This recipe for Butternut Squash Mash is made super creamy with a secret ingredient. It gets amp’ed up with flavor from simple garnishes and an easy-peasy, yet flavorful Tahini Sauce. This is the perfect side for your holiday, yet easy enough to accompany any weekend meal!
Hi, guys and happy almost Fri-yay!
I feel like I owe you all an apology! If you read my last post, you know my Grandmother passed away the day after Thanksgiving. But, you also know I was so caught up in eulogizing her that I never asked how your Turkey Day was!
🙁 I’m a bad friend. Soooo, how was your Thanksgiving?
What did you eat?
Did you have some food self-restraint or did you go all in and devour everything in sight?
If you follow this blog, you know Boy and I were supposed to go over to the in-laws for an appetizer and then out to dinner. Well, Boy ended up being very sick, so we did neither.
Instead, I picked up steak, live lobster and some asparagus; and we had a steakhouse dinner at home in our pajamas. Totally not traditional at all.
Therefore, I need to know what the best Turkey day dish you ate was, because I must live vicariously through your belly! 😉
Anyways, my mother is coming into town today, so I’m going to make this post a short one, because this good daughter needs to prepare!
Seriously Creamy Butternut Squash Mash with Za’atar, Pepitas, Shallots & Tahini
So what makes this mash seriously creamy? The secret ingredient, which I promise you cannot taste at all – silken tofu.
Did you just look at me sideways? Yes. I said tofu. It makes this butternut squash silky, rich, and light as air. Trust me, you will be singing the praises of silken tofu after you crave bowl after bowl of this butternut squash mash.
This supa’ creamy butternut squash mash, with its slightly sweet, buttery, melt in your mouth appeal is delicious on its own. However, everything can always be made better. And in my world, better pretty much always means toppings.
This mash becomes better when generously sprinkled with za’atar, pepitas and shallots. Those simple, three ingredients add a touch of crunchy texture and salty, garlicy, earthy, nutty flavor.
But.But.But, I didn’t stop there.
I added an easy-peasy tahini sauce to the mix. The sauce is rich with creamy, decadent flavor and a touch of lemon acidity.
All together the mash with the garnishes and the sauce results in a dish that explodes with texture and flavor… and is one you are sure to love.
This butternut squash mash would be an excellent addition to your Christmas table. Especially if you are like me, someone who likes to switch things up every year. I get tired of the same ‘ole offerings and crave change each year.
However, if you are a traditionalist, you should still add this to your table. (insert evil grin here)
Or, you can simply make this mash to go along side one of your weekend dinners.
Or, you can make this butternut squash your entire meal, like I did, because this is a side that can definitely stand alone.
Regardless of when or how you serve this creamy butternut squash mash, I know you are going to love it! So get your holiday-tunes-hummin’-tookis into the kitchen and whip up some scrumptious squash mash! Until next time, friends, Cheers – to a beautiful weekend!
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
Creamy Butternut Squash Mash {with Za'atar, Pepitas, Shallots & Tahini Sauce}
Ingredients
- 1 Butternut Squash – halved lengthwise and seeds removed (3 ½ pound)
- 1 ½ TBS Unsalted Butter , divided (may substitute Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt – divided, plus more to taste
- 1/8 tsp Ground Pepper , plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp Cumin
- Dash Cayenne
- 1 large Shallot – halved and thinly sliced
- 8 oz Silken Tofu – drained
- 5 TBS Chicken Broth
- ½ Cup Pepitas , or more to taste
- ¼ Cup Za’atar , or more to taste
- 2 TBS Fresh Parsley – roughly chopped
- Tahini Sauce:
- ¼ Cup Tahini
- ½ Lemon – juiced (about a scant 1 TBS)
- 1 large clove Garlic – minced
- Heaping ¼ tsp Sea Salt
- 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1-3 TBS Water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up. Place squash halves, cut side up, on prepared baking sheet. Pierce each squash half with a fork several time. Melt 1 TBS of butter and brush top and insides of squash with butter and season with ¼ teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoonpepper, cumin and cayenne. Roast squash until tender, and a knife can easily be inserted, about 1 hour. Halfway through cooking, remove squash from oven and use a pastry brush to brush butter that has pooled in the cavity of squash onto the tops and continue roasting.
- Meanwhile: Melt remaining ½ tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- And Prepare the Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl whisk together the ingredients for the tahini sauce, until smooth. If consistency is too thick, add additional water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.
