Have you ever found yourself in the kitchen, ready to whip up a delicious meal, only to realize that you're out of one of your key ingredients?
If that ingredient happens to be butternut squash, we understand how frustrating this can be.
But don't worry; there are plenty of alternatives to butternut squash that can offer similar tastes, textures, and health benefits!
In this piece, we're going to explore some of the best substitutes for butternut squash that can be used in a wide range of recipes.
The Best Butternut Squash Substitutes: A Quick Look
| Butternut Squash Substitute | Flavor and Texture | Best Used for | Substitution Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Subtly sweet and nutty flavor; creamy texture | Risotto recipes | 1:1 |
| Hubbard Squash | Rich, sweet flavor; denser and more fibrous texture | Soups and stews | 1:1 |
| Kabocha Squash | Sweet and nutty flavor; tends to be drier and denser | Purees | 1:1 |
| Buttercup Squash | Mild sweetness; dense but smooth texture | Roasted dishes | 1:1 |
| Honeynut Squash | Exceptionally sweet flavor; smooth texture | Sweet baked goods | 1:1 |
| Delicata Squash | Sweet and nutty flavor; velvety or buttery texture | Snacks and salads | 1:1 |
| Sugar Pumpkin | Mildly sweet and earthy flavor; creamy texture | Soups and pies | 1:2 |
| Turban Squash | Subtle sweetness and nuttiness; firm and somewhat dry texture | Stews and casseroles | 1:1 |
| Sweet Dumpling Squash | Very sweet and corn-like flavor; fine, tender, and creamy texture | Desserts | 1:1 ½ or a 1:2 |
| Banana Squash | Mildly sweet flavor with nutty undertones; velvety texture | Quiches and pies | 1:½ or 1:⅓ |
| Sweet Potato | Sweet, remarkably earthy flavor; soft and starchy texture | Muffins and other baked goods | 1:1 ½ |
| Carrots | Sweet, earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness; crunchy texture | Soups and stews | 1:4 or 1:5 |
| Parsnips | Sweet, earthy flavor with a hint of nuttiness; tender and creamy when cooked | Savory dishes |
13 Best Substitutes for Butternut Squash
In this section, we're going to explore some awesome substitutes for butternut squash.
Let’s get to know each one of them and decide later on which one’s a great match for your favorite recipes!
Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a unique winter squash variety that's easy to spot with its distinctive shape resembling a large acorn.
It usually has a dark green exterior, but some varieties can be orange or multicolored.
When it comes to taste, acorn squash offers a mild, subtly sweet, and slightly nutty flavor profile.
While its texture isn't as creamy as butternut squash, it's still tender and satisfying, making it a great choice for various recipes, such as stuffed squash and risotto dishes.
How To Use Acorn Squash as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
When substituting acorn squash for recipes that don't originally call for butternut squash, you can do a direct 1:1 substitution.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| One cup of cooked and mashed butternut squash | One cup of cooked and mashed acorn squash | For this dish, both types of squash can be roasted for 20 to 30 minutes. |
Hubbard Squash
Also a winter squash variety, Hubbard squash is known for its large size as well as its rough and bumpy skin that can range in color from deep green to blue-gray or orange.
Don’t be fooled by how it looks; Hubbard squash has a rich, sweet flavor similar to butternut squash, but it tends to be denser and more fibrous.
It holds its shape and texture better during prolonged cooking, making it a good substitute for butternut squash in dishes where you want the squash to maintain some firmness, such as in heartier recipes like stews.
How To Use Hubbard Squash as Butternut Squash Substitute:
In dishes that originally need butternut squash, you may use Hubbard squash in its place in a 1:1 ratio since these two types of squash have similar levels of sweetness and nuttiness.
However, since Hubbard squash has a slightly tougher skin and denser flesh than butternut squash, it may require a few extra minutes of cooking time to reach the desired tenderness.
Always test with a fork to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| Two cups of diced butternut squash | Two cups of diced Hubbard squash | Simmer diced butternut squash for about 30 to 45 minutes until it's tender in the stew; Hubbard squash needs around 40 to 60 minutes. |
Kabocha Squash
Kabocha squash is a variety of winter squash, and it's sometimes referred to as the "Japanese pumpkin."
It’s usually squat and round, with thick, dull green or orange skin with occasional lighter stripes or speckles. Cut it open, and you’ll find that the flesh inside flesh has a vibrant orange color.
As a substitute for butternut squash, kabocha squash is a solid choice.
It shares similarities with butternut squash’s sweet and nutty flavor profile, making it suitable for a wide variety of dishes, including purees.
However, they differ in texture, with kabocha having a denser, slightly drier and starchier consistency compared to the creamier butternut squash.
