Butternut Squash Casserole

Butternut squash casserole is a delightful dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This comforting recipe features roasted butternut squash and sweet apples, enhanced with caramelized fennel, onions, and melted Gruyere cheese. It’s an excellent side dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners, showcasing seasonal flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The pairing of butternut squash and Honeycrisp apples creates a sweet-savory profile that is irresistible.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for various occasions, it can be served as a side at holiday feasts or a cozy weeknight dinner.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from squash and apples, this casserole is both healthy and satisfying.
• Gourmet Touch: The addition of Gruyere cheese elevates this dish, providing a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the butternut squash casserole recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Large bowl
• Cast-iron skillet (or large frying pan)
• Medium-sized baking dish
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting vegetables evenly. It helps achieve that perfect caramelization.
• Cast-iron skillet: Great for browning sausage and caramelizing vegetables due to its excellent heat retention.
• Medium-sized baking dish: Ideal size for assembling the casserole, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

This butternut squash casserole has all the flavors of fall with apples, sweet sausage, caramelized fennel and onions, plus Gruyere cheese!

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
• 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
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• Fresh sage leaves, for garnish

How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

Spread the mixture onto a prepared baking sheet lined with foil lightly misted with cooking spray. Roast for about 35 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage

While the vegetables are roasting:
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Add crumbled sweet Italian sausage; cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan.

Step 5: Caramelize Fennel & Onion

If needed, add a bit more oil to the skillet:
1. Add sliced fennel and onion to caramelize for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Remove from pan; combine with sausage in a bowl.

Step 6: Assemble Casserole

Once roasted:
1. Switch oven setting to “broil.”
2. In a large bowl, combine roasted butternut squash/apples with sausage/fennel/onion mixture.
3. Pour in remaining maple syrup; toss to combine.
4. Spoon everything into a medium-sized baking dish.

Step 7: Garnish with Sage

If you want fried sage leaves:
1. Heat about 1/4 cup of oil in a small saucepan until shimmering.
2. Add sage leaves; fry briefly (about 20 seconds) until crisp; drain on paper towels.

Step 8: Broil Cheese Topping

Top casserole with grated Gruyere cheese:
1. Place under broiler for several minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

Garnish casserole with fried or fresh sage leaves before serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious butternut squash casserole!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Casserole

Serving butternut squash casserole can elevate any meal, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.

As a Main Course

• Pair the casserole with a light salad for a wholesome meal.
• Add crusty bread or rolls on the side to soak up the delicious flavors.

With Grilled Proteins

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a satisfying combination.
• Try it with lamb chops for a rich flavor contrast.

As Part of a Holiday Spread

• Include it in your holiday feast as a unique side dish that complements traditional favorites.
• Pair with cranberry sauce for an added touch of sweetness.

With Seasonal Vegetables

• Combine with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for vibrant colors and textures.
• A side of sautéed kale or spinach adds nutritional value and flavor.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Casserole

Creating the ultimate butternut squash casserole requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Choose ripe butternut squash: Select squash that feels heavy and has a firm skin for the best flavor and texture.
• Balance flavors: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup based on your preference.
• Caramelize vegetables well: Take your time when caramelizing fennel and onions; this deepens the flavor profile significantly.
• Experiment with cheeses: While Gruyere is fantastic, try blending it with other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for added creaminess.
• Allow to rest before serving: Letting the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Butternut Squash Casserole

Pairing your butternut squash casserole with complementary side dishes can complete your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent suggestions.

1. Mixed Green Salad – Fresh greens tossed with a light vinaigrette add crunch and balance.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – Nutty quinoa cooked with herbs provides protein and pairs well with sweet flavors.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic create a comforting contrast.
4. Roasted Carrots – Sweet, caramelized carrots enhance the autumnal vibe of the casserole.
5. Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli offers color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Slightly sweet cornbread muffins add texture and complement the savory elements of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious butternut squash casserole can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Bold Ingredient Selection: Using unripe or overly mature squash can affect the texture. Choose firm, heavy butternut squash for the best results.
• Bold Overlooking Seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
• Bold Incorrect Cooking Time: Roasting for too long can caramelize the ingredients excessively. Keep an eye on your vegetables and remove them once they’re tender yet firm.
• Bold Ignoring Layering: Failing to layer ingredients properly can result in uneven cooking. Arrange the layers thoughtfully to ensure even flavor distribution.
• Bold Skipping Garnishes: Neglecting garnishes like fresh sage leaves can lessen visual appeal and flavor depth. Consider adding a garnish for both aesthetics and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover butternut squash casserole in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Butternut Squash Casserole

• Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer-safe bag.
• The casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Butternut Squash Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe containers, covered loosely, in one-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butternut Squash Casserole?

Butternut squash casserole is a comforting dish that combines roasted butternut squash with sweet apples, sausage, and cheese, perfect for any meal.

Can I make Butternut Squash Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

How do I customize my Butternut Squash Casserole?

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or parsnips, substitute different cheeses, or change seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The butternut squash casserole stores well and makes for an easy reheated meal throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This butternut squash casserole is not only flavorful but also versatile. With its combination of sweet apples and savory sausage, it’s perfect as a side dish or main course. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients—your family will love it!