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Grilling butternut squash on a gas grill is one of the easiest ways to get sweet, caramelized, slightly smoky cubes or slices without turning on your oven.
If you’ve been wondering how to grill butternut squash on a gas grill, the answer is simple: peel it, cut it into planks or cubes, toss with oil and seasoning, and cook over medium heat with the lid down until tender and charred.
It’s a foolproof method that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a holiday side dish.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grill butternut squash on a gas grill, including prep, heat settings, timing, and flavor ideas.
Let’s fire up that grill.
How to Grill Butternut Squash on a Gas Grill Perfectly
Learning how to grill butternut squash on a gas grill comes down to a few key moves.
Do these right, and you’ll get tender squash with crisp, golden edges every single time.
1. Choose and Prep the Squash
Pick a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size with smooth, blemish-free skin.
Slice off both ends, then peel it with a sharp vegetable peeler.
Cut the bulbous bottom in half, scoop out the seeds, and cut everything into ½-inch planks or 1-inch cubes.
Planks are great for grill marks, while cubes work well in a grill basket.
2. Oil and Season Generously
Toss your squash in a bowl with two to three tablespoons of olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter.
Every piece needs a light, even coat so it doesn’t stick or dry out on the grates.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of brown sugar for extra caramelization.
Now you’re ready to grill butternut squash on the gas grill with real confidence.
3. Preheat and Clean the Grates
Turn all your gas burners to medium-high and close the lid for ten to fifteen minutes.
Scrape the grates with a wire brush, then wipe them with an oiled paper towel using tongs.
A clean, hot, oiled grate is the biggest secret to grilling butternut squash on a gas grill without sticking.
If you’re using cubes, set a grill basket or a piece of foil with holes poked in it on the grates.
4. Grill Over Medium Heat With the Lid Down
Place the squash in a single layer, leaving space between pieces so they roast instead of steam.
Close the lid and cook for four to five minutes per side.
Flip planks with tongs and stir cubes every few minutes so they brown evenly.
Keep the temperature at medium, around 350°F to 400°F, because high heat burns the outside before the inside softens.
How Long Does It Take to Grill Butternut Squash on a Gas Grill?
When you grill butternut squash on a gas grill, timing depends on how you cut it.
Here’s a quick guide so nothing ends up raw or mushy.
1. ½-Inch Planks: 12 to 16 Minutes
Planks cook in about six to eight minutes per side over medium heat.
They’re done when a knife slides in easily and the edges are deeply browned.
Flip once, and resist the urge to move them around too much.
2. 1-Inch Cubes: 15 to 20 Minutes
Cubes in a grill basket take a little longer, usually fifteen to twenty minutes total.
Stir them every five minutes so every side gets contact with the hot grates.
This is the easiest route if you’re still getting comfortable with how to grill butternut squash on a gas grill.
3. Whole Halves: 30 to 40 Minutes
You can also grill butternut squash halves cut-side down over medium-low heat.
Brush the flesh with oil, season it, and cook cut-side down for fifteen minutes.
Flip, close the lid, and cook another fifteen to twenty-five minutes until fork-tender.
Scoop out the flesh for soups, mash, or serve the halves straight off the grill.
Tips for Grilling Butternut Squash on a Gas Grill
A few small habits make grilling butternut squash on a gas grill much easier.
1. Don’t Crowd the Grates
Overcrowding traps steam and gives you soggy squash instead of caramelized pieces.
Work in batches if you’re cooking for a crowd, and keep everything in one layer.
2. Use a Thermometer or the Fork Test
Perfectly grilled butternut squash is tender all the way through and lightly charred outside.
Pierce the thickest piece with a fork or paring knife.
If it slides in with little resistance, it’s ready to come off the grill.
3. Finish With a Glaze or Herbs
Right after grilling butternut squash on a gas grill, brush it with maple syrup, honey, or balsamic glaze.
Sprinkle chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley on top while it’s still hot.
A squeeze of lemon or a crumble of feta or parmesan takes it to the next level.
So, How Do You Grill Butternut Squash on a Gas Grill?
You grill butternut squash on a gas grill by peeling and cutting it, coating it in oil and seasonings, and cooking it over medium heat with the lid down until tender and caramelized.
Planks take about twelve to sixteen minutes, cubes take fifteen to twenty, and halves take thirty to forty.
Keep the heat at medium, don’t crowd the grates, and finish with a glaze or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Now that you know how to grill butternut squash on a gas grill, grab a squash, fire up those burners, and enjoy.