Description
This Butternut Squash Casserole is the ultimate cozy comfort food that blends sweet, savory, and herby flavors in one satisfying bake. It’s the perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner, a vegetarian main, or a standout side at your holiday feast. Made with tender roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and fresh sage, it’s packed with rich autumnal flavors. Whether you’re looking for hearty dinner ideas, healthy snack options, or easy recipes to prep ahead, this casserole delivers every time.
Ingredients
4 cups cubed butternut squash
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
1/2 pound cooked sausage (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. While squash roasts, sauté chopped onion in butter and olive oil until soft and golden. Add minced garlic and sage, and cook for 1–2 minutes more.
4. In a large bowl, combine roasted squash, sautéed aromatics, nutmeg, and half the cheese. Stir well. If using sausage, mix it in.
5. Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and top is golden.
7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
You can make this casserole a day ahead — just assemble and refrigerate before baking.
Swap the cheese with a plant-based option to make it vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: butternut squash casserole, easy dinner, fall recipe, vegetarian casserole, cozy meal