How To Use Kabocha Squash as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
Like many other types of squash, you can substitute butternut squash with kabocha squash in a 1:1 ratio, although keep in mind that kabocha squash may require a longer cooking time due to its denser consistency.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash Puree
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| One pound (about 450 grams) of peeled and cubed butternut squash | One pound (about 450 grams) of peeled, seeded, and cubed kabocha squash | While cubed butternut squash will need to be simmered for about 15 to 20 minutes, kabocha squash will need at least 20 to 25 minutes. |
Buttercup Squash
Buttercup squash is a versatile winter squash variety that's both delightful in taste and appearance.
It has a round shape with a dark green exterior and bright orange flesh inside. Its flavor is sweet and nutty, with a slightly drier texture than butternut squash.
Butternut squash and buttercup squash are alike because they both taste sweet with a little nutty flavor when they're cooked.
But there are some differences. Buttercup squash has a milder sweetness, while butternut squash can be a bit deeper and richer in flavor.
When you cook them, they both become soft and creamy, but butternut squash may feel a bit smoother, while buttercup squash might be a little denser.
How To Use Buttercup Squash as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
Buttercup squash can also be used as a substitute for butternut squash in a 1:1 ratio, but since it’s dense and dry, it may need to be cooked longer to suit a particular dish’s consistency.
Also, making adjustments to the recipe is necessary when substituting milder-tasting buttercup squash for the more robust flavor of butternut squash in recipes.
You may need to add more seasonings or spices to maintain the desired taste and overall deliciousness.
Recommended Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| One pound (about 450 grams) of peeled and cubed butternut squash | One pound (about 450 grams) of peeled, seeded, and cubed buttercup squash; consider marinating it with flavorful herbs, garlic, or spices before roasting | Both varieties can be roasted for 30 to 35 minutes; roasting allows for sufficient time to soften and caramelize the cubes, regardless of the slight difference in density. |
Honeynut Squash
Honeynut squash is a winter squash cultivar that has been developed through hybridization, originating from both butternut and buttercup squash varieties.
It features skin that transitions from dark tan to a deep orange as it ripens, matching the vibrant color of its sweet and rich flesh.
Honeynut squash is renowned for its exceptional sweetness and honey-like quality, which also inspired its name.
This makes it a fabulous substitute for butternut squash, especially in dishes where a hint of natural sweetness is appreciated.
Compared to its relatives, honeynut squash maintains a similar flavor profile to butternut squash but boasts a more petite size.
How To Use Honeynut Squash as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
Do note that honeynut squash is smaller than butternut squash, so you need extra pieces of them in a dish.
You can go for a 1:1 ½ substitution ratio of butternut squash to honeynut squash.
They’re also naturally sweeter so you may use a smaller amount of added sweeteners like sugar to accompany honeynut squash than the amount you would normally use with butternut squash.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash Pie
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| Two cups of cubed butternut squash and ¾ cup of granulated sugar | Three cups of cubed honeynut squash and ½ cup of granulated sugar | Both can be roasted for 40 to 45 minutes before blending until smooth. |
Delicata Squash
Yet another winter squash variety, delicata squash has a long, cylindrical shape with a creamy yellow exterior that's striped with green or orange.
Its flesh is a bright yellow color with a sweet, nutty flavor that's similar to sweet potatoes, while its texture is slightly firmer than butternut squash.
One unique fact about this variant is that it has thin, edible skin, which makes it easier to prepare and cook than some other varieties.
This also makes it a great choice for adding to salads or enjoying as a healthy snack.
How To Use Delicata Squash as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
When using delicata squash as a substitute for butternut squash, keep in mind that the former is smaller, so you may need to adjust the quantity to match the amount of squash needed by the original recipe.
In most cases, a 1:1 ½ or 1:2 ratio will work well.
The good news is the cooking times for both squash types in various dishes are often similar, allowing you to enjoy delicata squash in a variety of dishes.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| Two cups of cubed butternut squash | Three to four cups of cubed delicata squash | Both can typically be roasted for 20 to 25 minutes. |
Sugar Pumpkin
A sugar pumpkin is a small, round winter squash known for its sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant orange color.
Regarding taste, sugar pumpkin is known to have a slightly less sweet and less nutty flavor than butternut squash.
Both also have a creamy, rich texture when cooked, although sugar pumpkin's texture can be a bit more grainy and dense compared to the smooth texture of butternut squash.
How To Use Sugar Pumpkin as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
Since sugar pumpkins are generally smaller, you might need more than one to get the same amount of flesh as you would from a single butternut squash.
