Creamy easy mashed potato squash recipe: how to cook
Creamy Mashed Potato Squash Recipe - Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food – mashed potato squash! This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, combining the creamy goodness of potatoes with the nutritious benefits of squash. With our easy mashed potato squash recipe, you’ll discover a whole new level of flavor and satisfaction. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also a healthy choice that caters to various dietary preferences. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with wholesome goodness.
Servings 4 people
Calories 152kcal
Ingredients
Easy mashed potato squash Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed (about 2 cups or 300 grams)
- 1 small butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 2 cups or 300 grams)
- 2 tbsp (28g) vegan butter (or avocado oil - for regular version you can use regular butter)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk- cashew milk, oat milk, or your favorite plant milk should all work well)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
How to cook mashed potato squash Instructions:
- Place the cubed potatoes and squash in a large pot of boiling water. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and squash and return them to the pot.
- Add the vegan butter, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes and squash using a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more almond milk if desired.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Serve the mashed potato squash hot as a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Air fryer mashed potatoes squash
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cubed potatoes and butternut squash in a large bowl. Drizzle them with a little oil and toss to coat.
- Transfer the potatoes and squash to the air fryer basket in a single layer. If needed, you can cook them in batches.
- Cook the potatoes and squash in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and lightly browned, shaking the basket or stirring them halfway through.
- Once cooked, transfer the potatoes and squash to a mixing bowl. Add the vegan butter or a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Use a potato masher or fork to mash the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or mash it until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
- Serve the air fryer mashed potatoes and squash as a flavorful and creamy side dish.
How to cook butternut squash in microwave to make mashed potato squash
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut off both ends of the butternut squash.
- Pierce the skin of the squash in several places with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Place the whole butternut squash in a microwave-safe dish or on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave the squash on high power for about 5 minutes to soften the skin.
- Remove the squash from the microwave and allow it to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers from the center of each half using a spoon.
- Place the two halves of the squash, cut side down, in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a little water to the dish, about 1/4 cup, to create steam.
- Microwave the squash halves on high power for about 8-10 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the squash.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the butternut squash from the microwave and allow it to cool slightly before handling.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the cooked flesh from the skin and transfer it to a bowl.
- Mash the cooked butternut squash with a potato masher or fork until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Proceed with the mashed potato squash recipe, combining the mashed butternut squash with the mashed potatoes and other ingredients as specified.
Air Fryer Squash: How to cook butternut squash in air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut off both ends of the butternut squash.
- Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers from the center of each half using a spoon.
- Brush or drizzle a little oil over the cut sides of the butternut squash, and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Place the butternut squash halves in the air fryer basket, cut side down.
- Cook the squash in the air fryer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the squash.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the butternut squash from the air fryer. Allow it to cool slightly before handling.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the cooked flesh from the skin and transfer it to a bowl.
- Mash the cooked butternut squash with a potato masher or fork until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Proceed with the mashed potato squash recipe, combining the mashed butternut squash with the mashed potatoes and other ingredients as specified.
The oven way: how to cook butternut squash in the oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut off both ends of the butternut squash.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers from the center of each half using a spoon.
- Place the two halves of the squash, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Brush the flesh of the squash with a little olive oil, or you can sprinkle it with salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Place the baking sheet with the squash in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until the flesh of the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the squash.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the squash to cool slightly before handling.
- Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a spoon to scoop out the cooked flesh from the skin and transfer it to a bowl.
- Mash the cooked butternut squash with a potato masher or fork until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Proceed with the mashed potato squash recipe, combining the mashed butternut squash with the mashed potatoes and other ingredients as specified.
Notes
Tasty ways to add more flavor to mashed potatoes squash
If you want to add more flavor to mashed potato squash, here are some delicious ideas:
1. Roasted Garlic: Roast a few cloves of garlic and mix them into the mashed potato squash. The caramelized garlic will add a rich and savory flavor.
2. Herbs and Spices: Add a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the taste. Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives, or spice it up with paprika, cumin, or garlic powder.
3. Cheese: Stir in grated cheese such as Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyere into the mashed potato squash for a creamy and savory twist.
4. Caramelized Onions: Sauté some onions until caramelized and mix them into the mashed potato squash. The sweetness and depth of flavor from the onions will elevate the dish.
5. Vegan Bacon: Crumble crispy cooked vegan bacon and sprinkle it over the mashed potato squash. The smoky and salty flavors of vegan bacon will add a delicious touch.
6. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Mix in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess and tang to the mashed potato squash.
7. Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy and nutty flavor, sprinkle some nutritional yeast into the mashed potato squash. It's a popular ingredient among vegans for adding a savory taste.
8. Seasoned Butter: Prepare seasoned butter by melting butter and adding herbs, spices, or garlic to it. Drizzle the seasoned butter over the mashed potato squash to infuse it with extra flavor.
Remember, you can combine multiple flavor-enhancing ingredients to create your own unique and tasty mashed potato squash recipe. Feel free to experiment and adjust the flavors to suit your preferences.
