I have to say, the first time I made this butternut squash casserole, I felt like I’d discovered comfort food gold. The creamy texture, the sweet and savory flavor harmony, and the satisfying crunch topping were pure magic.
It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel warm and cozy from the very first bite. Whether I’m whipping it up for a holiday dinner or a regular weeknight meal, this casserole never fails to bring smiles around the table.
Plus, it’s so easy to make, even on busier days. Every time this dish comes out of the oven, I feel like a kitchen hero. If you’re searching for a recipe that’s both delicious and hassle-free, you’re going to love this one as much as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This butternut squash casserole has so much going for it. Beyond its amazing flavor, here’s why it deserves a spot on your table.
1. It’s Simple to Prepare
Even if you’re not a kitchen pro, this recipe is absolutely doable. Most steps involve roasting, mixing, or baking, and everything comes together effortlessly. With just a bit of chopping and stirring, you’ll end up with a stunning dish.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a Thanksgiving side or a cozy weekday dinner, this casserole fits the bill. Its versatility makes it great for casual meals or as a centerpiece for special gatherings.
3. Packed With Nutrients
Thanks to the butternut squash and other fresh veggies, this casserole isn’t just tasty, it’s nutritious too. You’re essentially sneaking in a load of vitamins without sacrificing flavor.
4. Fantastic for Customization
You can tweak this recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Want it vegan or dairy-free? Easy! Prefer extra herbs or a spicy kick? No problem!
5. That Irresistible Combination of Textures
From the creamy squash to the crispy breadcrumbs, this dish hits all the right texture notes. Every bite has a perfect balance of smoothness and crunch, making it incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to get started:
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (fresh or dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
Note: These ingredient quantities are to serve 6 people. Adjust the measurements proportionally if you’re cooking for a larger or smaller group.
Variations
You can easily make this recipe your own by swapping or adding ingredients. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Make it Vegan: Replace the cheese with vegan cheese and use plant-based cream.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Sweet Twist: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the squash’s natural sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you’ll need to whip up this casserole masterpiece:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment You Need
These essentials will help bring the casserole to life:
- Large pot: For boiling the butternut squash.
- Skillet: Perfect for sautéing aromatics and veggies.
- Mixing bowls: To combine ingredients.
- Casserole dish: The star of the show for baking everything together.
- Whisk: To mix the custard smoothly.
How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole?😋
Butternut Squash Casserole is a rich, comforting dish filled with roasted squash, sautéed veggies, and a creamy, cheesy custard. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy family dinner!
Step 1. Roast the Butternut Squash 🎃
Start by peeling, seeding, and dicing the squash into cubes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the squash for about 10 minutes until tender, then drain and set it aside.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics 🌱
Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and translucent. This step adds a flavorful base to the casserole.
Step 3. Add Veggies 🌈
Toss in the chopped bell peppers and sauté until soft. Next, stir in the spinach and cook for a minute until it wilts. These colorful veggies pack the dish with nutrients and flavor.
Step 4. Mix the Casserole 🥘
Combine the cooked squash, sautéed veggies, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl. This hearty mix is going to be the core of your casserole.
Step 5. Whisk the Custard 🥛
Whip together heavy cream, eggs, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This custard binds the ingredients together and turns your casserole creamy and delicious.
Step 6. Bake and Serve 🌟
Grease your casserole dish and pour in the squash mixture. Top it with the custard evenly. Bake for about 35 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and bubbling. Don’t forget to savor the heavenly aroma while it bakes!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresher veggies always give a better flavor and texture.
- Cheese Choice: Go for sharp cheddar or smoked cheeses for added depth.
- Don’t Overcook the Squash: Keep an eye on it while boiling to ensure it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Breadcrumb Topper Hack: For extra crunch, toss your breadcrumbs in olive oil before sprinkling them over the casserole.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Casserole?
Serve this creamy, golden casserole straight out of the oven for ultimate satisfaction. Garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for a pop of green. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, a fresh salad, or even a simple slice of crusty bread. For a holiday feast, it holds its own among other sides like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional value (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
This casserole is just as convenient as it is tasty. You can make it ahead by assembling everything and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Got leftovers? They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’d like to freeze the casserole, bake it first, cool it completely, and then freeze for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.
With this butternut squash casserole recipe, you’ve got a delicious, cozy dish ready to impress any crowd. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or spicing up a regular dinner night, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles. Give it a try and savor every creamy, crunchy bite!
Check out this step-by-step video:
Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Butternut squash
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Red bell pepper
- Green bell pepper
- Fresh spinach
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Heavy cream
- Eggs
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Start by peeling, seeding, and dicing the squash into cubes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the squash for about 10 minutes until tender, then drain and set it aside.
- Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and translucent. This step adds a flavorful base to the casserole.
- Toss in the chopped bell peppers and sauté until soft. Next, stir in the spinach and cook for a minute until it wilts. These colorful veggies pack the dish with nutrients and flavor.
- Combine the cooked squash, sautéed veggies, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl. This hearty mix is going to be the core of your casserole.
- Whip together heavy cream, eggs, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This custard binds the ingredients together and turns your casserole creamy and delicious.
- Grease your casserole dish and pour in the squash mixture. Top it with the custard evenly. Bake for about 35 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and bubbling. Don’t forget to savor the heavenly aroma while it bakes!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresher veggies always give a better flavor and texture.
- Cheese Choice: Go for sharp cheddar or smoked cheeses for added depth.
- Don’t Overcook the Squash: Keep an eye on it while boiling to ensure it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Breadcrumb Topper Hack: For extra crunch, toss your breadcrumbs in olive oil before sprinkling them over the casserole.
