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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers and Snacks

    Roasted Thai Butternut Squash Dip

    January 30, 2024 · Published: February 23, 2022 By: Asian Inspired Eats 15 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    This easy and savory Roasted Thai Butternut Squash Dip is creamy, mildly spicy, and so addictive! You'll want to serve this awesome appetizer at your next get-together!

    roasted thai butternut squash dip in a gray bowl on top of a gray serving platter with tortilla chips on the side on top of a marble surface

    It may be winter, but butternut squash is still on my menu! This awesome Roasted Thai Butternut Squash Dip will rock your world!  You can use this flavorful dip with veggies, pita bread, or Indian naan bread -- or just use a spoon!

    This creamy dip has a touch of heat from the sambal oelek. I even used this butternut squash dip to stuff inside a chicken breast. So many great options!

    A package of Trader Joe's cubed, cut, butternut squash.

    Make it easy on yourself, buy the butternut squash already peeled and cubed so you don't lose a finger slicing it up. This already cubed butternut squash is from Trader Joe's, but you find this just about anywhere these days!

    a halved and cubed butternut squash on a wooden cutting board

    If you're brave enough, buy a whole butternut squash, peel it, seed it, and cube it. It's not as hard as you think. Butternut squash is also low in calories, but high in nutrients. Another great reason to use this fabulous squash in a dip!

    What are the health benefits of butternut squash?

    • Butternut squash is not only tasty but also packs a punch of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
    • Butternut squash is low in calories but high in many nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
    •  It’s high in magnesium, potassium, and manganese — all of which play important roles in bone health.
    • Yellow and orange vegetables and fruits — including butternut squash — have been shown to be particularly effective at protecting against heart disease.
    • Butternut squash is low in calories and packed with fiber — making it a great choice for any healthy weight loss plan.

    Source: Healthline.com

    Products you'll need for this dip

    a can of Thai Kitchen lite coconut milk
    Lite Coconut Milk
    a jar of sambal oelek (Thai chili sauce) on a white board
    Sambal Oelek

    These widely-used products are available in the Asian section at most grocery stores. Or, click on the images to purchase them through Amazon.

    a jar of Thai fish sauce on a wooden board
    Fish Sauce
    a jar of sun luck sesame oil
    Sesame Oil

    How to roast the veggies

    1. Place the butternut squash cubes, chopped garlic, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet.
    2. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
    3. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes until veggies are caramelized.
    Cubed butternut squash and chopped onions on a baking tray

    Allow the veggies to cool slightly, and then transfer everything to a food processor.

    Roasted cubed butternut squash, chopped onions, and garlic cloves on a baking tray.

    The butternut squash, onions, and garlic are so sweet once roasted!

    Roasted chopped onions and butternut squash in a mini food processor on top of a marble surface

    Using a food processor, pulse all of the roasted veggies until fully combined.

    a mini food processor filled with roasted butternut squash dip on top of a marble surface

    Then, add in the cream cheese, coconut milk, sambal oelek, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Pulse to combine the ingredients. Add a little salt and pepper and then run the machine until everything is super smooth and creamy.

    Options for garnish:

    • Chopped cilantro
    • Chopped peanuts
    • Sliced scallions

    Tips and tricks

    • If you're skittish when it comes to cutting up a butternut squash, you have the option to buy the squash already peeled and cubed. I can usually find these in bags at my local Trader Joe's market.
    • If you don't like it too spicy, simply use less of the sambal oelek, or eliminate it completely.
    • There are many options to serve with this tasty dip: Naan bread, tortilla chips, crackers, pita bread, carrots and celery slices, cucumbers, you name it!
    roasted thai butternut squash dip in a gray bowl on top of a gray serving platter with tortilla chips on the side on top of a marble surface

    Want more like this?

    If you liked this Roasted Thai Butternut Squash Dip, you’re going to want these squash recipes too!

    • Asian-Spiced Pork Chili with Butternut Squash
    • Miso Butternut Squash Soup
    • Roasted Butternut Squash and Bok Choy Frittata
    • Savory Butternut Squash Galettes
    • Stuffed Acorn Squash with Turkey and Rice

    Update Notes: This post was originally published on October 11, 2016, but was republished with slight text changes and additions, like new images, step-by-step instructions, and tips in February 2022.

    Print
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    roasted thai butternut squash dip in a gray bowl on top of a gray serving platter with tortilla chips on the side on top of a marble surface

    Roasted Thai Butternut Squash Dip

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    Print Recipe
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    This easy, savory Roasted Thai Butternut Squash Dip is creamy, mildly spicy, and so addictive! You'll want to serve this awesome appetizer at your next get together!

