Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash {Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo, Whole30}
Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash is the perfect side dish for your meals. It is a colorful, vibrant, delicious and healthy mash that is easy to make in the Instant Pot. Serve it up for weeknight suppers, Thanksgiving, Christmas and all the holidays.
Suitable for gluten free, vegan, paleo, and Whole30 diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

This healthier Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash is my go to vibrant, colorful and cozy side dish. And since butternut squash is available all year long, I love to whip it up spring, summer, winter and fall!
It is a no-effort side that is great for preparing ahead of time and then refrigerating or freezing for a busy week.
Gluten free Instant Mashed Butternut Squash is a great side dish for any meal, including quick weeknight suppers, brunches and lunch boxes. Plus save some of the unseasoned butternut squash mash to add to your smoothies, pancakes and waffles for an awesome flavor boost.
And if you are wondering what to whip up for potlucks or the upcoming holiday and festive dinners, then look no further than this awesome treat. It is frugal enough that you can double or triple this gluten free Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash recipe without much extra spend.
This Butternut Squash Mash is also super good for you, so you don’t have to worry about your healthy eating plan. It is vegan, gluten free, paleo and Whole30 compliant. Plus, this dish contains 0 (that’s right, ZERO!) WW points. Healthy, fuss-free, affordable, and totally delicious. Yeap, Instant Pot Butternut Squash Mash is pretty much the perfect side dish.
Peeps this recipe is suuuuuper easy. You really only need 2 ingredients, butternut squash and water, to make this Pressure Cooker Mashed Butternut Squash. Add in some extras, like spices, olive oil and fresh herbs, according to your taste or the occasion.

It is one of my favorite side dishes to serve alongside meals, or as a delicious vegetable breakfast with a little drizzle of maple syrup and toasted pecans and almonds. #sogood
Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash Recipe Materials
KITCHEN TOOLS, UTENSILS & APPLIANCES NEEDED
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, check out my disclosure.
Here are some of the items you will need to make this recipe.- 8 qt Instant Pot.
- I use and love the 8 qt, extra Instant Pot Insert & sealing ring.
- 3 qt Instant Pot or 6 qt Instant Pot depending on family size.
- Cutting board.
- Trivet.
- Tongs.
- Measuring jugs or cups.
- Measuring teaspoons.
- Sea Salt Flakes <= amazing salt that makes your food taste good.
- Bowls with covers.
- For storing your leftover food.
- **Check out my list of the best Instant Pot Accessories you can get**.
- Free meal plan kit.
- **INSTANT POT COURSE FOR BEGINNERS**
- **Head Over To The Be The Boss Of Your Instant Pot Video Course**
So, are you ready to find out just how simple it is to make butternut squash mashed Instant Pot style? Gather up your ingredients and I will show you……
How To Make Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash
Mashed Butternut Squash Ingredients
You will need;
- Butternut squash
- Salt
- Water
- Herbs (for topping)

How to make Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash
- Wash, peel, deseed and cube the butternut squash.
- Add 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and the butternut squash, making sure it does not pass the fill line).
- Cover your Instant Pot and set the valve to the SEALING position.
- Select the Pressure Cook or Manual button (dependent upon IP model), select high pressure and set the timer to 12 minutes.
- Cook till done, then perform a complete quick pressure release.
- Carefully open the lid and remove the butternut squash from the Instant Pot and let it drain thoroughly.
- Place squash into a bowl and add salt (to taste) before mashing.
- Serve Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash warm and topped with herbs of your choice.

Mashed Butternut Squash Instant Pot Tips
A few tips to make sure your Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash turns out perfect:
- I prefer to cook the butternut squash directly in the insert to avoid washing up, but feel free to place on a trivet if you prefer.
- If you’d like, add some seasoning to the butternut squash in the instant pot before pressure cooking.
- Butternut squash mash can be a little bit watery. To reduce this, mash it, make a hole in the middle and then let it stand. The excess water will form in the middle and you can use paper towels to soak it up.
How Long Do You Pressure Cook Butternut Squash Mash
This is going to depend entirely on the size of butternut chunks.
Bigger chunks that are about 2 inch cubes will take about 12-14 minutes. Whilst smaller one will take about 10 minutes.
My suggestion is to start with 2 inch cubes and cook for 12 minutes. You can then increase or decrease the cook time depending on your preference.
It is very important that you do a quick pressure release after cooking the butternut squash. If you do a natural pressure release you will end up will some very overcooked squash.

How Long Can You Store Gluten Free Butternut Squash Mash
Friends, I absolutely love making this Instant Pot Butternut Mash for meal prep.
All you need to do is cook following these directions, then let the butternut squash mash cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container and storing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Alternatively, you can portion the mash into freezer bags, remove all the air, label them and freeze for up to 6 months. #mealprepforthewin
How To Reheat Instant Pot Mashed Butternut
One of the great things about this dish is that you can make it ahead of time and simply reheat when needed. Simply mix in a tablespoon of water to loosen it up and then reheat in the microwave.
Mashed Butternut Squash Variations
You can flavor your Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash in sooooo many ways. Here are just a few suggestions to try:
- Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, rosemary and thyme.
- Dried herbs such as oregano and basil.
- Spices like cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg.
- Cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who like some heat.
- Olive oil.
- Date syrup or maple syrup.
- Coconut milk.
- Sour cream or heavy whipping cream (if not vegan).
Topping Ideas
- Crunchy toasted nuts.
- Toasted seeds.
- A dusting of cinnamon.
- A sprinkling of brown sugar.
- Dairy free butter or olive oil.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Mash Weight Watchers Points
A serving of Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash contains 0 Freestyle SmartPoints. Yeap!
Other Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes
- Instant Pot Beets.
- Instant Pot Glazed Carrots.
- Easy Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage.
- Garlic Sesame Instant Pot Green Beans.
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob.

More Butternut Squash Recipes
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Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash peeled, deseed, chopped and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 cup (250ml) water
- salt to taste
- fresh chopped herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Wash, peel, deseed and cube the butternut squash.
- Add 1 cup of water and the butternut squash into the Instant Pot, making sure it does not pass the fill line.
- Cover your Instant Pot and set the valve to the SEALING position.
- Select the Pressure Cook or Manual button (dependent upon IP model), select high pressure and set the timer to 12 minutes.
- Cook till done, then perform a complete quick pressure release.
- Carefully remove the butternut squash from the Instant Pot and let it drain thoroughly.
- Place squash into a bowl and add salt to taste before mashing.
- Serve Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash warm and topped with herbs of your choice.
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Notes
- I prefer to cook the butternut squash directly in the insert to avoid washing up, but feel free to place on a trivet if you prefer.
- If you’d like, add some seasoning to the butternut squash in the instant pot before pressure cooking.
- Butternut squash mash can be a little bit watery. To reduce this, mash it, make a hole in the middle and then let it stand. The excess water will form in the middle and you can use paper towels to soak it up.
One of my favourite sides! Love how quickly this can be made in the Instant Pot!