A 1:2 ratio is best for most recipes.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash and Black Bean Soup
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| One butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed | Two sugar pumpkins peeled, seeded, and cubed | Before making the soup, both butternut squash and sugar pumpkin will need to be roasted for 15 to 20 minutes. |
Turban Squash
Turban squash, also known as "Turk's turban," has a unique shape that's best described as a smaller squash bursting out from a larger one.
It can be quite large, typically weighing around five pounds when mature, and it has a hard, thick skin that ranges in color from green to orange to yellow.
When it comes to taste, turban squash has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor that’s somewhat less intense than the flavor of butternut squash.
Because of its less sweet flavor, turban squash may be a better choice than butternut squash for savory recipes where a less sweet flavor is desired.
As for texture, turban squash tends to have a slightly firmer and drier flesh when cooked than butternut squash, so it holds up well in recipes like stews and casseroles that require slow cooking.
How To Use Turban Squash as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
A 1:1 ratio of substitution is optimal, but due to its firmer texture, turban squash might need a slightly longer cooking time compared to butternut squash.
Also, its unique appearance makes it a great choice for dishes where presentation is key.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash and Spinach Casserole
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| One butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed | One turban squash peeled, seeded, and cubed | Butternut squash can be baked for around 50 to 60 minutes, while turban squash may need around 60 to 70 minutes. |
Sweet Dumpling Squash
Also referred to as a sugar dumpling squash, sweet dumpling squash is a type of winter squash that's as big as a small acorn squash.
These squashes are quite small about four to six inches in diameter, typically fitting in the palm of your hand. It has cream-colored skin adorned with vibrant orange or green markings, creating a visually appealing pattern.
Its small size and attractive appearance make it a great choice for individual servings or stuffed squash recipes.
In terms of taste, sweet dumpling squash lives up to its name with a very sweet, almost corn-like flavor. Butternut squash is less sweet in comparison.
Plus, sweet dumpling squash has a tender, creamy flesh when cooked, similar to butternut squash, although it tends to be a bit finer and less fibrous.
How To Use Sweet Dumpling Squash as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
Because of their size difference, you may need a larger amount of sweet dumpling squashes to equal the amount of butternut squash in the original recipe.
A 1:1 ½ or a 1:2 ratio of butternut squash to sweet dumpling squash is ideal.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash and Kale Salad
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| Two cups of cubed butternut squash | Two to three cups of cubed sweet dumpling squash | Both can be roasted for 25 to 30 minutes for this salad. |
Banana Squash
Banana squash is a type of winter squash that's quite distinct from other varieties.
It's named for its elongated, cylindrical shape, which sets it apart from other squash varieties that tend to be round or oblong.
It can grow up to two to three feet long and weigh up to 35 pounds, making it one of the largest winter squash varieties available.
Because it's so big, it's perfect for feeding a crowd or for making large batches of soups or stews.
Also, its flesh is usually a vibrant orange or golden hue, and it has a mild, sweet taste with a subtle nutty undertone, much like butternut squash.
This makes it ideal for recipes like quiches and pies.
And when you cook it up, it becomes wonderfully smooth and velvety. So in terms of flavor and texture, they're pretty much close.
How To Use Banana Squash as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
When substituting butternut squash with banana squash, you can consider using a smaller amount of the latter because of its large size. As such, a 1:½ or 1:⅓ substitution ratio will work.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash and Leek Quiche
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| One butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed | ½ or ⅓ of a large banana squash peeled, seeded, and cubed | Both squash varieties will need to be roasted for about 20 to 25 minutes. |
Sweet Potato
If you’ve run out of winter squash varieties, you’ll never go wrong with sweet potatoes as a substitute for butternut squash!
Sweet potato is a root vegetable that's native to Central and South America, and it's used to make chips, soups, and a wide range of recipes.
It has a rough, brownish skin and a bright orange or yellow flesh that's quite different from the smooth, hard skin and pale flesh of most winter squash varieties.
Sweet potatoes are generally smaller and more uniform in size compared to butternut squash
A medium-sized sweet potato typically measures around five inches in length and two inches in diameter, while a medium-sized butternut squash can be around nine inches long and five inches in diameter.
In addition, sweet potatoes have a sweet, slightly earthy flavor.
Use it in place of butternut squash — with an equally sweet but slightly nuttier taste — to put an interesting twist on any recipe of your choice.
Both sweet potatoes and butternut squash become soft and creamy when cooked, but note that sweet potatoes can be a bit starchier.
How To Use Sweet Potato as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
Due to the size difference, you would typically need more sweet potatoes to replace the quantity of butternut squash in a recipe, so you can go for a 1:1 ½ ratio.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash Muffin
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| One cup of mashed butternut squash | One and a half cups of mashed sweet potatoes (feel free to adjust the quantity based on your desired richness) | Baking time for both squash varieties is 20 to 25 minutes. |
Carrots
Carrots are root vegetables that are known for their long, cylindrical shape and bright orange color.
