11+ best butternut squash substitutes You should try

Butternut squash is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes.

However, it can be difficult to find in stores, and it can be quite expensive. But not to worry! Luckily, there is a few butternut squash substitute that can be used in their place.

So, stay with me for different butternut squash substitutions and how to use them in a variety of new dishes.

What is butternut Squash? What does butternut squash taste like?

Butternut squashes are a variety of winter squash that is popular in many dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and pies.

It can be roasted, baked, or pureed and used in both sweet and savory dishes. When cooked, butternut squash becomes very soft and can be easily mashed or pureed. This produces a fantastic ingredient for many recipes.

Butternut squash contains a sweet, nutty flavor that is similar to pumpkin. 

To replace butternut squash, you can use Winter squash, Sweet potato, pumpkin, Hubbard squash and Banana squash.

Also, I tried Acorn squash, Spaghetti squash, Carrots, Buttercup squash, Kabocha Squash, Calabaza, yellow squash, etc. to replace butternut Squash without altering the taste.

Best Butternut Squash Substitutes list in detail

1. You can use any winter squash

One of the amazing things about winter squash is that there are such wide varieties to choose from.

Though butternut squash is a delicious, versatile winter squash, it’s not the only option available at the grocery store. In fact, many other types of winter squash can be used as a substitute for butternut squash in recipes.

For example, acorn squash and kabocha squash have a similar texture and can be used in place of butternut squash in soups and stews.

Other options, such as spaghetti squash and pumpkin, can be used instead of butternut squash in sweet or savory dishes.

So next time you’re looking for a butternut squash substitute, don’t be afraid to experiment with other varieties of winter squash. You may just find a new favorite.

Note: When substituting winter squash for butternut squash, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Butternut squash is a bit firmer than other winter squashes, so it may take a bit longer to cook through.

Start by checking the squash after 20 minutes of cooking and adjust the time as necessary.

2. I tried Sweet potato to substitute for butternut squash

Most people think of sweet potatoes as a holiday dish, but these versatile vegetables can be used in a variety of recipes. While they are often compared to regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are actually quite different.

This substitution works well in soups, stews, and casseroles.

Another great way to substitute sweet potatoes for butternut squash is to use them in pies or tarts. This is a great way to get all of the sweetness and creaminess of butternut squash without having to worry about the peel.

Simply bake or microwave your sweet potatoes until they are soft, then mash them up and add them to your favorite pie recipe. You can also use sweet potato puree as a filling for ravioli or lasagna.

Just be sure to add a little extra seasoning to offset the sweetness.

3. You can replace the butternut squash with pumpkin

Pumpkin is easily available and relatively inexpensive. It has a sweet, slightly earthy flavor that goes well with savory spices. Pumpkins can be used in pies, pastries, soups, and other dishes.

I replace the butternut squash with pumpkin. This tastes really good! I also add in a bit of maple syrup to sweeten it up.

Though both belong to the squash family, butternut squash and pumpkin are two distinctively different vegetables. Pumpkins have a sweeter flavor than butternut squash.

For these reasons, I prefer to use pumpkin in my recipes instead of butternut squash.

When substituting pumpkin for butternut squash, I find that it is best to use half as much pumpkin puree as the recipe calls for. This ensures that the final dish is not too sweet or too watery. 

You can readily find the right balance of flavors to suit your taste with some experimentation.

Lastly, I can share one of my favorite recipes that features butternut squash is pumpkin bread. I like to apply canned pumpkin puree to my bread, as it is already cooked and easy to use.

However, you can also cook your own pumpkin puree using fresh pumpkins.

Simply cut the pumpkins into pieces, roast them in the oven, and puree them in a food processor. The end result is delicious bread that is perfect for the fall season.

4. Hubbard squash is one of the best substitutions for butternut squash

Hubbard squash is another best substitution for butternut squash. This type of squash is quite similar to butternut squash in taste and appearance.

It can be used in the same way as butternut squash in recipes. Hubbard squash can be roasted, mashed, or pureed, just like its close cousin-butternut squash. Plus, Hubbard squash is easier to find than its more popular cousin.

So next time you’re looking for butternut squash, give Hubbard a try – you won’t be disappointed!

5. Try substituting banana squash for butternut squash

Banana squash is slightly sweeter and has a more velvety texture that makes it perfect for creamy soups or stews. Plus, its bright yellow color is sure to add some cheer to any winter meal.

It’s widely available at most supermarkets.

6. substitute acorn squash for butternut

Acorn squash is another good substitute for butternut squash. While the two squashes are similar in color and taste, acorn squash is slightly sweeter. It has a little more of a nutty flavor.

Acorn squash can be roasted, mashed, or pureed, just like its close cousin-butternut squash.

You can use acorn squash in any dish that demands butternut squash, or you can try it in one of these delicious recipes:

-Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze

-Butternut Squash Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

-Acorn Squash Risotto with Parmesan and Sage

-Baked Acorn Squash with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

-Slow Cooker Honey and Sriracha glazed Acorn Squash

In addition, acorn squash is much more widely available, and it is usually quite a bit cheaper than its cousin.

So next time you search for a butternut squash substitute, reach for an acorn squash instead.

7. Substitute spaghetti squash for butternut squash

Spaghetti squash has a milder flavor that allows the other ingredients in the dish to shine through. Plus, it is a great way to get your veggies in!

Spaghetti squash makes a great substitute for butternut squash in soups, stews, and pasta dishes.

The best part is it’s much easier to cook. Just cut the squash in half, withdraw the seeds, and roast it in the oven.

Once it’s cooked through, you can use a fork to scrape out the flesh, which will come out in long, spaghetti-like strands.

8. butternut squash substitute carrots

While butternut squash is a delicious and versatile ingredient, it can be hard to find in stores outside of the fall and winter months. That’s why I often use carrots as a substitute.

Though they may not look alike at first glance, carrots and butternut squash are actually quite similar in terms of taste and texture. 

Both vegetables have a mildly sweet flavor and a creamy consistency, making them ideal for use in soups and stews.

Plus, they’re available year-round, so I never have to go without my favorite dishes.

While butternut squash will always have a place in my heart, carrots are my go-to ingredient when I’m craving something hearty and comforting.

9. Why not try Buttercup squash instead of butternut squash!

You can substitute Buttercup squash for butternut squash in many recipes. Buttercup squash has a similar taste and texture to butternut squash, so it makes a good replacement for butternut squash.

In addition, buttercup squash tends to be less watery than butternut squash, making it a good choice for dishes that require a firmer texture.

When substituting Buttercup squash for butternut squash, use a 1:1 ratio. So if the recipe demands 1 cup of butternut squash, you would use 1 cup of Buttercup squash instead.

Moreover, it is necessary to remember that the cooking time may vary slightly. However, overall, buttercup squash is an excellent substitute for butternut squash in both sweet and savory dishes like soups, stews, and other dishes.

Buttercup squash can also be mashed or pureed and used as a replacement for mashed potatoes or pumpkin puree.

10. Kabocha Squash- Best summer substitute for butternut squash

Kabocha squash has a sweet, earthy flavor that is perfect for summer dishes. The flesh is firm and sweet, making it a great choice for use in pies, soups, and stews.

While it is available year-round, kabocha squash is at its best during the summer months. This makes it a perfect substitute for butternut squash, which is typically harvested in the fall.

So if you’re looking for a summer-friendly alternative to butternut squash, kabocha squash is a perfect choice.

Read More- 12 Ideal Substitutes for Chayote

11. Calabaza- Suitable Alternative to Butternut Squash

Calabaza is a kind of squash that is popular in Latin American cuisine. It is also known as the West Indian pumpkin. 

It has a similar sweet flavor and texture to butternut squash, making it perfect for dishes like soup, stew, and risotto.

