Sweet & Savory Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

When autumn’s crisp breeze whispers through golden leaves, nothing beats a hearty butternut squash casserole that warms both body and soul.

This comforting dish combines creamy textures with rich, seasonal flavors that dance across your palate.

The robust sweetness of roasted butternut squash creates a delectable foundation for this irresistible side.

Layers of tender vegetables and aromatic spices meld together in a harmonious blend that screams fall comfort.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through rustic, home-cooked goodness.

Topped with a crunchy, golden-brown crust, this casserole turns an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Get ready to savor every delicious bite of this ultimate autumn comfort food.

Flavor Up Your Butternut Squash Casserole

• Replace sweet Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles, roasted mushrooms, or chickpeas to create a delicious meatless version of the casserole.
• Substitute Gruyere with other melting cheeses like fontina, sharp cheddar, or smoked gouda to add different flavor dimensions to the dish.
• Prepare the roasted squash, sausage, and fennel mixture up to two days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and broil just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or smoked paprika to introduce a subtle heat and depth to the casserole.

Serve Butternut Squash Casserole Hot

• Rustic Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty butternut squash casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for balanced freshness.
• Autumn Harvest Plating: Serve on warm ceramic plates with scattered fresh sage leaves and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for elegant rustic presentation.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir to enhance the casserole's savory-sweet profile.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by topping with a poached egg and serving alongside crusty sourdough bread for a satisfying morning meal.

Storage Tips for Butternut Squash Casserole

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Chop butternut squash and apples a day ahead and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator to streamline cooking process.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store leftover casserole in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and easy reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Assemble entire casserole without cheese topping, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture levels.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 285 kcal

Servings: 7

Butternut Squash Casserole Ingredient List

• Butternut Squash: Sweet winter vegetable with creamy texture, choose firm squash with deep color and no soft spots.
• Apples: Adds natural sweetness and balance, select crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden roasted exterior, choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance natural flavors, use freshly ground for maximum taste.
• Maple Syrup: Provides caramelization and subtle sweetness, opt for pure maple syrup over artificial versions.
• Ground Sage: Earthy herb that complements squash, use dried or fresh for aromatic depth.
• Herbes de Provence: Mediterranean herb blend adding complex flavor profile, look for authentic French blend.

• Sweet Italian Sausage: Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein, choose high-quality ground sausage.
• Fennel: Brings subtle anise-like taste and crisp texture, select bulbs with bright green fronds.
• Onion: Provides foundational aromatic base, choose sweet varieties like Vidalia for caramelization.

• Gruyere Cheese: Offers nutty, melty topping with incredible depth, select aged version for stronger flavor.
• Sage Leaves: Creates crispy garnish with intense herbal note, fresh leaves work best for frying.
• Additional Olive Oil: Used for frying sage and adding moisture, select high-quality cold-pressed variety.

Equipment for Butternut Squash Casserole

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing squash, apples, and seasonings.
• Baking sheet: Line with foil for roasting squash and apples.
• Large skillet: Used for cooking sausage, fennel, and onions.
• 9×13 baking dish: Perfect for assembling and final baking.
• Small saucepan: Needed for frying sage leaves.
• Cutting board: For chopping ingredients.
• Chef's knife: To cube squash and slice fennel and onions.
• Cheese grater: For preparing Gruyere cheese.
• Paper towels: To drain fried sage leaves.
• Cooking spray: Light misting for baking sheet.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and tossing ingredients.

How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

• Roasting Preparation

Arrange oven rack to middle position and heat to high temperature. Cover baking sheet with protective foil and lightly spray with cooking oil.

• Vegetable and Fruit Blend

Combine chopped butternut squash and apple chunks in large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with aromatic herbs and seasonings. Ensure even coating by gently tossing ingredients.

• Initial Roasting

Spread mixture on prepared sheet. Roast until vegetables transform into golden, tender morsels, stirring occasionally during cooking process.

• Protein and Aromatics

In heavy skillet, brown savory sausage until fully cooked. Remove meat and set aside. In same pan, caramelize fennel and onion slices until rich and jammy.

• Combining Elements

Mix roasted squash and apple with sausage, fennel, and onion. Add sweet maple accent and adjust seasoning to personal taste preference.

• Cheese Topping

Transfer mixture to baking dish. Generously sprinkle grated cheese across surface.

• Final Transformation

Place under broiler until cheese melts and develops attractive golden crust.

• Elegant Garnish

Quickly crisp sage leaves in hot oil. Drain on paper towel and delicately scatter over finished casserole. Serve immediately while warm.

Comforting Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Southern-style butternut squash casserole brings comfort and warmth to holiday tables across America. Home cooks can savor creamy, spiced layers with a crunchy pecan topping that delights dinner guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb 0.45 kg butternut squash, peeled and cubed into medium-size chunks
• ½ lb 0.23 kg sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and cubed into larger chunks
• 2 small fennel bulbs, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 2 tbsps 30 mL pure maple syrup, divided
• ½ tsp ground sage
• 1 ½ tsps Herbes de Provence
• olive oil
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• fresh sage leaves (fresh or fried), for garnish

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Instructions

1. Roast Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with foil, lightly misting with cooking spray. Cube butternut squash and apples, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, maple syrup, ground sage, and Herbes de Provence for even coating.
2. Vegetable Roasting: Spread seasoned mixture on prepared baking sheet, roasting for 35 minutes and stirring periodically until squash becomes tender and golden.
3. Protein Preparation: Cook sweet Italian sausage in large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, then set aside. In same skillet, sauté fennel and onion until caramelized and jammy, approximately 10-12 minutes.
4. Casserole Assembly: Combine roasted squash and apples with sausage, fennel, and onion mixture, adding an extra tablespoon of maple syrup and adjusting seasonings. Transfer to 9×13 baking dish and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyere cheese.
5. Finishing Touches: Broil casserole until cheese melts and turns golden-brown. Create crispy sage garnish by quickly frying sage leaves in hot olive oil for 20 seconds, drain on paper towels, and lightly salt. Scatter fried sage leaves over casserole and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Roast for Caramelization: Stirring periodically during roasting ensures even browning and prevents burning, developing deep, rich flavors in squash and apples.
• Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality sweet Italian sausage for maximum depth and richness in the overall casserole taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Watch closely under broiler to achieve perfect golden-brown cheese crust without burning, which requires careful 1-2 minute monitoring.
• Sage Garnish Pro-Tip: Quickly fry sage leaves for maximum crispness and delicate texture, ensuring they provide a crunchy, aromatic finish to the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg