How to Make Butternut Squash Baby Food

With its mild flavor and high nutritional value, butternut squash is a perfect choice for one of baby’s first foods. (Here are our other first food picks.) It also has a touch of sweetness to help win over picky eaters. You can usually find it at your grocery store year-round, though peak season is fall through winter.

Here’s everything you need to know about making your own butternut squash baby food.

When Can My Baby Eat Butternut Squash?

Your baby can try butternut squash as soon as he or she is ready for solid foods, usually at around 4 to 6 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby be exposed to a wide variety of flavors and textures as they begin their journey into solids. Butternut squash offers a good supply of vitamin A, potassium and fiber; making it a wonderful and nutritious food to include in baby’s new diet.

How to Make Butternut Squash Baby Food

Here are the simple step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the squash

Preheat oven to 400° F and cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. You’ll want to keep the skin on.

Editor’s Tip: This is how to cut a squash in half safely.

Step 2: Roast the squash

To make butternut squash edible for baby, you’ll need to first roast the squash to soften it. Roasting the squash brings out the most flavor, while still retaining those precious nutrients.

Place the squash on a baking sheet, cut side up, and brush the entire surface of the squash with olive oil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Step 3: Cool and puree

Allow the butternut squash to cool, then scoop it into a food processor. Discard the skin. Puree until smooth. Add water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

What Other Ingredients Go Well with Butternut Squash?

Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor that is mild enough for baby to enjoy as a first food. But if your baby is ready for more flavor, try sprinkling on a little cinnamon before you roast it.

You can also mix the butternut squash puree with other foods to introduce baby to more variety. Try combining butternut squash puree with other pureed ingredients like applesauce, pears, cooked quinoa or even chicken.