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This creamy Butternut Squash Mash is a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes. The naturally sweet flavor of the squash pairs beautifully with savory white beans. It’s the perfect pop of color on your Thanksgiving plate, but the recipe is quick and easy enough for any weeknight!
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Creamy white beans are puréed with the squash along with sweet onion and some garlic. It’s the dish you didn’t know you were missing. It’s so delicious!!
It keeps really well, so feel free to make it ahead of time. You can even freeze it.
Either way, make sure you give this butternut squash mash a try!
Ingredients you need
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Butternut squash ~ You could buy a whole butternut squash, peel it, remove the seeds, and then chop it into cubes. Or you can buy pre-chopped squash from the produce or freezer aisle of your grocery store. Either way works great and one is not really any better than the other in this dish.
This same method would also work for sweet potatoes if you prefer.
White beans ~ Creamy white beans add a lovely, savory depth of flavor to this squash purée. They also help to thicken the mash and add a dose of healthy plant protein.
If you love white beans, you’ll love my easy white bean salad, vegan white chili, pasta with white beans, and spinach artichoke white bean burgers!
Onion ~ I like a sweet onion here to complement the sweetness of the squash.
Broth ~ Choose low-sodium vegetable broth so it’s easier to control the sodium. You could also just use water. The liquid is drained off after cooking, but the flavor of the broth does get into the squash cubes giving them even more flavor.
If you choose to use water instead of broth, you’ll likely need more salt and pepper than the recipe calls for. Taste and adjust as necessary.
Extras ~ I like to keep this dish simple, but you can definitely add some thyme or rosemary if you like. Also, a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast would add a rich, savory flavor.
How to make the recipe
Please scroll down to the recipe card for exact ingredient measurements and instructions.
This dish looks fancy, but it’s actually really easy. Most of the time involved is hands off. You just need to chop the veggies first and then purée the squash mixture once it’s cooked.
Place the cubed butternut squash, sliced onions, and spices in a pot with the vegetable broth (1) and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat to a simmer and cook until tender, about 15 minutes (2).
Drain off most or all of the liquid. I like to leave a little bit of the liquid because I like a thinner mash. If you like a thick mash, more like mashed potatoes, drain all of the liquid.
Add the white beans (3) and purée using an immersion blender until smooth (4).
A potato masher won’t really work in this case because it won’t be able to break down the onions enough. You could alternately transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor if you don’t have an immersion blender.
Storage and freezing
Fridge: This butternut squash mash will keep in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze it. In a freezer safe container or plastic bag it will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave (in a microwave safe dish) for a couple minutes. You can also gently reheat in a pot on the stove top over medium-low heat.
Pro tips for success
~ Peel and de-seed the butternut squash and chop into cubes that are roughly all the same size. This will ensure they will all cook through at the same time.
~ To save time, use pre-chopped butternut squash from the produce or freezer section of your grocery store.
~ Drain and rinse the canned beans.
~ Drain all of the liquid for a thicker mash. Drain most, but not all, if you like a thinner mash.
~ Use an immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth. Alternately, you can transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. A potato masher won’t work well for this as it won’t break down the onions well.
~ Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
FAQs
I love roasted squash, but for this mash, I think it’s just as tasty to boil it and it’s much quicker! It also allows this dish to be oil-free.
The creamy white beans in this butternut squash mash help to thicken it up.
You could also add some nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” vibe which will also help give it extra body.
If it seems very liquidy, place a coffee filter in a fine mesh sieve and pour the mash in, letting the excess liquid drip out.
This butternut squash mash is a great side dish for Thanksgiving. Serve it up alongside Vegan Chicken Cutlets, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Mushroom Stuffing, and Cranberry Sauce!
It would also be great next to Lentil Meatloaf Muffins (from my friend, Amy, over at Veggies Save the Day), Baked Tofu, Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters, or Millet Black Bean Patties.
More vegan butternut squash recipes
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Butternut Squash Risotto
- Butternut Squash Apple Soup
- Vegetarian Cottage Pie
- Quinoa Spinach Salad with Butternut Squash
- Vegan Queso
- Cinnamon Butternut Squash Bread
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the star rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment with your feedback. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!
White Bean Butternut Squash Mash
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash peeled and seeds removed
- 1 sweet onion sliced or chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans rinsed and drained (or 1 ⅕ cups cooked white beans)
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a pot over medium-high heat on the stove, place the cubed squash, sweet onion, garlic, vegetable stock, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer about 15 to 20 minutes until very tender. Drain.
- Add the white beans.
- Using an immersion blender, purée until completely smooth. Alternately, you can transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor to purée.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Storage/Freezing This butternut squash mash will keep in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it. In a freezer safe container or plastic bag it will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave (in a microwave safe dish) for a couple minutes. You can also gently reheat in a pot on the stove top over medium-low heat.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.
Alisha Ross
roasted BN squash in bread – WOW. This sounded good until I read that you used roasted squash – then i could smell it. Great job putting together this recipe – and thanks for sharing!
Regards
jessica
Hi, is there a grain/pasta/ etc that you would recommend to make this a heartier meal for a vegetarian?
Jenn S.
Hi, Jessica. You could serve it alongside baked tofu or tempeh or even some simple quinoa. Anything you think sounds good!
Stacy A
Can you use any other beans beside white bean for i have a can of navy beans could i use them instead of white.
Jenn S.
I would think so. I find cannellini beans to be the creamiest, but I would think any white bean would work. Add a little extra liquid if you need to get them really creamy. Let me know how it turns out!
Sarah
Oh man, all of this looks so delicious! Irving loves butternut squash, so we’ll have to give this one a try!
Jenn S.
Smart man! It’s my favorite squash…especially because it’s available all year, unlike pumpkin. I hope you guys like this!
Margaret - Veggie Primer
Sounds like the perfect comfort food and fairly easy to prepare. LOVE it! Gotta try it! 🙂
Jenn S.
Thanks, Margaret! Very easy and yes, oh so comforting!
Cadry
This sounds like the perfect quintessential fall dish. And I bet those white beans give the squash extra staying power!
Jenn S.
Yes, they sure do! It tastes light, but it’s actually very hearty. Thanks, Cadry!
Beth Hornback
Well this just looks like fall in a bowl! YUM.
Jenn S.
Thanks, Beth! It tastes like fall in a bowl too! 🙂
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
Jenn, this seriously looks amazing! I am definitely making it soon.
Jenn S.
Thank you, Amy! I hope you love it!
Ginny McMeans
Gosh, does that look beautiful! I can just imagine how good it tastes and your pairings are perfect.
Jenn S.
Aw, thank you so much, Ginny! It definitely makes a great combo!
Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
This looks like the perfect meal!
Jenn S.
Thanks, Dianne!
Esther
Oooh Brussel sprouts are one of my favorite veggies. This sounds so good!
Jenn S.
Thanks, Esther. I hope you love it. Let me know if you try it. Enjoy your weekend!
Rebecca - Strength and Sunshine
O girl! This would make a perfect Fall date night meal 😉 YUM!
Jenn S.
Yes! Let the romance begin!! 🙂