Aldi had butternut squash for 59 cents a pound, so I picked up 8 in different sizes. Winter squash is a winner to stock up on, because it lasts for months on your counter. No need to come right home from the store, and start putting your winter squash in jars. But since I bought so many, and four large heirloom pumpkins to process before Christmas, I decided to get a head start.
Unlike other vegetables, you can’t find winter squash all year long in the store (at least around here). Two of my kids’ favorite meals are butternut squash macaroni and cheese, and a butternut squash red lentil curry, and I can’t make these dishes until fall hits each year. Now I have seven quarts of butternut squash at my fingertips all year long, for these recipes and others. I enjoy butternut squash in a fall salad, and even on a pesto pizza and risotto. Butternut squash is fun in a beef stew, or as a side dish. I’ve never made butternut squash soup, but I have that on my list for this season. As I type, I’m wondering if I should can even more.
I’ve canned winter squash two ways – hot pack and raw pack. One would think raw pack (without cooking first) would make for a firmer squash, but actually it turns out waterlogged. A quick 2 minute boil makes for a better product. I’ve prepared mine in water and a little salt, but if you wanted to add maple syrup, cinnamon, or other flavorings you could do that too. Part of canning fun is making custom items your family loves. You could mix and match your jars – do one with flavorings to try and others in water for more versatility.
My instructions calls for 8 quarts of raw squash, but when you quick cook the squash it will shrink to fit into 7 quarts.
Canned Butternut Squash
8 quarts cubed butternut squash, with stingy/soft parts cut off.
Water
Canning salt
Cut skin off butternut squash and scoop out seeds and fibrinous parts. Cube squash into one inch pieces.
Bring a large pot of water to boil, and cook squash for two minutes. While squash is cooking, put 3/4 tsp of canning salt into each quart jar. When squash is done, place in jars and cover with boiling or very hot water to the one inch mark. Check for bubbles in your jars to ensure you will have proper head space. Pressure can for 90 minutes, following your canner’s instructions.
Hi, I grew up eating butternut squash cooked with brown sugar. After cooked, we put milk or cream and a pinch of cinnamon. I loved to mixt it in the plate, and it was a great meal. I have also made it in a preserve. It’s truly delicious.
I just went to the garden and collected over 15 butternut squash. I found this page while looking for different things to do with it. Usually when I am going to do something I research it very well and ready comments.
Thank you for doing what you do. Amazing.
HI Laura
I have to say we are low sodium so to use salt in the canning for me all the jars I opened I hated it way too salty. Can I go without using the salt?
Yes, you can go without salt.
Is it safe to can the squash with a brown sugar syrup or maple syrup instead of water, and no salt?
Do you mean, all syrup? You don’t have to use salt.
Hello! Is is safe to use vegetable or chicken broth in place of water? Thank you!
Yes! :)
I don’t have a pressure cooker for canning my winter squash. Can I put my jars in hot water at low heat for 90 minutes?
Hi Johanne, you have to pressure can squash unless you are pickling.
Some people water bath can low-acid food for 3 hours, but I personally wouldn’t risk it. Pressure canning is so easy, you should try it!
Thank you for the information about raw packing butternut. I have a bounty of winter Tahitian squash that I and canning in April 2022. I raw packed and it looks good but I haven’t opened a jar yet. I got called out by some “only by the book” canners. When I asked what would happen if I ate raw packed winter squash…crickets. All my jars of Tahitian look firm and beautiful. I’m getting ready to move so it will be awhile before I get to cook with it. Thanks again!
Would any winter squash be substituted for butternut in this recipe?
Hi Toni! Well, spaghetti squash is a winter squash and I would not can it this way. But, acorn, pumpkin and other like winter squash would work. Happy Thanksgiving!
I have a bumper crop of winter squash on the vine and plan on putting a lot of it up this way. I have pressure canned a lot now, but never this.
Do you use the squash infused water/broth in the can for anything? I’m thinking that there has to be a ton on f flavor and nutrients it it.
I think using the liquid is a great idea! I should start saving it for vegetable soup.
why would you pressure cook for 90 minutes. I do 15-20 at 5 psi and it says firm and the jars seal perfect and a year later it is still great. What am i missing. Always want to learn
Hi Jim! I pressure can butternut squash in quarts for 90 minutes because that’s what the National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends. If it stays firm, likely the heat wasn’t able to penetrate the squash.
Great idea, or even to keep planta healthy
Fabulous! I’ve dehydrated winter squash, but have never canned it. I love your simple recipe– especially knowing if I fill 8 quarts, then I will have the perfect amount to fill 7 quarts. Also, FYI I found your page from your husband mentioning it on Discord.
Denise
Hi Denise! Yes, my husband mentioned you! Welcome to Preserved Home! Do you dehydrate your squash and turn it into powder? I do that too, and also with sweet potatoes.
What is the dehydrated winter squash like? When you rehydrate it for use, does it change the texture or taste any? We like to make soups with it and I’m just curious how is does when you rehydrate it. THANKS.
Do you think we could can the butternut squash using chicken stock? Thinking I’d be ahead of the process in making soup then?
Hi Judith! Yes, you can absolutely can this in chicken stock, along with any other ingredients you want for your soup!
I’ve heard you can’t can pumpkin, how is butternut squash different?
Hi Diane! That is a great question! It’s winter squash puree which is not recommended for canning because of the density. Chunked pumpkin or other winter squash is approved for canning.
thank you so much for this recipe. I could not find instructions to can butternut squash. I’m so grateful to know that I can , jar them.
Yay! I hope you have fun canning butternut squash! Thank you for reading!