How to Reheat Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a delicious meal rich in vegetables and many vitamins. A meal enjoyed by individuals and families alike. It is true that reheating meals like butternut squash is not anyone’s first choice. However, there are times when you have no choice because you have leftovers and cannot afford to them out. In cases like this, you might need to learn how to reheat butternut squash. 

There are different ways to reheat butternut squash to restore its original flavor. These methods include using an oven, a microwave, or a stove and skillet. All these methods are easy to use, and even a novice can implement them.

This article will show you all the best ways to reheat your squash. Furthermore, there is more to butternut squash than just reheating leftovers. You will also learn how to store it after and how long it can last after storage.

How to Reheat Butternut Squash Using an Oven

Butternut squash and other root vegetables such as potatoes and yams can still taste great after reheating them. However, you might end up with a soggy meal if you try to reheat them more than once. Using the oven is the most common way to reheat leftover butternut squash.

Follow the steps below to reheat your butternut squash with the use of the oven. 

1. Preheat the oven to a temperature of 350°F. 
2. Place the butternut squash on a baking sheet. 
3. Heat it in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. 
4. Check the squash to know if it is hot enough. You should expect it to have an internal temperature of 165°F. 
5. Once it is heated through, remove it from the oven. 
6. Apply some olive oil on it with a brush and sprinkle salt and pepper over it. 
7. Serve and enjoy while they are still piping hot. 

How to Reheat Butternut Squash in a Microwave

No matter what meal you preserve, you can easily restore it. All you need to do is store it properly and reheat using a microwave.

Butternut squash is a prime example of a meal you can use a microwave to reheat. Using a microwave to reheat the squash may not give you the best result, but you still get a tasty, warm meal.

Follow the steps below to reheat butternut squash in a microwave: 

1. If the squash is frozen, put it in the refrigerator to thaw over the night, and allow it to get to room temperature before you proceed. 
2. Place the butternut squash in the microwave-safe dish and cover it with a paper towel. The paper will keep the squash from drying out.
3. Set the microwave to medium heat. 
4. Put the dish inside the microwave.
5. Heat the squash for about 1 or 2 minutes or until they are well heated. If you diced your squash, you could stir the pieces through the reheating period. The internal temperature of the squash should be 165°F.
6. Remove the squash from the microwave and enjoy.

How to Reheat Butternut Squash Using a Stove and Skillet

Any appliance you use for cooking a meal can also reheat it. Thus, if you prepared the butternut squash on a stove and skillet, you can reheat them on a stove and skillet. Using a stove to reheat squashes gives a better outcome than the microwave. 

Follow the steps below to reheat leftover butternut squashes using a stove and skillet. 

1. Light the stove burner and set it to medium heat. 
2. Place the skillet or a non-stick pan on the stove. 
3. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of oil or butter to the pan.
4. Allow the butter or oil to heat up. 
5. Add the butternut squash to the pan.
6. Heat and stir the squash until the heat is evenly distributed. 
7. Turn off the stove once it is hot enough. 
8. Serve and enjoy!

Amongst the three methods discussed in this post, the oven remains the best of them all. With the use of the oven, heat is better distributed, and the texture is retained. On the other hand, the microwave should only be used when you are in a hurry, but be careful, or your squash may turn out soggy. 

How to Store Butternut Squash

Having leftover meals is normal. It is safe to eat leftover meals as long as they still taste good and haven’t gone bad. You can store leftover butternut squash in the freezer or refrigerator. All you have to do is put it in an airtight bag two hours after cooking. This is to avoid bacteria infestation. 

Leftover butternut squash you store in the refrigerator will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Eat it within this timeframe or throw it out once they exceed five days. Keeping it in the freezer will help it stay edible for about a month. It would be best if you threw out butternut squash you store in the freezer after a month and make a new meal.