If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully easy dish to warm up your table, this Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines the natural sweetness and velvety texture of perfectly cooked butternut squash with a crunchy pecan topping, making every bite a cozy celebration of fall flavors. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight treat, this casserole brings warmth, vibrant color, and satisfying taste to the plate with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll be using simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in the casserole’s rich taste and delightful texture. From the creamy mashed squash to the crunchy nut topping, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious dish.
- 4 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a silky base.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps blend the flavors beautifully.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Brings warmth and a caramel-like sweetness that complements the squash.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Bind the mixture together for that perfect casserole texture.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and enhances moisture without weighing it down.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Subtly enhances the sweet notes and aroma of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, fragrant spice that pairs beautifully with the squash.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides just a hint of warmth and depth, elevating the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances every flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Creates a delightful crunchy topping with a nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping and gives it a nice golden crisp.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping): Brings richness and helps the topping toast beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 2-quart baking dish—you want this casserole to slide out easily and bake evenly. While the oven warms, bring a large pot of water to a boil and gently cook the peeled and cubed butternut squash for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. This step is key for ensuring your casserole will be silky smooth without lumps.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Squash Base
Drain the cooked squash thoroughly and mash it until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, in a large bowl, combine the mashed squash with the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully incorporated; this step sets the rich, flavorful foundation for your Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the squash mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top to ensure even baking. In a separate small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, and melted butter until crumbly—the topping will add that signature crunchy texture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the squash mixture to create a golden, nutty crust while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake it for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is beautifully golden and toasted. When it’s done, let it cool slightly before serving so the flavors settle and the casserole firms up a bit. You’ll love how the warm aroma fills your kitchen during this step.
How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of flair and freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or a few whole pecans on top. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can also beautifully enhance the sweetness and bring out the warm spices.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a fantastic centerpiece for holiday meals. For a vegetarian dinner, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or sautéed garlic spinach to balance the rich, sweet flavors with something crisp and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For individual servings, scoop the casserole into ramekins and garnish with a pecan half for an elegant touch. You can also layer it in a clear glass baking dish to showcase its beautiful golden topping and smooth squash base—a feast for both eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the moisture of the squash while keeping the topping crisp as much as possible. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover the prepared casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. For baked leftovers, store in a freezer-safe container. It will keep deliciously frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for busy weeks or holiday prep done early.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent the topping from burning. Removing the foil near the end helps re-crisp the nut topping, bringing it back to its fresh-out-of-the-oven glory.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute. The result will still be wonderfully creamy and delicious.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have nut allergies, walnuts make a great swap and provide a similarly rich, crunchy topping. For a nut-free option, try toasted breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of butter and cinnamon for a delightful crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, this recipe contains all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can easily use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for the topping, keeping all the same great flavor and texture.
Can I add extra spices?
Definitely! Feel free to boost the warmth with a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg. Spices are a wonderful way to tailor the casserole to your personal taste or seasonal preferences.
How do I make this casserole sweeter?
If you love a sweeter dish, simply add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the squash mixture. You can also drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the topping before baking for an extra layer of sweetness and shine.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a beloved staple whether you’re cooking for family dinners or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—a deliciously sweet taste of fall that’s truly hard to resist!
Print
Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy butternut squash casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner. Tender butternut squash is mashed and mixed with warm spices, brown sugar, and milk, then baked with a crunchy pecan topping for a delightful combination of creamy and crisp textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Squash: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the cubed butternut squash. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the squash is fork tender. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mash Squash: Mash the cooked butternut squash until smooth, ensuring there are no large lumps for a creamy texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed squash with melted butter, brown sugar, lightly beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the squash mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, and melted butter until crumbly and combined.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the squash mixture. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to enhance flavors and set texture.
Notes
- For a sweeter casserole, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the squash mixture.
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nutty flavor and texture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend.