They're typically harvested in the fall months, but they're available year-round in almost all grocery stores and supermarkets.
In terms of flavor and texture, carrots are a bit different from butternut squash.
While butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy texture, carrots have a mildly sweet, earthy, a hint of bitter flavor and a crunchy texture.
The best types of dishes to use carrots as a substitute for butternut squash are soups and stews, which can be enhanced by these vegetables’ sweet, earthy flavor, especially if you use roasted carrots.
Don’t worry; the crunchiness of raw carrots wouldn't hurt these dishes because they soften up when cooked, much like butternut squash.
How To Use Carrots as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
When substituting carrots for butternut squash, you may need to adjust the cooking time and seasonings to account for the slight differences in texture and taste.
Similarly, the quantity may need to be adjusted due to the size difference, as butternut squash is larger than carrots.
So a substitution ratio of 1:4 to 1:5 can work, but this will depend on the dish you’re making.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut Squash and Beef Stew
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| One peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash | Four to five large carrots, peeled and sliced | Butternut squash is simmered with the beef for one hour; carrots are simmered with the beef for about two hours. |
Parsnips
Parsnips are also root vegetables that often fly under the radar but deserve our culinary attention.
Visually, they resemble a pale carrot, but they’re slightly thicker with creamy, off-white skin and a tapered shape.
They bring a sweet and earthy taste to the table, with hints of nuttiness. They're firm when raw but become tender and creamy when cooked, which makes them a good substitute for butternut squash in many dishes.
That said, they may not be the ideal alternative for sweet desserts, such as puddings and tarts, which rely on butternut squash's inherent sweetness, as they may not provide the desired taste profile.
How To Use Parsnips as a Butternut Squash Substitute:
Parsnips are smaller than butternut squash, so — just like carrots — you may need to use a 1:4 to 1:5 substitution ratio.
Also, they tend to cook faster than butternut squash, so you may need to reduce the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Recommended Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Soup
| Original Recipe | Substitution | Cooking Time and Method |
|---|---|---|
| One butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed | Four to five large parsnips peeled and cubed | Butternut squash will need to be roasted for 30 to 35 minutes, while parsnips will need only 15 to 20 minutes. |
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Butternut Squash Substitute
Now you know that there are various alternatives that can seamlessly step in for butternut squash when you don't have it on hand!
But what are the factors you need to think about to ensure you select the most suitable alternative that captures butternut squash's distinct essence in your recipes?
Here are a few things to bear in mind:
Flavor
First, think about the flavor you're aiming for. Butternut squash has that sweet, nutty thing going on, right?
So if your recipe calls for it in a sweet dish, look for a substitute that brings a similar sweetness level, such as honeynut squash and sweet dumpling squash.
Texture
Butternut squash is creamy, making it perfect for purees, soups, and stews.
When picking a replacement, make sure it can be mashed or pureed to match that velvety consistency.
Among of the best substitutes that match butternut squash's texture are buttercup squash and delicata squash.
Availability
Generally, butternut squash is available year-round, but it may be scarcer when it's not in season.
So it's crucial to check what's in season and what's easy to find in your area when choosing a substitute.
Also, you can always go for alternatives like carrots, which are more readily available.
Nutritional Value
Health-conscious folks might want to consider the nutritional value of the butternut squash alternative they use.
Butternut squash is packed with nutrients. So it’s crucial to look for a substitute that's equally (or more!) nutritious if that's important to your dish.
For example, acorn squash contains 9 grams of fiber, making it more fiber-rich than butternut squash, which has 7 grams of fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Good Substitutes for Butternut Squash in Vegetable Lasagna?
Sweet potatoes, sugar pumpkin, acorn squash, and delicata squash are all great options for creating vegetable lasagna due to their similar level of creaminess and texture.
The best part is you can mix and match these substitutes to create a unique and tasty vegetable lasagna that's all your own.
Can I Use Spaghetti Squash as a Substitute for Butternut Squash?
Remember that not all types of squash can be used to replace butternut squash. And spaghetti squash is one example of a less-than-ideal replacement.
Its stringy texture and mellow flavor contrasts greatly with butternut squash's creaminess and sweetness, so using it to replace butternut squash in a recipe may drastically change how your dish tastes.
Spice Up Your Cooking With These Butternut Squash Substitutes
Using a substitute to step in for butternut squash offers a unique spin on familiar recipes and infuses them with new flavors and textures.
By daring to replace your usual butternut squash with these alternatives, you may discover a new favorite ingredient or dish you'll love for years to come!
So when you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, give these substitutes for butternut squash a try!
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