If you have a soft spot for cozy comfort food that celebrates the sweet, nutty charm of fall, you’ll absolutely adore this Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe. It’s a wonderful medley of velvety mashed butternut squash combined with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a satisfyingly crunchy cracker and pecan crust. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, this casserole is the ideal side dish to brighten up any meal, from casual family dinners to special holiday feasts. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed butternut squash any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe calls for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create magic. Every element plays a vital role – from the richness of melted butter to the fragrant spices and the delightful crunch of the topping, they all combine to offer incredible taste and texture.
- 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and smooth creaminess when mashed.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the casserole together with a luscious flavor.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Essential for structure and a tender bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the casserole; adjust based on your preferred level of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- 1/3 cup milk: Keeps the mixture smooth and creamy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the natural flavors and adds warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the casserole with a cozy spice twist.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle and enticing nutty aroma.
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or cornflakes: Creates the delightfully crunchy topping everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a toasted, nutty crunch for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add your cubed butternut squash. Cook it for 15 to 20 minutes until it is beautifully tender and ready to be mashed into a silky texture.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Drain the cooked squash well so your casserole isn’t watery, then mash it thoroughly until smooth. In a large bowl, combine the mashed squash with melted butter, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything until your mixture looks glossy and fully blended, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the squash mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even bake. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or cornflakes with the chopped pecans if you’re using them, then sprinkle generously over the top to form a crispy crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center feels set when gently shaken. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help it settle and make slicing easier.
How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top can add a pop of color and enhance the inviting aroma. For an added festive touch, a few extra toasted pecan halves arranged on top make a charming presentation.
Side Dishes
This casserole is such a versatile companion! It pairs wonderfully alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple green salad. Its rich, slightly sweet flavors balance savory mains beautifully, making it a holiday favorite and an everyday treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy brunch option, serve spoonfuls of the casserole in individual ramekins. You can also transform leftovers into delightful breakfast bites by reheating portions and topping them with a poached egg or a dollop of Greek yogurt for contrast and creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy as a quick side or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can also freeze this Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. Use a freezer-safe dish or tightly wrap individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat stored casserole in the oven at 325°F until warm throughout to maintain the crispy topping. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for convenience, though the topping may lose some crunch in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen squash well before mashing to avoid excess water in your casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegan?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and replace eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes. Using plant milk will keep the casserole dairy-free as well.
Can I prepare this Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix and assemble the casserole up to a day before and store it in the fridge. Just add the topping and bake when you’re ready.
What can I use instead of crackers or cornflakes for the topping?
Other crunchy options like panko breadcrumbs, crushed graham crackers, or even granola work beautifully to provide texture and flavor.
How sweet is this casserole? Can I adjust the sweetness?
The recipe has a moderate sweetness, but feel free to reduce the granulated sugar or substitute some with maple syrup for a more natural, richer taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe truly brings together the best of fall flavors in one comforting dish. Whether you’re feeding family or surprising guests, it’s sure to become a cherished staple on your table. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy butternut squash!
Print
Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe is a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for holiday meals or any time you crave a warm, sweet-savory squash dish. It features tender mashed butternut squash mixed with spices, sugars, and butter, then topped with a crunchy pecan and cracker crumb topping before baking to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or cornflakes
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Butternut Squash: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cubed butternut squash and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Mash Squash: Mash the cooked butternut squash until smooth using a potato masher or fork.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed squash, melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour and evenly spread the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers or cornflakes with the chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to let it firm up for easier slicing.
Notes
- For a less sweet version, reduce the granulated sugar to 1/3 cup.
- You can substitute maple syrup for part of the sugar for a richer flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time.
