Butternut Squash Casserole

This Butternut Squash Casserole is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Combining sweet apples and savory sausage with roasted butternut squash creates a comforting dish perfect for family meals or gatherings. The caramelized fennel and onion add depth, while Gruyère cheese brings a creamy richness that makes every bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful combination: The blend of butternut squash, apples, and herbs creates a unique taste experience.
• Seasonal delight: This casserole captures the essence of autumn, making it ideal for seasonal celebrations.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a side dish or a hearty main course.
• Easy preparation: With simple steps, you can create this delicious casserole without fuss.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, everyone will appreciate its comforting flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Large bowl
• Skillet (preferably cast-iron)
• Baking dish (9 by 13 inches)
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for roasting the butternut squash and apples, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning sausage and caramelizing onions and fennel, adding rich flavor to the casserole.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To create this comforting Butternut Squash Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Casserole

• 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed into medium-size chunks
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored and cubed into larger chunks (to match the squash)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided use
• 1/2 teaspoon ground dried sage
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence

For the Sausage Mixture

• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
• 2 small fennel bulbs, cut in half lengthwise, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 onion, quartered and thinly sliced

Topping

• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• Fresh sage leaves, fresh or fried, for garnish

How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil lightly misted with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash and apples. Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, dried sage, and Herbes de Provence; toss well to coat.

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for about 35 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally for even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage

While the vegetables roast, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crumbled sweet Italian sausage; cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside in a bowl.

Step 5: Caramelize Fennel and Onion

If needed, add more olive oil to the skillet. Add sliced fennel and onion; caramelize for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Combine with sausage in the bowl.

Step 6: Adjust Oven Settings

Once your butternut squash and apples are tender, switch your oven setting to broil.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon roasted butternut squash/apples into a large bowl. Add sausage/fennel/onion mixture along with remaining tablespoon of maple syrup; toss gently to combine. Transfer to a medium-sized baking dish.

Step 8: Prepare Fried Sage (Optional)

For fried sage leaves as garnish, heat about 1/4 cup olive oil in a small saucepan until shimmering. Fry sage leaves for about 20 seconds; remove them and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

Step 9: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the assembled casserole. Broil for just a few minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 10: Serve

Garnish your Butternut Squash Casserole with fried or fresh sage leaves before serving warm.

Enjoy this delicious blend of flavors that captures fall on your table!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Casserole

This butternut squash casserole is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to make it the centerpiece of your meal or serve it as a side, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience.

Casual Family Dinner

• Serve this casserole alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair it with crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce.

Holiday Gatherings

• Present the butternut squash casserole as a festive side dish during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
• Incorporate seasonal decorations on the table for an inviting atmosphere.

Potluck Parties

• Bring this casserole to potlucks; it’s sure to impress and please everyone.
• Consider serving it in a disposable dish for easy transport and clean-up.

Weeknight Meals

• Enjoy leftovers as an easy reheatable option for busy weeknights.
• Complement it with some grilled chicken or turkey for added protein.

Brunch Buffets

• Serve it warm at brunch gatherings alongside eggs or quiches.
• Offer a fruit platter to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Casserole

Creating a flawless butternut squash casserole takes attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your dish and ensure it’s always a hit.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality butternut squash and apples for the best flavor and texture.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste, ensuring a perfect sweet-savory balance.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on roasting times; overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables while undercooking may result in crunchiness.
• Layer Wisely: When assembling, layer the ingredients evenly for consistent cooking and flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to substitute Gruyere cheese with other varieties like cheddar or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Garnish Creatively: Enhance presentation by garnishing with fried sage leaves or fresh herbs before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Butternut Squash Casserole

Complementing your butternut squash casserole with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a crispy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the casserole.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic make for a comforting side dish that complements various flavors.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with seasonal vegetables brings freshness and nutrition to your plate.
4. Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans add color and crunch without overpowering the main dish.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce offers a nice contrast and enhances the fall flavors of the casserole.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf cooked with herbs provides an aromatic base that pairs well with rich dishes like casseroles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing a butternut squash casserole. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the peeling: Not peeling the butternut squash can result in a tough texture. Always peel it before cubing.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many ingredients on one baking sheet can lead to uneven cooking. Spread everything out to ensure even roasting.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can leave your casserole bland. Be generous with salt, pepper, and herbs for enhanced flavor.
• Ignoring the cook time: Cooking the squash and apples for too long can make them mushy. Check for tenderness regularly while roasting.
• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can affect cooking times. Let your ingredients come to room temperature before cooking.
• Neglecting to taste: Failing to taste as you go can result in an unbalanced dish. Adjust seasoning during preparation for the best flavor.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to cool the casserole completely before sealing.

Freezing Butternut Squash Casserole

• You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months.
• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Reheating Butternut Squash Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butternut Squash Casserole?

Butternut squash casserole is a delicious side dish featuring roasted butternut squash combined with sweet apples and savory sausage, topped with Gruyere cheese.

Can I use other types of cheese in Butternut Squash Casserole?

Yes! Feel free to substitute Gruyere cheese with cheddar or fontina for different flavor profiles.

How do I customize my Butternut Squash Casserole?

You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch or include additional vegetables such as spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Is Butternut Squash Casserole healthy?

Yes! This casserole is packed with vitamins from the squash and apples while being lower in calories compared to traditional casseroles.

Can I make Butternut Squash Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking for easy serving later.

Final Thoughts

This butternut squash casserole is not only flavorful but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners!