Do you hate peeling Butternut Squash? I do! I used to have to prepare myself for it. Clear the area. Breathe deeply. Hope for the best (like no trip to the hospital for stitches....). Then this Instant Pot Whole Butternut Squash is perfect for you (and me!).
What if I told you that pressure cooking whole in your Instant Pot softens it making it super easy to peel?
The skin is so soft after pressure cooking it whole that some people actually decide to not peel it at all.

So, do you want to know how to pressure cook a whole butternut squash to make it super easy to peel?
It’s extremely easy!
Ready for the method?
Below you'll find both the recipe and a handy video! I hope it's handy anyway!
Instant Pot Whole Butternut Squash
Fancy recipe card below
Ingredients
1 butternut squash
250 ml water from the cold tap
Instructions
Pour the 250 ml water into the inner pot.
Put the trivet in place.
Place the whole butternut squash on the trivet.
NOW YOU HAVE 2 OPTIONS
Option 1: Par-cooking to then keep cooking in a different dish
Pressure cook for 8 minutes with a quick pressure release (QPR), that way it’s super easy to peel and slice but still needs extra cooking so, once diced or sliced, it can be cooked further with other ingredients to make delicious dishes.
Let it cool down so that you don’t burn your fingertips and peel lengthways, enjoy how easy it is to peel, do a happy dance that you don’t need stitches after accidentally peeling your knuckles.
Use as you wish.
Option 2: If you want it more cooked
Pressure cook for 10 minutes if you want it more cooked, QPR too.
If your Butternut Squash (BNS) is huge, add time of course.
Let it cool down so that you don’t burn your fingertips and peel lengthways, enjoy how easy it is to peel, do a happy dance that you don’t need stitches after accidentally peeling your knuckles.
Use as you wish.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Whole Butternut Squash
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash whole
- 250 ml water from the cold tap
Instructions
- Pour the 250 ml water into the inner pot.
- Put the trivet in place.
- Place the whole butternut squash on the trivet.
2 OPTIONS
Option 1: Par-cooking to then keep cooking in a different dish
- pressure cook for 8 minutes with a quick pressure release (QPR), that way it’s super easy to peel and slice but still needs extra cooking so, once diced or sliced, it can be cooked further with other ingredients to make delicious dishes
- Let it cool down so that you don't burn your fingertips and peel lengthways, enjoy how easy it is to peel, do a happy dance that you don't need stitches after accidentally peeling your knuckles. Use as you wish.
Option 2: If you want it more cooked
- Pressure cook for 10 minutes if you want it more cooked, QPR too. If your BNS is huge, add time of course.
- Let it cool down so that you don't burn your fingertips and peel lengthways, enjoy how easy it is to peel, do a happy dance that you don't need stitches after accidentally peeling your knuckles. Use as you wish.
Michele Orson says
This is such a great tip and recipe which will save a lot of hard work and potentially damaged fingers!
Thank you so much
Janet says
Can I cut a larger one half?
Maria says
I don't see why not. I haven't tried it but I reckon it'll be just fine