Traeger Grilled Butternut Squash is an easy, crowd-pleasing side for fall and winter gatherings. Roasted on a pellet grill with butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, the squash caramelizes on the cut side and becomes tender and slightly sweet—simple, comforting, and perfect alongside roasted meats or holiday mains.
Traeger Grilled Butternut Squash
There’s something about roasted squash that signals the season: warm, sweet, and nostalgic. This recipe keeps things intentionally simple—clean the squash, halve it, remove the seeds, season with salt, dot with butter, sprinkle brown sugar, and grill. The result is a versatile side that can be served straight from the shell or scooped and mashed into a candied mash.
Cooking on a pellet grill or Traeger adds a subtle smoky note, but the technique works on any grill that can hold a steady 350°F. The method highlights the squash’s natural flavor without complicated steps or long ingredient lists.
Thanksgiving Recipes
Recipe Shopping List
If you’re wondering whether you need to stop at the store, here’s everything required for this simple dish. For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Butternut squash
- Butter (softened)
- Brown sugar
- Salt
Try Spaghetti Squash too!
How To Make This Recipe
This overview gives you a quick look at the process. When cooking, follow the complete instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the article.
- Prep – Wash the squash thoroughly and slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Sprinkle the cut surface with salt and spread softened butter over the flesh. Coat the buttered surface with brown sugar.
- Poke – Use a fork to poke a few holes in the cut surface so butter and sugar can seep into the flesh as it cooks.
- Grill – Place the squash cut-side up on a preheated grill at 350°F (175°C). Grill for about 45 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender and caramelized.
- Enjoy – Serve warm. Guests can scoop directly from the shell, or you can scoop and mash the flesh with extra butter and brown sugar for a richer, candied side.
Favorite Traeger Holiday Recipes
Do You Peel Squash Before Cooking?
You do not need to peel the squash for this preparation. The skin becomes tender enough after roasting to keep the squash intact while it cooks, and it makes scooping and serving easier. Simply wash the exterior, slice the squash in half, remove seeds, and dress the cut side with butter and brown sugar before grilling.
When the squash is finished, scoop out the tender flesh and season with a little extra salt to taste. If you prefer a sweeter, more indulgent side, mash the flesh with additional butter and brown sugar to create a candied-style mash. Both approaches are delicious—choose based on preference and your meal’s balance of flavors.
Serve This With
This sweet-savory squash pairs beautifully with classic holiday mains and any meat-and-potatoes style dinner. Since it’s prepared on the grill, keeping the menu grill-focused works well. Suggested pairings include:
- Traeger grilled chicken or roast chicken
- Smoked beef tenderloin
- Foil packet salmon or other grilled fish
Traeger Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Butternut Squash
Grilled butternut squash is an effortless fall and winter side. Brown sugar and butter create a caramelized surface while the interior steams to a tender consistency. Serve straight from the shell or mash for a sweeter side dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill or grill to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash the squash and slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds.
- Sprinkle the cut surfaces with salt. Spread softened butter evenly over each cut side, then sprinkle the brown sugar across the buttered surface.
- Use a fork to poke a few holes in the flesh so the butter and sugar can penetrate as it cooks.
- Place the squash cut-side up on the preheated grill. Cook for about 45 minutes, or until a fork slides easily into the flesh and the sugar is caramelized.
- Serve warm. For a mashed version, scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with additional butter and brown sugar to taste.
Recommended Serving and Variations
For a savory-sweet contrast, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving. To add herbaceous depth, stir in a small amount of fresh thyme or rosemary to the mash. For a lower-sugar option, reduce the brown sugar or omit it and finish with a touch of maple and cinnamon.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or on the grill until warmed through. If roasting straight from chilled, add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.
Nutrition Information (estimate per serving)
Yield: 8 | Serving size: 1
Calories: 155 · Total Fat: 12g · Saturated Fat: 7g · Unsaturated Fat: 3g · Cholesterol: 31mg · Sodium: 360mg · Carbohydrates: 14g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 12g · Protein: 0g
Nutrition data is an estimate. If you need precise values for medical reasons, consult a trusted nutrition source.