- When squash is cooked and cool enough to handle, but still warm, scoop out inside of butternut squash and transfer it to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add tofu, chicken broth, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon Za’atar and puree until silky smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of bowl as necessary. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
- Transfer butternut squash mash to a large bowl or platter. Drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with pepitas, zaatar, and sautéed shallots.
Notes
Nutrition
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Silken Tofu??? I am intrigued. I love when recipes have funky ingredients like that. I totally want to try this out! This mash looks too fluffy/creamy/decadent to put into words. Totally drooling while looking at all your fabulous pictures. LOVE! Pinned :).
So much love for all the middle eastern flavours going on in this mash Cheyanne! Za’atar is the best, and the tahini sauce too? I never would have guessed your secret ingredient either – so now I reckon I need to try it!
Sorry to hear about your grandmother as well – you definitely don’t owe us any apologies! And your steakhouse dinner sounds pretty awesome if you ask me – you need a non-traditional Thanksgiving every now and again 🙂
That’s an amazing mash! Love the creative combination of ingredients, Cheyanne.
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. This mash looks A-MAZ-ING! I’m a huge fan of using Za’atar (it’s awesome in hummus) so this dish is definitely singing to me 🙂
Oh my, this looks sooooo INCREDIBLE Cheyanne! I’ve never mashed Butternut Squash before – that’s such an amazing idea, and the tahini sauce sounds sooo delicious. I love tahini! I will definitely be making this for my Christmas dinner this year!!!!
I have never had butternut squash mash, but I think I need to start. This looks great, and all of the different things you have going on in here sound AMAZING! Tofu? Tahini sauce? Just give me the whole bowl and let me eat it all.
Girl, you really are such a kind soul. I am so glad to be following you. Hope you are feeling better.
Your thanksgiving sound AHHmazing, how fun is all that spread.
This tofu based mash, sounds so so good. Never would’ve thought of the combo, I’m sure your mom is going to love it.
Thanks for asking, our Thanksgiving was a simple, quite one, just the 4 of us. Felt good.
Have a good weekend friend.
Hey – nothing wrong with a steak, live lobster and asparagus in-home steakhouse dinner on Thanksgiving – it sounds amazing! As does this mash! Wow – I would never have thought silken tofu and butternut squash could look so darn good together!
We had a easy and quite Thanksgiving – we had Cornish hens 😉 and mac and cheese and BS! Hope you enjoy your time with your mom, Cheyanne – and hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx
Yay! I’m not blocked anymore & got this post!! hee, hee. Gurl, look at you, gettin’ all fancy puttin’ tofu and za’atar and tahini in some plain ol’ butternut squash mash. I’ve never seen a mash so sophisticated! I’m trying this next time I mash up a BN squash and will probably just eat it with a salad to round out a total vegetarian meal (sub veggie broth for the chicken, of course). Sorry that Boy was sick but I ate enough Turchicken and all the fixings for both of you. No joke, I ate enough food for 3 ppl. Not my proudest moment but it’s only once a year so what the hay 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, Cheyanne. It’s hard to lose a grandparent. They truly are special people in our lives. I hope you were able to get through holidays with your family. This mash looks fantastic!
so sorry about the loss of your grandmother. that’s tough news anytime, but especially around the holidays. but sounds like your non-traditional thanksgiving was just what you needed. steak and lobster in pjs sounds like perfection. and this mash looks fab. i’m definitely trying this one, silken tofu and all!
I’m sorry about your grandmother. That is never easy. Keep your memories close to your heart. This squash dish looks so beautiful. I must admit, I am a bit of traditionalist…but I’m willing to give a try!
Sick on Thanksgiving? What a bummer! Love this dish!
I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I am sending you a great big hug!
This dish looks amazing and this is some epic mash with so much flavour going on.
I am sorry to read about your grandma. This is such an amazing looking dish, Cheyanne. I love butternut squash, but I would have never thought of adding tofu to it. This is such a brilliant idea. Love all those gorgeous and shiny toppings. YUMMY!
Oh no, Cheyanne, I somehow missed the news about your grandmother. I’m so sorry! I hope you’ve had some good time with family to talk about and celebrate her. That plus Boy sick equals not a very happy holiday. Glad to see, at least, you are bringing all kinds of deliciousness into your life to brighten things up! I’m currently obsessed with butternut squash, and it doesn’t phase me one bit that you added tofu here – what a great idea to make it so creamy and lovely!! And you know I’m with you on adding some toppings – these sound so super flavorful! Plus a tahini sauce? Girl, you are sending this so over the top and I’m so going there with you! Cheers to a happier holiday season ahead for you. XXOO
I just caught up on your last post and I’m so very sorry for the loss of your grandmother, Cheyanne. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman 🙂 Hugs to you! My grandmother passed away last year the week before Thanksgiving. Such a rough time of year to go through a loss 🙁
Sorry to hear your Thanksgiving plans didn’t pan out, but it sounds like you had a pretty wonderful meal! I hope Boy is feeling better! This butternut squash mash is so unique and full of yummy things! I love that you added tofu, I bet it makes this mash super silky. Pinned!
You know my love for butternut squash and vegetable mash, don’t you? I was so excited to find this recipe. But then I saw the word “tofu”. I mean, seriously? You grabbed the tofu and just spoiled the beautiful mash? Haha, just teasing (you know that, don’t you?) Incorporating tofu sounds intriguing and delish to me, indeed. Besides, this tahini sauce! It makes me forgive you for having used tofu, hahah:) Well done!
Your secret ingredient is amazing…silken tofu?? I would not have guessed it. I hope you have a great weekend! Have fun with your mother!
That squash is SO gorgeous! I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother 🙁 Mine passed away last fall and it was so hard but she had such a full, awesome life, I’m just so happy to have been blessed to know her.
I have had tofu and butternut squash within the past 24 hours but not together. What a fantastic idea to incorporate the two!! This butternut squash mash is a thing of beauty, Chey.’ I even love the swirls! I’m sorry Boy was sick. To be honest, I would pick steak, lobster, and asparagus over turkey dinner any day, even on Thanksgiving!
One, do not apologize- your grandma is way more important than asking about all our thanksgivings! And two, your thanksgiving actually sounds quite fun! I love how nontraditional it ended up being! And three, this mash looks awesomeeee. I LOVE tahini sauce! Hope you and your family are doing okay during this difficult time.
Love this, Cheyanne. I would have never thought of silken tofu, but what a great way to boost the protein in this dish. This recipe looks so delicious – gorgeous photos – I’d like a big serving please! I’ve never cooked with Za’atar – I don’t know why but I will have to get some next time I’m at the store. Sorry that Boy got sick but I’m glad that you guys had a cozy dinner together – even if there was no turkey.
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother 🙁
This mashed butternut squash looks amazing and I love everything that is going on here! I put tahini on everything so I’m especially loving that tahini sauce!
Aaw sorry the boy got sick but yay to a cozy steak dinner! This mash is totally genius too! Love that you added silken tofu, it looks incredible! Have a great visit with your mom 🙂
Steakhouse dinner in your PJs? Sounds like perfection! Also, I have to say that Boy is pretty lucky to have a lady that cooks him steak and lobster when he is sick, just saying. ALSO I am loving that you put silken tofu in here! Brilliant! These flavors are so unique but delicious sounding. Love it!
Wow! Talk about taking mash to a whole new level! This looks incredible! You would wow anyone with such a beautiful side dish.
Having a steakhouse dinner at home in jammies sounds like something I need to do! The best thing I ate on Thanksgiving had to be just the turkey and gravy…for whatever reason I was really into that this year! This butternut squash mash looks so silky and amazing, and I love the spices, shallots, and pepitas! If this were around at Thanksgiving, this would’ve been my fave. 🙂
What a great idea to put that secret ingredient in there to make this the most creamy butternut mash ever! Oh I know it tastes divine, Cheyanne! Your styling just beautiful (that swirl!) and I love the action shots! HOORAY!! Your Thanksgiving sounds quite nice despite boy being sick. And I know you pulled out all the stops to make it over the top delicious. I hope he’s feeling better now. And really, having Thanksgiving in PJs sounds devine! Delicious work my dear!
Wow, gurl, that styling, tho! This looks fantastic! I also love the the additions that make this a less typical dish. Yum, yum!
He was “very sick” but ate all that steak and other stuff? Suspicious, Cheyanne. Admit it! You wanted a chillaxed turkey day! 🙂
This looks ridiculously good. The pepitas do it for me on top of all the creamy mash. And silken tofu is so good for texture!
I’m so sorry for your grandmother Cheyanne, I read the last post! This dish is looking perfect! Love butternut squash! Definitely going to try it!
