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This mashed acorn squash recipe is like buttery mashed potatoes lightened up cousin! Slightly nutty, decadently buttery, and just a touch sweet, this whipped acorn squash is a delightful side dish recipe that compliments anything from pork chops to roast chicken thighs.

I like to cook the acorn squash in the microwave and mash it with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to get all those classic holiday flavors in one dish that's ready in just 35 minutes!

If you love this mashed acorn squash recipe, be sure to check out my creamy acorn squash soup recipe and air fryer acorn squash slices!
Ingredients for this recipe

Making Mashed Acorn Squash
This is just a brief overview, find detailed instructions in the recipe card below!


Ways to Whip Acorn Squash
- With a handheld or stand mixer – This is my preferred method as it is quick and easy and gets the mixture really smooth, but doesn’t totally puree it.
- With a food processor – This will make more of an acorn squash puree than a mash. It will be super, duper smooth if you use a food processor.
- By hand – You can totally mash the acorn squash by hand, if desired. That’s how I like to make mashed potatoes, because it’s going to offer the most control. The mashed squash will also be more “rustic” if done this way.

I prefer to microwave the squash for this recipe so that it only takes 35 minutes from start to finish! If you oven roast acorn squash or make it in an Instant Pot, it will take longer, but still be delicious.

Mashed Acorn Squash
Equipment
- handheld or stand mixer, optional
Ingredients
- 3 acorn squash, cooked however you prefer
- ½ cup salted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup brown sugar, more or less to taste
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. nutmeg
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cut, seed, and cook the acorn squash either by roasting it in the oven, microwaving it, or pressure cooking it in an instant pot. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh of the acorn squash and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add ½ cup salted butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp. cinnamon, and ¼ tsp. nutmeg, and a generous pinch of kosher salt to the squash. Use a handheld mixer to combine and whip until squash is light and fluffy, about two minutes.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, adding more sugar, spices, or salt to your preference, and serve warm with extra butter on top.
Notes
- Refer to post for different squash cooking methods.
- Squash can also be mashed by hand or pureed in a food processor for an incredibly whipped variation.
Nutrition









Jeanette Stoddard says
Can this be nade ahead and reheated?
Amanda Gajdosik says
Absolutely, Jeanette! Make it to your liking, cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. You can reheat in the microwave or the oven - whichever you prefer.