    • Total Time: 50 min
    • Yield: 8-10 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 3 cups cubed butternut squash
    • 1 cup diced onion
    • 5 whole garlic cloves, peeled
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Salt and pepper
    • 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
    • ¼ cup light coconut milk
    • 1 ½ tablespoons sambal oelek (Thai red chile paste)
    • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
    • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
    • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
    • Garnishes:
    • 1 scallion, sliced
    • Chopped peanuts
    • Chips for serving
    • Cilantro for garnishing

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the squash, onion, and garlic cloves out in an even layer onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat the veggies. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    2. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the veggies are caramelized and the squash is very tender. Broil for a few minutes to make sure they are caramelized.
    3. Allow to cool slightly and then transfer everything to a food processor.
    4. To the food processor, add in the cream cheese, coconut milk, sambal oelek, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Pulse to combine the ingredients. Add a little salt and pepper and then run the machine until everything is super smooth and creamy. Taste for seasonings.
    5. Garnish with scallions, cilantro and peanuts. Serve with your favorite chips or veggies for dipping.

    Notes

    • If you're skittish when it comes to cutting up a butternut squash, you have the option to buy the squash already peeled and cubed. I can usually find these in bags at my local Trader Joe's market.
    • If you don't like it too spicy, simply use less of the sambal oelek, or eliminate it completely.
    • There are many options to serve with this tasty dip: Naan bread, tortilla chips, crackers, pita bread, carrots and celery slices, cucumbers, you name it!
    • Author: Asian Caucasian
    • Prep Time: 20 min
    • Cook Time: 30 min
    • Category: Appetizer
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size:
    • Calories: 174
    • Sugar: 3.7 g
    • Sodium: 250.6 mg
    • Fat: 14.5 g
    • Carbohydrates: 10.2 g
    • Protein: 2.8 g
    • Cholesterol: 28.7 mg

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @AsianCaucasianBlog on Instagram and hashtag #AsianCaucasianEats

    roasted thai butternut squash dip in a gray bowl on top of a gray serving platter with tortilla chips on the side on top of a marble surface

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Holly Hooper says

      November 06, 2021 at 11:28 am

      Made this tonight and topped the spaghetti squash with steamed broccoli, sliced cherry tomatoes, and green onions before pouring on the sauce. So delish!!!
      Holly Hooper

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        November 08, 2021 at 9:39 am

        What a great idea, Holly! I've only eaten this butternut squash dip with chips or veggies. That sounds like it made a delicious and healthy sauce!

        Reply
    2. Harold Burton says

      June 29, 2021 at 5:36 am

      This is an excellent list! I will be making a lot of these 🙂 I’ve done some already! Homemade always tastes better.

      Harold Burton

      Reply
    3. Ashley says

      November 17, 2017 at 7:44 pm

      This sounds amazing!

      Reply
    4. Paul A Vitale says

      November 17, 2017 at 2:29 pm

      Fabulous!

      Reply
    5. Laura says

      November 17, 2017 at 12:31 pm

      I've never made a dip with squash, always as a side dish. This looks heavenly!

      Reply
    6. Art from my Table says

      November 17, 2017 at 10:07 am

      I love butternut squash! What a great idea to make a dip with it!

      Reply
    7. Megan (MegUnprocessed) says

      November 17, 2017 at 1:32 am

      What a good idea! Love butternut squash!

      Reply
    8. Erin Clarkson says

      November 16, 2017 at 11:01 pm

      Dips are my fave ever! This looks amazing

      Reply
    9. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says

      November 15, 2017 at 7:22 pm

      Nice dip!!!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        November 15, 2017 at 7:49 pm

        Thanks so much, Jocelyn! You need to make this one!

        Reply
    10. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says

      November 14, 2017 at 8:50 pm

      This sounds so good!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        November 15, 2017 at 12:47 pm

        Hi Kelsie! This is a fabulous appetizer dish for the holidays! You must try this one, a blog favorite!

        Reply
    11. techlazy.com says

      April 28, 2017 at 10:14 am

      I made this last night for my 16 yo twins and husband – and they loved it. So easy and perfect. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        April 28, 2017 at 4:55 pm

        So glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe! If you like wontons, try the roasted butternut squash wonton bite, to die for!

        Reply

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    roasted thai butternut squash dip in a gray bowl on top of a gray serving platter with tortilla chips on the side on top of a marble surface