Description
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Butternut Squash is the perfect cozy comfort food side dish. Creamy, naturally sweet butternut squash is roasted to bring out its caramelized depth, then blended with rich, mellow roasted garlic and a touch of olive oil. It’s dairy-free, vegan, and packed with fall flavor, making it ideal for quick dinners, holiday sides, or healthy snack options. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas or a nourishing twist on traditional mashed sides, this easy recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients
1 large butternut squash (about 2.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
1 whole garlic bulb
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces.
2. Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil and wrap in foil.
3. Place the squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the wrapped garlic bulb to the oven along with the squash. Roast both for 35–40 minutes until tender and golden.
5. Transfer roasted squash to a mixing bowl. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins and add to the bowl.
6. Mash everything together with a masher or use a food processor for a smoother result. Add more olive oil if needed.
7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and stir in fresh herbs if using. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of oil and pepper.
Notes
Roast squash in a single layer to avoid steaming instead of browning.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of vegetable broth or non-dairy milk.
This recipe freezes well — portion into small containers for quick reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy recipe, butternut squash, garlic mash, healthy side dish, vegan side