Do You Remove The Skin From Butternut Squash

You don’t have to remove the skin from butternut squash, and in most cases, you probably shouldn’t bother.
 
The skin is completely edible once the squash is cooked, and it’s packed with fiber and nutrients your body will thank you for.
 
So if you’ve been asking yourself “do you remove the skin from butternut squash,” the short answer is no, you can leave it right on.
 
But there are a few situations where peeling makes more sense, and we’ll get into those too.
 
In this post, we’ll cover whether you should remove the skin from butternut squash, when peeling is actually worth it, and how to handle the skin depending on how you’re cooking it.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Don’t Always Need to Remove the Skin from Butternut Squash

You don’t need to remove the skin from butternut squash for most recipes, and here’s why.
 
The skin becomes soft and tender once it’s roasted, steamed, or boiled long enough.
 
It also adds a nice texture and holds the flesh together, so your cubes don’t turn into mush.
 

1. The Skin Is Edible and Nutritious

Butternut squash skin is entirely edible, just like the skin on zucchini or potatoes.
 
It’s loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that the flesh alone doesn’t have in the same amounts.
 
So when you remove the skin from butternut squash, you’re actually tossing out some of the best nutrition.
 

2. Cooking Softens the Skin Naturally

When you roast butternut squash, the skin softens right along with the flesh.
 
After about 40 minutes in a 400°F oven, the skin turns tender enough to eat with a fork.
 
This is why so many roasted butternut squash recipes tell you to leave the skin on.
 

3. It Saves You Time and Effort

Peeling butternut squash is honestly one of the most annoying kitchen tasks out there.
 
The skin is thick, the squash is hard, and the shape makes it tricky to handle.
 
So if you don’t have to remove the skin from butternut squash, why put yourself through it?
 
You can also peel butternut squash more easily after roasting by simply scooping the flesh away from the skin.
 

When You Should Remove the Skin from Butternut Squash

There are times when you should remove the skin from butternut squash, and here’s when it matters.
 
If a recipe calls for a smooth, creamy texture, the skin can get in the way.
 

1. For Soups and Purees

If you’re making butternut squash soup, you’ll want to remove the skin from butternut squash before blending.
 
The skin won’t break down completely in a blender, so you’ll end up with tiny fibrous bits in your soup.
 
Peel it first, or roast it and scoop out the flesh, so your soup comes out silky smooth.
 

2. For Raw or Undercooked Dishes

If you’re spiralizing butternut squash for a salad or eating it raw, remove the skin from butternut squash first.
 
Raw skin is tough and unpleasant to chew, so it needs to go.
 
The same goes for any dish where the squash is only lightly cooked, like a quick saute.
 

3. If the Skin Is Damaged or Waxy

Sometimes the skin has bruises, cuts, or a waxy coating from storage.
 
In those cases, it’s best to remove the skin from butternut squash to avoid any off flavors or tough spots.
 
Just cut away the damaged areas or peel the whole thing if it looks rough.
 

How to Remove the Skin from Butternut Squash Safely

If you do decide to remove the skin from butternut squash, here’s how to do it without losing a finger.
 
Butternut squash is dense and slippery, so a sharp peeler and a stable cutting board are your best friends.
 

1. Use a Y-Peeler and a Sharp Knife

A Y-shaped peeler works way better than a standard peeler for butternut squash.
 
It glides along the curved surface and removes the skin in even strips.
 
If you don’t have one, a sharp chef’s knife works too, just cut downward in thin strips.
 

2. Cut Off the Ends First

Before you remove the skin from butternut squash, slice off the top and bottom.
 
This gives you a flat surface to stand the squash on, so it doesn’t roll around.
 
Then you can peel it safely without worrying about slipping.
 

3. Microwave It for a Few Minutes

If the skin is really tough, microwave the whole squash for 3 to 5 minutes.
 
This softens the skin just enough to make peeling easier.
 
Let it cool a bit, then remove the skin from butternut squash with your peeler.
 

So, Do You Remove the Skin from Butternut Squash?

You don’t have to remove the skin from butternut squash, and for most recipes, leaving it on is the better choice.
 
The skin is edible, nutritious, and softens beautifully when cooked.
 
But if you’re making soup, eating it raw, or dealing with damaged skin, go ahead and remove the skin from butternut squash for the best results.
 
Either way, you really can’t go wrong with this versatile, delicious squash.