Best Butternut Squash Substitutes

Looking for a butternut squash substitute? Explore our guide to find the best butternut squash alternatives such as sweet potato, acorn squash, and pumpkin. Learn how to make substitutions for similar results in various recipes.

Jump to:

• What is butternut squash?
• Uses
• What is a good substitute for butternut squash?
• Top tips
• Conclusion
• More squash recipes

What is butternut squash?

Butternut squash is a type of squash known for its bell-shaped body, smooth tan skin, and bright orange flesh. It has a mild, nutty flavor with a slight sweetness. This makes it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. Butternut squash is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

The squash has a dense, firm flesh that softens when cooked, making it ideal for roasting, pureeing, or adding to soups and casseroles. It’s most commonly found in fall and winter, although it can be found year-round in many grocery stores or farmers' markets. Its naturally sweet taste and creamy texture have made it a staple in recipes from soups to pies.

Uses

Butternut squash is incredibly versatile and can be used in everything from side dishes to baked goods to entrees. Here are some of the most common and best ways to incorporate this squash into your meals:

Soups - Butternut squash soup is a fall favorite. The squash's natural sweetness balances perfectly with savory ingredients like garlic, onions, and spices. It's often pureed to create a smooth, creamy texture like in this butternut squash red pepper soup. 

Roasting - Roasting butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delicious caramelized flavor. You can cube it, drizzle it with olive oil, season with herbs, and roast it in the oven until tender. It can also be enjoyed when drizzled with maple syrup or sprinkled with brown sugar.

Puree - Butternut squash can be pureed and used as a base for soups, sauces, and baked goods. It adds creaminess and natural sweetness. This makes it a great substitute for dairy in many recipes.

Casseroles and gratins - The soft, smooth texture of cooked butternut squash makes it an ideal choice for casseroles and gratins. It pairs well with cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs.

Baked goods - You can also use butternut squash in baking like muffins, bread, and pies. Its moisture content helps keep baked goods tender and adds a slight sweetness.

What is a good substitute for butternut squash?

There's not a one-size-fits-all alternative in place of butternut squash, but depending on use, there is more than one great option. Here are the best substitutes:

1. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are one of the best alternatives to butternut squash. They share a similar texture when cooked and offer a slightly sweeter flavor. While sweet potatoes have a more vibrant color, their soft, creamy texture will work well in savory and sweet dishes such as sweet potato soup and sweet potato brownies. They are an excellent substitute for soups, casseroles, and roasting.

To substitute, use an equal amount of cooked sweet potato in place of butternut squash in your recipe. You can mash or roast it to match the texture of the squash.

2. Acorn Squash

Acorn squash has a similar mild, nutty flavor, and smooth texture when cooked. While it’s slightly less sweet than butternut squash, it still provides a wonderful earthy taste and soft texture. It is great in roasted dishes, soups, and stuffing recipes.

To substitute, use an equal amount of acorn squash, peeled and cubed in place of butternut squash. You can roast, mash, or puree it just like you would with butternut squash.

3. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is another excellent choice. Its flavor is similar but often more earthy. Pumpkin can be used in sweet and savory dishes and works well in soups and pies like this gingersnap pumpkin pie. You can use canned pumpkin puree or fresh pumpkin for this swap depending on the recipe.

To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio. 

4. Delicata Squash

Delicata squash is a winter squash variety that is smaller and with a cylindrical shape. It has tender, edible skin, and a sweet flavor. Its flesh is creamy and smooth when cooked, making it a great substitute for butternut squash in roasted dishes or stuffed squash recipes. Unlike other squashes, delicata does not need to be peeled before cooking.

To substitute, replace with an equal amount of delicata squash. Simply slice, remove the seeds, and roast, stuff, mash, or puree it as needed for your dish.

5. Kabocha Squash

Kabocha squash, also known as Japanese pumpkin, has a dark green skin and a rich, sweet flavor. It also has a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. While kabocha is a bit denser than butternut, it works wonderfully in soups, curries, and roasted recipes.

To substitute, replace butternut squash with an equal amount of kabocha squash. Roast, mash, or puree it as needed for your recipe.