Substitute for Butternut Squash: 4 Sweet Winter Swaps
The best substitute for butternut squash is Acorn Squash at a 1:1 ratio. It works best for roasting, soups, stuffing. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Acorn Squash
1:1
Slightly less sweet and more fibrous. Roasts and purees well. Harder to peel, so roast in halves and scoop out the flesh.
What are the other substitutes for butternut squash?
Sweet Potato
1:1
Similar sweetness and orange color. More starchy and slightly different flavor. Excellent in soups and purees.
Pumpkin
1:1
Use sugar or pie pumpkin varieties, not carving pumpkins. Very similar flavor profile. Slightly more watery texture.
Kabocha Squash
1:1
Drier, denser flesh that is even sweeter than butternut. Creates exceptionally creamy soups and purees. Leave skin on for roasting.
What should you know before substituting butternut squash?
Microwave whole butternut squash for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin before peeling and cutting. This makes prep much easier and safer. Store cut squash wrapped in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How do you substitute butternut squash in a recipe?
A sweet, nutty winter squash with smooth orange flesh and a tan, bell-shaped exterior. Its creamy texture when cooked makes it ideal for soups, purees, risotto, and roasted side dishes.
The best substitute for butternut squash depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Acorn Squash (1:1), which works well for roasting, soups, stuffing.
If you need a different option, Sweet Potato (1:1) is another reliable choice. Similar sweetness and orange color. More starchy and slightly different flavor. Excellent in soups and purees.
When substituting butternut squash, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What squash is most similar to butternut?
Kabocha squash is the most similar in sweetness and creamy texture. Acorn squash is the closest in the winter squash family at a 1:1 ratio, though slightly less sweet.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of butternut squash?
Yes, in soups and purees. Use 1 cup canned pumpkin per 1 cup cooked butternut squash. The flavor is very similar. Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.