How To Make Butternut Squash In The Instant Pot

You can make butternut squash in the Instant Pot by pressure cooking it whole or cut into chunks, and it comes out perfectly tender every single time.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make butternut squash in the Instant Pot without wrestling with a rock-hard gourd for 20 minutes, you’re in the right place.
 
The Instant Pot makes cooking butternut squash incredibly easy, whether you want it cubed for a recipe or pureed into a creamy soup.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make butternut squash in the Instant Pot, including how long to cook it, whether to peel it first, and a few tasty ways to use it once it’s done.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Making Butternut Squash in the Instant Pot Works So Well

Making butternut squash in the Instant Pot works so well because the sealed, pressurized environment steams the squash from the inside out.
 
Here’s why this method beats the oven almost every time:
 

1. It Cuts Cooking Time Dramatically

Roasting butternut squash in the oven can take 45 minutes to an hour, but when you make butternut squash in the Instant Pot, it’s ready in about 15 to 25 minutes depending on how you cut it.
 
That’s a huge time saver on busy weeknights.
 

2. The Skin Peels Off Effortlessly

When you cook butternut squash in the Instant Pot whole, the steam loosens the skin so much that it practically slides off.
 
No more risking a knife slip while trying to peel a raw, hard squash.
 

3. The Texture Stays Perfectly Tender

The even, moist heat means your butternut squash comes out soft, creamy, and never dried out.
 
It’s ideal for mashing, blending into soups, or folding into pasta.
 

How to Make Butternut Squash in the Instant Pot (Whole Method)

This is the easiest way to make butternut squash in the Instant Pot, and it requires almost no prep.
 
Here’s what you do:
 

1. Prep the Squash and the Pot

Rinse your butternut squash and pierce it a few times with a fork so steam can escape.
 
Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
 

2. Set the Cook Time

Place the whole squash on the trivet, seal the lid, and set the valve to sealing.
 
Cook on high pressure for 20 to 25 minutes for a medium squash, or up to 30 minutes for a large one.
 

3. Do a Natural Release

Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting.
 
When you open the lid, the skin of your butternut squash should be wrinkled and easy to pull away.
 

How to Make Butternut Squash in the Instant Pot (Cubed Method)

If you need cubes for a recipe, this is the way to make butternut squash in the Instant Pot fast.
 
Here’s the process:
 

1. Peel and Cube the Squash

Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, peel it, and chop it into one-inch cubes.
 

2. Add Water and a Steamer Basket

Add one cup of water to the Instant Pot and set a steamer basket inside.
 
Pile the cubes into the basket without packing them too tightly.
 

3. Pressure Cook for a Short Time

Cook on high pressure for just 3 to 5 minutes.
 
Then do a quick release so the cubes don’t turn to mush.
 
The result is tender butternut squash cubes that hold their shape beautifully.
 

4. Season and Serve

Toss the cooked cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
 
You can also mash them right in the pot for a quick side dish.
 

Tasty Ways to Use Your Instant Pot Butternut Squash

Once you know how to make butternut squash in the Instant Pot, you’ll want to use it in everything.
 
Here are some favorite ideas:
 

1. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Blend the cooked squash with broth, sautéed onion, and a splash of cream for a silky soup.
 

2. Butternut Squash Mash

Mash it with butter, garlic, and Parmesan for a cozy alternative to mashed potatoes.
 

3. Pasta and Grain Bowls

Fold cubes into pasta, farro, or quinoa for a hearty, colorful meal.
 

4. Baby Food

Puree plain cooked squash with a little water for a simple, nutritious baby food.
 

So, How Do You Make Butternut Squash in the Instant Pot?

You can make butternut squash in the Instant Pot by pressure cooking it whole for 20 to 25 minutes or cubed for just 3 to 5 minutes, and it turns out tender and delicious every time.
 
The Instant Pot takes the struggle out of preparing this tough winter squash, whether you’re making soup, a side dish, or baby food.
 
Just remember to pierce a whole squash, use the trivet, and let the pressure release naturally for the best results.
 
Hope this post has helped you learn how to make butternut squash in the Instant Pot with confidence and ease.