The easy guide for how to cook a whole butternut squash in the Instant Pot for the best fuss-free squash you can make.

Image of a cooked butternut squash with a spoon scooping out some of the squash with a bowl of squash seeds and a bowl of cooked squash in the background.

Did you know that you can cook a whole butternut squash right in your Instant Pot? It comes out tender and soft and ready to use however you’d like.

You don’t have to cut it, peel it, or remove the seeds before cooking. If you have ever taken the time to break down and cut up a whole butternut squash, you know what a feat it can be to get a knife through that thick and hard vegetable.

Image of a whole butter nut squash sitting in a steam basket inside an Instant Pot with a bowl of cooked butternut squash in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a quick and easy way to prepare this vegetable without having to worry about peeling, chopping, or cutting it first.
Using an instant pot significantly reduces the cooking time for butternut squash compared to baking it or roasting it in the oven.
Once the butternut squash is cooked, you can use it in a variety of recipes, includingbutternut squash soup.
It’s delicious! Cooking a whole butternut squash in an instant pot helps to lock in its natural flavors and produce a tender, perfectly cooked vegetable.

Recipe Ingredients

Butternut squash:be sure to get squash that are firm and blemish-free (no nicks or bruises)
Water

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Instant Pot

Step #1.Wash off the outside of the squash and poke it a few times with a knife or fork.
Step #2.Put a steamer basket or a trivet in your Instant Pot, and add the water and whole butternut squash.
Step #3.Cook in Instant Pot on high pressure for 25 minutes and allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the rest of the pressure and open the lid.
Step #4.Let the squash cool then cut it in half the long way. Use a spoon to remove the seeds, scoop the squash out of the peeling, and serve or use.

Recipe FAQs

What if my butternut squash doesn’t fit in my Instant Pot?

You can cut it in half by splitting the top skinny part from the bulb end and place it as is in your Instant Pot. Reduce the cook time to 20 minutes.

Can I cook other ingredients along with the butternut squash in the Instant Pot?

For this recipe, cook the butternut squash alone because other squashes or vegetables will need different cook times.

Do I need to peel the butternut squash before cooking it in an Instant Pot?

Nope! You can throw it in the Instant Pot and cook it whole. What makes this approach so easy is that it doesn’t involve peeling or cutting a hard butternut squash.

Can I freeze the butternut squash after I cook it in my Instant Pot?

Yes, you can definitely freeze the butternut squash after cooking. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can also cook a whole butternut squash in a slow cooker or crock pot.

Expert Tips

When selecting butternut squash, look for ones that are firm.The peeling should be hard with no soft spots.
Butternut squash (whole and uncooked) can be stored for a few weeks(or even months) so feel free to stock up when they are in-season (late summer to fall).
Serve it with some butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepperor whip it up with a hand mixer with butter, warm milk and salt for mashed butternut squash.
You canuse the cooked butternut squash in other recipes as a substitutefor potatoes such asShepherd’s pie.