Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

If you love cozy comfort food that’s both creamy and nutritious, this Butternut Squash Casserole is the perfect dish for your table. Made with roasted butternut squash, creamy cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.

What Is Easy Butternut Squash Casserole?

The Butternut Squash Casserole is a baked dish that highlights the natural sweetness of butternut squash while adding rich, creamy, and savory layers. It’s often made with roasted or mashed squash mixed with cheese, eggs, milk, and spices, then topped with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a golden finish. This casserole feels indulgent yet wholesome — the perfect mix of flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with meats, salads, or holiday roasts.

Other Popular Squash Casserole Recipes

• Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole
• Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Reasons to Try Butternut Squash Casserole

• Wholesome ingredients – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness.
• Comforting flavor – Creamy texture with a buttery, slightly sweet taste.
• Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Customizable – Easily adjusted with cheese, herbs, or nuts.
• Perfect make-ahead dish – Prepares well in advance for busy schedules.
• Vegetarian-friendly – A meat-free side dish everyone enjoys.
• Visually appealing – Its golden-orange color brightens any dinner table.

Ingredients Needed to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

• 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup milk (or cream for richer texture)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional for warmth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Baking dish (9×9 or similar)
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan or skillet
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven

Instructions to Prepare Butternut Squash Casserole

• Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even baking.
• Cook the squash: Boil or roast cubed butternut squash until tender (about 15–20 minutes).
• Mash the squash: Drain well and mash with a fork or masher until smooth.
• Sauté onions: In a pan, sauté onions with butter until soft and fragrant.
• Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix mashed squash, sautéed onions, eggs, milk, cheeses, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Add topping: Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
• Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
• Cool and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.

What Goes Well With Butternut Squash Casserole

• Roasted Turkey – A classic pairing for holiday meals.
• Baked Chicken – Adds a savory contrast to the sweet squash.
• Grilled Salmon – Complements the creamy texture with a fresh finish.
• Pork Chops – The sweetness of squash enhances pork’s rich flavor.
• Green Beans – A crisp, refreshing side to balance the casserole.
• Mashed Potatoes – A perfect comfort food combination.

Key Tips for Making Butternut Squash Casserole

• Roast for deeper flavor – Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of squash.
• Drain thoroughly – Removing moisture prevents a watery casserole.
• Use sharp cheddar – It enhances flavor and adds richness.
• Add breadcrumbs last – Keeps the topping crisp during baking.
• Incorporate herbs – Fresh thyme or rosemary gives a fragrant boost.
• Use cream for luxury – For an extra silky texture, replace milk with heavy cream.
• Cool slightly before serving – This helps flavors settle and slice neatly.

Creative Variations of Butternut Squash Casserole

• Add pecans – Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for crunch and nutty aroma.
• Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
• Include spinach – Adds color and extra nutrition to the dish.
• Top with cheese blend – Mix cheddar and mozzarella for a stretchy topping.
• Go vegan – Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives.
• Add bacon – Crumbled bacon adds smoky flavor and crisp texture.
• Turn it sweet – Mix in a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon for a dessert-like twist.

Storage Guidelines for Butternut Squash Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze portions – Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw properly – Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Avoid sogginess – Keep the topping separate if freezing for best results.

Reheating Tips for Butternut Squash Casserole

• In the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
• In the microwave: Heat single portions on medium for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
• From frozen: Reheat covered at 325°F (160°C) for 40–45 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Sugar: 6g

FAQs

How do you make butternut squash soft enough for casserole?

To make butternut squash soft for a casserole, peel and cube it, then either boil for 15–20 minutes or roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes until tender. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork slides easily into the pieces. Draining well after boiling helps prevent a watery casserole.

Should you roast or boil butternut squash for casserole?

Roasting butternut squash gives a richer, caramelized flavor, while boiling makes it softer and quicker to prepare. If you prefer a deeper flavor and less moisture, roasting is best. For convenience, boiling works well as long as you drain the squash thoroughly before mashing.

Can I make butternut squash casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Prepare the casserole completely, except for the topping, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed until golden and bubbly.

Why is my butternut squash casserole watery?

A watery casserole usually means the squash wasn’t drained well after cooking. Butternut squash releases a lot of water, so always remove excess liquid and let it cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients. You can also add a tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs to help absorb moisture.

Final Words

This Butternut Squash Casserole delivers everything you want from a cozy homemade dish — creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s perfect for any meal, from weeknight dinners to festive feasts. Simple to prepare and always a hit, it’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone back for seconds.

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