If you’re looking for a simple way to enjoy butternut squash, a casserole is a great choice. A butternut squash casserole combines tender squash with cheese, onions, and a crunchy topping for a warm, tasty side dish you can make anytime. It’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or even a cozy weeknight meal.
This post may contain affiliate links.
This dish lets you turn a healthy vegetable into something comforting and flavorful without much fuss. Whether you like it sweet or savory, there are easy ways to customize the recipe to your taste. You’ll love how this casserole brings a bit of fall warmth to your table all year long.
Related Recipe: Easy Squash Casserole Recipe for Autumn Dinners
How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole
You’ll need to gather a few key ingredients and prepare the squash properly before assembling your casserole. Cooking it right means balancing creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. There are simple steps to follow and some easy ways to switch things up if you want to try different tastes.
Related Recipe: Easy Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk
Easy Butternut Squash Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus 2 more for the topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
Steam or boil the cubed butternut squash until just tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
Mash the squash in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, melted butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well to combine.
Related Recipe: 6 Cozy Butternut Squash Recipes for Fall and Winter
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the extra melted butter and Parmesan. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is set and the topping is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Related Recipe: Cheesy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – A Christmas Food Favorite
Tips for Perfect Texture
Use roasted squash rather than boiled for the best flavor and texture. Roasting keeps it firm but tender, which helps your casserole hold together well.
Make sure to drain any excess liquid from your cooked ingredients like kale or onions to avoid sogginess. The topping should be crisp to contrast with the creamy filling.
Stir gently to keep ingredients evenly spread. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
Common Variations
You can swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes or pumpkin without changing much in the recipe. These offer similar texture and cook times. Using different cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella changes the flavor profile slightly but keeps the dish rich.
Some people like adding fruits like apple or dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness. Nuts like almonds or pecans on top add crunch. For a vegetarian version, skip bacon and add extra veggies or mushrooms.
Experiment with herbs too—sage, thyme, or rosemary all work well depending on what flavors you prefer.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
You want to make sure your butternut squash casserole fits well with the rest of your meal and stays fresh for later. Paying attention to what dishes go well with it and how to store and reheat will help you enjoy it every time.
Best Pairings
Your casserole goes best with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. The creamy, sweet flavors of the squash balance nicely with these savory dishes.
For a full meal, serve your casserole alongside steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad. These add a crisp texture and bright flavors.
If you want a sauce, a simple gravy or a light herb dressing will not overpower the casserole but will add extra flavor.
Make-Ahead and Reheating
You can assemble the casserole up to two days before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
If you bake it without the topping, cool completely, and wrap it well in foil, you can freeze the casserole for up to three months.
When ready to eat, thaw frozen casserole in the fridge for about 24 hours. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot all the way through, usually 20-30 minutes. This keeps the texture creamy and the topping crisp.
Follow my squash recipes board on Pinterest.