However, it can also be roasted or pureed and used in pies and other desserts.

It is also high in fiber and low in calories, making it a healthy choice for any meal. So if you’re searching for a delicious and nutritious alternative to butternut squash, give calabaza a try.

12. You can try cheaper alternative yellow squash for butternut squash

I substituted yellow squash for butternut squash in the recipe, and it turned out great! The squash was sweet and tender, and the sauce was flavorful.

Moreover, It has a similar flavor and texture to butternut squash, making it a perfect stand-in in soup, stew, and even risotto.

Plus, yellow squash is far more plentiful and is usually much cheaper than its orange cousin.

Other Butternut Squash Alternatives You Can Use

• · Delicata squash
• · Hubbard squash
• · Golden Nugget Squash
• · Sugar pumpkin
• · Sweet Dumpling Squash
• · Pie pumpkin
• · Turban Squash
• · Ambercup Squash

Butternut squash substitute for potato

Potatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, but what if you’re looking for a healthier option? Enter: butternut squash.

This relative of the pumpkin is packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamins A and C, and it makes an excellent substitute for potatoes in many recipes.

When cooked, butternut squash has a creamy texture that is similar to mashed potatoes, making it a perfect choice for dishes like Shepard’s pie or potato gratin.

So next time you’re in the mood for some comfort food, reach for butternut squash instead of a potato – your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you.

difference between squash and butternut squash?

Most people would probably say that squash and butternut squash are interchangeable terms for the same vegetable. However, there is actually a difference between the two.

Squash is a general term that can refer to several different varieties of vegetables, including zucchini, pumpkins, and gourds. Butternut squash, on the other hand, is a specific type of winter squash that has a smooth, nutty flavor.

Additionally, to be used in soups and stews, butternut squash can also be roasted or pureed and used as a replacement for mashed potatoes.

So next time you’re at the grocery store, make sure to grab the right type of squash for your recipe.Otherwise, you might end up with an undesirable surprise.

How to make butternut squash substitute

While the butternut squash is a delicious and nutrient-rich winter squash, it can be difficult to find in stores outside of the autumn months.

If you find yourself in need of a butternut squash substitute, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, consider the texture of the dish you are making.

If you are searching for a substitute for roasted butternut squash, for instance, you will want to choose a winter squash with similar flesh that can be easily roasted.

Second, think about the flavor of the dish. While butternut squash has a relatively mild flavor, some substitutes, such as acorn squash, may have a more pronounced taste.

Finally, If you’re s for a substitute for butternut squash soup, for example, you may want to choose a squash with similar colorings, such as kabocha squash and carrots.

Moreover, If you are making a soup or stew, you might want to try acorn squash or pumpkin.

How to cook butternut squash?

Butternut squash is a delicious and nutritious winter squash that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Perhaps the simplest way to cook butternut squash is to roast it in the oven.

Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, you should cut the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

Next, place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Another delicious way to cook butternut squash is to make soup. Start by peeling and cubing the squash.

Then, add the cubed squash to a pot with some broth or water and simmer until tender. Ultimately, purée the soup using an immersion blender or food processor.

For a heartier soup, you can add some chopped vegetables or even some cooked rice or quinoa. No matter how you cook it, butternut squash is sure to be a hit!

Onion squash vs butternut

There are many differences between onion squash and butternut squash.

Onion squash is a type of winter squash that gets its name from its shape, which resembles an onion. It has a mild, sweet flavor and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Butternut squash, on the other hand, is a type of winter squash that has a rich, nutty flavor. It is usually applied in soups and stews, as well as baked goods.

Butternut squash is also higher in nutrients than onion squash, making it a slightly healthier choice.

Choosing between onion squash and butternut squash can be a difficult task. Both are delicious, nutritious, and versatile vegetables that can add a touch of elegance to any dish.

So, how do you choose? Here’s a brief overview of a different kinds of squash to help you make the best decision for your needs.

FAQ’s on butternut squash substitute