This easy garlic and herb butternut squash recipe is an easy but crazy flavorful side dish to add to your menu. It is naturally vegan, paleo and gluten-free. It can be made entirely on the stove-top so it won’t have to jockey for a position in the oven if you want to make it for Thanksgiving.

garlic and herb butternut squash in a large bowl

I originally shared this Easy Garlic Herb Butternut Squash on November 4th, 2015. I have updated the text to share it with you again today.

How to Make Easy Garlic Herb Butternut Squash

How To Cut Butternut Squash

The technique to make this butternut squash is really easy. Just cut up the butternut squash into cubes (about 1 inch each). Here’s how;

  1. If you are cutting your own, peel the squash first with a good vegetable peeler.
  2. Wash your hands afterwards since the vitamin A in the squash will actually start to break down the outer layer of skin, which results in roughed up dry palms.
  3. Then cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
  4. When I cut a butternut squash, I separate the rounded bottom part that houses the seeds from the long solid part. I find doing that makes it easier to cut the squash into evenly sized pieces.

If you want to buy pre-cut squash that is fine too! Use 8 cups of cubed butternut squash, or about 2 ¼ to 2 ½ pounds. 

Steam The Squash

Once your squash is cut up. Steam it in a saucepan with a steamer basket.

garlic and herb butternut squash in a white bowl

Add Garlic and Herbs For Seasoning

While the butternut squash is steaming, chop up some garlic and herbs.

  • For the herbs, try to use about 1 part parsley and 1 part a blend of woody herbs, such as sage, rosemary and thyme.
  • Don’t use 1/3 cup of straight woody herbs without the parsley or it will be medicinally strong.
  • This steamed butternut squash recipe also works with tender fines herbs (parsley, chervil, tarragon and chives) but I think it’s better suited to serve with beef or fish.

Cook the Garlic in the Oil

I go heavy on the extra-virgin olive oil but you can use less if you’re trying to cut calories. I think it is really nice to have a generous coating of the oil, because it keeps the squash moist and carries the savory flavors. Plus, this recipe makes enough for 10 people, so you are not going to even get a full teaspoon of oil per serving!

Do Not Burn The Garlic

  • Note that it is important to watch the garlic while it sizzles in the oil. You want it to start to brown, otherwise it is too strong and raw tasting, but you also don’t want to take it to the point where it is toasted or burnt.
  • As soon as you see color on the garlic, transfer the garlic and oil to a large mixing bowl. The room temperature bowl will stop the browning of the garlic.
  • Then immediately add the herbs, to bloom them in the hot oil.

Mix The Steamed Butternut Squash with the Garlic and Herbs

  • Once the squash is tender (just check it with a fork to see if it is cooked through) lift the steamer basket carefully out of the saucepan and tip the squash into the bowl with the garlic and herbs.
  • Add some salt and pepper and toss everything to coat.
  • If you overcooked the squash by mistake that is fine, but be very gentle while stirring so you don’t end up with mush.
  • Transfer the squash to a thick ceramic serving dish or serving bowl, and cover. Keep warm until everything else is ready.

Steps To Make This Recipe

How to Reheat Butternut Squash

Don’t fret if the garlic and herb butternut squash goes cold while you’re preparing the other Thanksgiving dishes. If this happens, you can reheat the squash in the microwave in just a few minutes.

To Microwave: Just make sure to reheat the squash in shorter intervals to avoid overcooking the squash. Every 30 seconds or so, test the squash to see if it’s heated through and continue cooking accordingly.

In The Oven: You can also reheat the butternut squash in the oven, assuming you have room for it. Just make sure to keep the baking dish covered!

garlic and herb butternut squash

More Butternut Squash Recipes:

Also make sure you check out all of my other Thanksgiving recipes here to plan out your feast! 

garlic and herb butternut squash in a white bowl with a spoon

Thanks so much for reading! If you make this recipe, please make sure to come back and leave a star rating and review! I really appreciate it!

Happy Cooking!

~Katie 

Print
Easy Garlic Herb Butternut Squash | Paleo, gluten-free and vegan | a simple stove-top side dish for Thanksgiving

garlic and herb butternut squash

  • Author: Katie Webster
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Steamed
  • Cuisine: American

★★★★★

4.5 from 8 reviews
Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Garlic Herb Butternut Squash is a simple stovetop recipe to make for Thanksgiving, or for a fast side dish. It’s vegan and whole30 approved!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 large butternut squash, seeded, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (2.75 to 3 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped mixed herbs, such as parsley, thyme and rosemary *see note
  • ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Add squash to the basket, cover and steam until the squash is tender, 13 to 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring often until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown slightly, 1 to 3 minutes. Immediately pour the garlic and oil into a large mixing bowl, add herbs and stir.
  3. Add the cooked squash to the garlic herb mixture. Add salt and pepper and gently stir to combine. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

A 2.75 pound squash (untrimmed with seeds and peel) yields 6 cups cooked squash. A large squash will work great, but you’ll have to add a pinch more salt. Just taste to see.

For the herbs, try to use about 1 part parsley and 1 part a blend of woody herbs, such as sage, rosemary and thyme. Don’t use 1/3 cup of straight woody herbs without the parsley or it will be medicinally strong

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2/3 cup
  • Calories: 98
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 179 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g

close up bowl of garlic herb butternut squash