Mashed Hubbard squash recipe

Made with only a handful of ingredients, this mashed Hubbard squash recipe is perfect for weeknights, and your holiday table. Flavored with maple syrup and nutmeg, this recipe is simple, delicious, and allergen-friendly.

I’ll give you variations and substitutions where I can, plus helpful tips and tricks for success. Read on for this info as well as the recipe. If you’d like to skip straight to the recipe, use the jump to recipe button at the top of the post.

You may also be interested in my three sisters squash fritters and my other Hubbard squash recipes. For ease of browsing, you can find all of my squash recipes in one place.

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Why you should make this recipe

Full of seasonal flavors, this mashed squash recipe is perfect for those who love warm spices and just a touch of sweetness.

• Common ingredients – You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Minimal shopping required.
• Quick & easy – This Hubbard squash recipe only requires about 10 minutes of actual hands-on time.
• Allergen and budget-friendly – Naturally gluten-free, this recipe can be made dairy-free as well, and it is an inexpensive way to enjoy winter squash.

Mashed Hubbard squash recipe

Hubbard squash purée, or mashed squash, is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this winter vegetable. It requires very little effort, and roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness.

This easy side is perfect for your fall dinner rotation, but it is also right at home on your holiday table.

Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make this mashed Hubbard squash recipe. I’ve listed substitutions, just in case you find yourself in need of a swap.

• Hubbard squash – This hard winter squash is most often a dusty blue color on the outside and vibrant orange inside.
  • Substitutions: If Hubbard squash isn’t available, use butternut, kuri, acorn, carnival squash, kabocha or buttercup squash.
• Salted butter – Normally, I advocate for unsalted butter, however, in this recipe, good-quality salted butter really makes it sing. I use Kerrygold Irish butter, feel free to use your favorite.
  • Substitutions: If you are watching your salt intake, use unsalted butter. To keep it dairy-free, use a small splash of olive oil or vegan butter.
• Maple syrup – I am a fan of all things maple. It lends such a wonderful flavor and just the right amount of sweetness to this squash.
  • Substitutions: Use brown sugar, date syrup, molasses, or honey in place of maple syrup.
• Nutmeg – Freshly grated nutmeg adds incredible flavor to this mashed Hubbard squash recipe. It gives it the fall vibes.
  • Substitutions: If you don’t have nutmeg, you can swap it for cinnamon or allspice. Another alternative would be a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
• Olive oil – For roasting the squash.
• Salt and pepper – Everything gets salt and pepper.

How to make

Here’s a quick summary of how to make mashed Hubbard squash. Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe. 

1. Prep – Preheat oven to 400°F // 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice squash in half, lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds – save them to make roasted squash seeds!
2. Roast – Roast the squash, cut side down, for 45 – 60 minutes. Test for doneness by piercing the flesh with a paring knife.
3. Scoop – When squash is fully cooked, let the squash cool slightly, until you are able to handle it. Then scoop the flesh out with a large spoon.
4. Mash – Using a potato masher, break up the squash and mash it. I like it with a few small chunks in it, not totally smooth.
5. Season – Add butter, nutmeg, and maple syrup, stir to combine, and taste. Adjust seasoning, if necessary, then serve.

Mashed Hubbard squash recipe FAQ’s

Variations on mashed Hubbard squash

• Dairy-free / vegan – Omit butter and replace with olive oil, coconut oil, or vegan butter.
• Spicy – Add in a pinch of chipotle or ancho chili powder to give it a spicy, smoky kick.
• Nutty – Top with toasted pecans, or candied pecans, like the ones I used in this roasted Honeynut squash recipe.
• Cheesy – Add in a spoonful of mascarpone or ricotta to give it extra creaminess.
• Herby – Add a teaspoon of chopped rosemary, thyme or parsley to give it some green, herbaceous flavor.

Serving suggestions

This stuffed squash pairs perfectly with almost anything. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Stuffed pork loin roast
• Whole roast chicken
• Beef tenderloin recipe

Helpful tools and equipment

• The best potato masher – This style of potato masher works better than any other, plus it is the most comfortable to use.
• Heavy duty sheet pans that hold up to high temps without warping.
• Parchment paper sheets are MUCH easier to use than tearing pieces off of a roll.

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Mashed Hubbard squash recipe

Cheryl Bennett

Simple mashed Hubbard squash recipe with maple syrup and nutmeg makes a delicious fall side dish.

4 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Squash recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 8 cups

Calories 495 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 5 – 6 lb. Hubbard squash // 2.3 – 2.7 kilos weighed whole
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. kosher salt I use Diamond Crystal – see note
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 4 tbsp. salted butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup // 80ml
• 1 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F // 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
• Slice the Hubbard squash in half, lengthwise, and scoop out seeds. (Reserve the seeds for roasting)
• Drizzle olive oil over both halves of the squash, and season with salt and pepper. Place squash, cut side down, on parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Roast squash for 45 – 60 minutes. (Test for doneness by flipping over and piercing flesh with a paring knife – it should have very little resistance.)
• Remove squash from oven and let cool slightly. When it is cool enough to handle, scoop flesh from the skin into a large mixing bowl. Discard skin.
• Add salted butter, maple syrup and nutmeg to warm squash and mash until desired consistency with a potato masher. You can also use a handheld electric mixer if it is easier for you.
• Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Serve.

Notes

If using Morton's salt, or table salt, you may want to reduce the amount of salt by almost half.

Yield may vary slightly, depending on the amount of seeds inside your squash. Some have more seeds than others, which will affect the amount of squash the recipe yields.

If you can't find Hubbard squash, you can substitute with butternut, buttercup, kabocha, acorn, or carnival squash. Any hard winter squash, or sweet potatoes, can be used with this recipe. You may need to adjust ingredient quantities to suit your substitutions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 495kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 222mgFiber: 19gSugar: 50g

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