer is a great way to ensure you have an easy and healthy dish to serve at a moment’s notice. If your dinner plans go awry or you have unexpected company for dinner, microwave frozen butternut squash cubes for a last minute addition to your menu. Here’s a guide to preparing frozen butternut squash in the microwave:

1. Place the frozen butternut squash cubes in a microwave-safe bowl. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand.

2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the bowl to create steam during cooking. Hold off on adding oil or seasonings until it has warmed through.

3. Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a vented lid, to allow steam to escape.

4. Microwave on high for about 6-7 minutes.

5. Carefully remove the cover (watch for steam) and stir the squash. You can add seasonings at this point if you want a cooked-in flavor.

6. If needed, re-cover and microwave for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.

Shop Whirlpool^® Over-the-Range Microwaves for cooking butternut squash

Enjoy maximum counter space with a Whirlpool^® over-the-range microwave and hood combination. Enjoy microwaves that help quickly prepare butternut squash and other favorites with features on select models like Steam Cooking, so you can steam vegetables, fish and more, right in your microwave or Roast Mode, to help you give chicken, vegetables and more a crunchy, caramelized outer layer.

How long does it take to microwave butternut squash?

Microwaving a whole squash with the skin on can take 14-16 minutes in a 1,000 watt microwave. Butternut squash halves can be microwaved in 10-12 minutes, while microwaving butternut squash cubes or noodles can take as little as 4 minutes.

However, you should also take preparation into account when considering the total time it takes to cook a butternut squash in a microwave, from start to finish. While it only takes a few moments to poke holes in a squash before microwaving it whole, there may be additional steps to take like peeling, cutting and removing seeds. Doing these steps beforehand takes longer, but the squash will cook faster in the microwave. Try different methods to find the one that works best for you. All times are approximate—adjust as needed for the size of your squash, microwave power and other factors.

How long does it take to microwave butternut squash to soften the skin?

You can microwave squash to make it easier to peel and cut, even if you ultimately plan to roast, fry or saute it. Microwave it whole for about 3 minutes to make peeling and cutting your butternut squash easier. Cut off the stem and bottom of the squash, then poke holes all over it before placing it in a microwave-safe dish and cooking. It only takes about 3 minutes in the microwave to create a little steam between the skin and flesh, making it easier to peel off with your hands or a dull knife once cooled. Microwaving will also soften the butternut squash before cutting it. You can then season and finish preparing your squash however you like.

Recipes for microwave butternut squash

You can use any of the methods above in a microwave butternut squash recipe with your favorite seasonings, sweeteners, herbs, oils and butters. Here are some tips for when to add ingredients to your squash:

• Whole butternut squash: Season after cooking, peeling and seeding. 

• Halved or quartered butternut squash:  Drizzle with oil or pat with butter. Then, sprinkle seasonings and herbs on top. Cook in the microwave flesh side up and cover with a vented lid or perforated, microwave-safe plastic wrap.

• Cubed butternut squash: Pat with butter or toss cubes in oil or marinade and add seasonings or herbs. Stir to evenly coat the cubes, then microwave.

• Frozen Cubes: Season after the squash has been warmed through. You can stop the microwave with a few minutes remaining to add oils, marinades and seasonings, then finish microwaving for a cooked-in flavor.

You can microwave butternut squash with brown sugar, maple syrup or cinnamon to enhance its naturally sweet flavor. Or, for a savory take, embrace its earthy flavor with additions like fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Here are some more butternut squash recipe ideas:

• Dot with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon

• Add fresh sage, butter, salt and pepper

• Rub with a paste of chili powder with lemon juice 

• Dot with ghee and sprinkle on some curry powder

• Mash with cream and seasonings

• Puree into a butternut squash soup

• Top with a Thai coconut curry sauce and sprinkle with peanuts

Settings for microwave butternut squash

To make butternut squash in the microwave, start by cooking at full power. If it’s your first time learning how to microwave butternut squash, you can end the cycle a few minutes early and check for doneness. Reduce the microwave power to 50% and continue cooking in one or two minute intervals until done. 

While you don’t need special settings for a basic microwave butternut squash recipe, there are some microwave features that can offer easier—or more varied—methods to cook your squash. For example, some microwaves from Whirlpool brand feature Air Fry Mode that can add a carmelized, crispy finish to microwaved butternut squash and other dishes. Here are some more Whirlpool^® microwave settings and features that can help you use different techniques when cooking butternut squash in a microwave:

Sensor Cooking

Some models include sensor cooking technology, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the moisture level in the food.

Steam Cooking

Models with steam cooking capabilities, allow you to steam vegetables directly in the microwave for quick and healthy preparation.

Grill Mode

Grill meat and vegetables in select microwaves with Grill Mode. The Air Fry Basket allows direct heat to sear the outside of your food, creating a nice crust and flavor.

Roast Mode

Roast Mode, available on select models, helps you give vegetables, chicken and more a crunchy, caramelized outer layer directly in the microwave, so you don’t have to use the oven.

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