I have never cooked with silken tofu – but I trust everything you say – so it’s time I step outside my comfort zone! This dish is not only gorgeous, I love all its toppings! I just happen to have za’atar in my pantry…just need the other ingredients! So happy your mama’s coming over! Enjoy your time, my friend! xoxo
I’m loving the color of this butternut mash! Except for Boy being sick on Thanksgiving, surf and turf in jammies sounds awesome! We had all the traditional things here and everything was great until the trip to the ER. I’m glad your mom is coming to visit and I’m sure she will be the best comfort for you after the loss of your gram. Hugs, friend!
Hey girlfriend, what a gorgeous dish! That butternut squash looks SO creamy and delicious. Topped amazingly. I’m fascinated by the tofu and wonder if that’s what gives the creaminess to the squash? Genius dish Cheyanne. Hope you are doing ok just a week after saying goodbye to your gram. I’m sure it has been a very tough week. Thinking about you. xo
Thank you so much, Allie! The butternut squash is super duper creamy due to the tofu. Don’t get me wrong, if you left out the tofu, this would still be creamy, it just wouldn’t be the ULTIMATE creamy mash! 🙂 My grams funeral is next weekend, but I AM doing okay. I luhv ya girl, and thanks for asking! I am always thinking about you, your family and wishing you all the best! Cheers! XOXO
Wow! This looks and sounds absolutely delish Cheyanne! I’ve got a little secret…I’ve never tried tofu!! Frankly, I’ve always been a little scared, but after seeing this mash and hearing you sing its praises I obviously need to try! And those topping! YUM! So sorry Boy wasn’t feeling well for Thanksgiving, but sounds like you had a delicious meal anyway. Hope you and your mom have a fabulous visit together! Relax and enjoy!
Thank you so much, Mary Ann! You HAVE to hop on the tofu train! Silken tofu, in particular is SO good in smoothies! You really can’t taste it, but it gives everything it is pureed with a nice silky, velvety texture… it’s awesome, and I am pretty sure you would love it. Plus it has lots of protein… so there is that! I hope you have a relaxing and beautiful weekend as well, my friend! Cheers!
I love this velvety sweet mash! and all the spices!! yum! I love Za’atar and was hooked on it for a long time, I put it over everything!! My kids asked me for a break! so we are currently in a Za’atar break at home! My favorite dish on turkey day was a recipe that is coming soon on my blog, Tournedos Rossini! soon you will see why! My love to you and your mom today! hugs!
Thanks so much, Gaila! The spices on here totally make it, and I can totally understand why you were addicted to Za’atar! You need to tell you kids the break is O-V-ER! lol. I can’t wait to see the Tournedos Rossini!! Yay! Cheers, love and hugs back at ya!
Holy crap! There’s silken tofu in there?!!! WHAT?! I love that! and your chill thanksgiving sounds great! eating steak in my pj’s sounds amazing!!!! have fun with your mom!!!! I love this mash!
Yesss to silken tofu, Alice!! I guess our Thanksgiving wasn’t too bad.. but I did miss the HUGE smorgusboard of deliciousness! I KNOW yours was awesome, so I hope you ate enough for us! Thanks for the comment, and Cheers, girlfriend! <3
Wow I’ve never thought to add tofu to my mash but it’s an awesome idea! Extra protein too! They look incredible- especially with all those flavorful toppings. Gorgeous dish!
Tofu in Mash is all sorts of awesome, Allie! It gives it such an airy and light quality that can’t be beat! Thank so much for the comment, my dear! Cheers!
This looks TOOOOOOOOOOOO good!! Anything za’atar is right up my alley, but this recipe looks just incredible. I could eat this as a main dish!
Thank you so much, CakeSpy! Glad you agree, Za’atar is the JAAAAMMM! And Heck Yes to eating this as a main, I did! Cheers!
Oh my gosh, this looks AMAZING!! Hummus move over – I think I could have this for dinner and nothing else – all the delicious ingredients! Sending you so many hugs today and throughout the holiday season – you are in all my prayers, my friend. xx
Kate you are a genius, I never even thought about how this would be a great substitution for hummus!! I was devouring it like hummus, so obviously the blonde in me didn’t translate the two! *doh* I’ve been thinking about you and sending prayers and huge virtual hugs your way as well. Xoxo, my dear friend!
This really is an amazing looking dish. My condolances as well, I was sorry to read about your grandma. This is the way I remember my grandma as well, in the kitchen, she was a great cook too.
Thank you so much, Adina! I’m glad you remember your Grandmother how I will remember mine… with such precious memories! Cheers, doll! 🙂