Name: Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 butternut squash; ¼ cup butter; ½ cup milk; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp cinnamon; 5 tbsp butter, melted; ½ cup plus 2 tbsp flour; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 cup pecans; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt

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Butternut Squash Casserole is a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing side dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted squash with a buttery, pecan-studded topping. Perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weeknights alike, this casserole brings together creamy, spiced squash and a golden, crisp crumble, making every bite a celebration of autumn flavors. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s guaranteed to win over fans at the table—especially those who are new to butternut squash!

Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce to make Butternut Squash Casserole, but each one is crucial for the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. Here’s a closer look at why these simple ingredients truly shine:

Butternut squash: This is the star, bringing a naturally sweet, nutty flavor and velvety texture once roasted.
Butter: Adds richness and the perfect amount of melt-in-your-mouth comfort, both in the squash layer and the topping.
Milk: Helps create a creamy, smooth consistency for the casserole foundation.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a touch of caramel flavor without overpowering the squash.
Eggs: Lightly beaten, they bind everything together and give the casserole structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the earthy sweetness and infuses the casserole with warmth.
Salt: Brings out all the bold flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Cinnamon: Lends a cozy touch of spice that pairs perfectly with butternut squash.
All-purpose flour: In the topping, it forms a classic crumble for that satisfying crunch.
Pecans: Chopped and sprinkled over the top, these give texture and a toasty, nutty aroma.

How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Lay the halves face down on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this simple step helps intensify the natural sweetness as the squash roasts. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and can be easily scooped out with a spoon.

Step 2: Prepare the Squash Mixture

Once the squash has cooled enough to handle, scoop out all of the flesh and transfer it to a medium mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, sea salt, and cinnamon. Whisk the mixture until it’s completely smooth—a hand or stand mixer makes this even easier if you want a velvety consistency. This is your Butternut Squash Casserole base, and it’s ready for the spotlight!

Step 3: Make the Buttery Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, pecans, vanilla, and salt. Stir everything together until a crumbly, buttery mixture forms. This layer will bake up golden and crunchy, echoing the flavors of classic pecan pie and giving the casserole a beautiful finishing touch.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Lower your oven’s temperature to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to ensure easy serving later. Spread the smooth butternut squash mixture at the bottom, then sprinkle your pecan crumble topping evenly across the top. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the squash layer has set. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is reason enough to keep this recipe on repeat!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the Butternut Squash Casserole rest for about ten minutes straight from the oven—this helps everything firm up just the right amount. This dish is equally wonderful warm or chilled, so embrace whichever fits your mood (or timing!).

How to Serve Butternut Squash Casserole

Garnishes

A little extra flourish on your Butternut Squash Casserole goes a long way. Sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley for color contrast, dust with a bit more cinnamon, or add a drizzle of warm maple syrup for an extra layer of autumnal sweetness. You could even top individual servings with a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-like twist!

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside roast turkey, chicken, or even a simple pork tenderloin. It also pairs beautifully with savory stuffing, garlicky green beans, or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette—the possibilities make it a true anchor for any festive or family meal!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop Butternut Squash Casserole into individual ramekins before baking—perfect for special occasions or making weekday dinners feel extra special. Or, layer it in a trifle dish for a show-stopping centerpiece at a holiday table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Butternut Squash Casserole has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to five days and reheats like a dream—ready for lunchboxes, midnight snacks, or seconds the next day.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, portion the casserole into freezer-friendly containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to three months! Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a homemade treat ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To revive the blissful texture of Butternut Squash Casserole, warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes for larger portions. Cover with foil to keep the topping from over-browning, then uncover for the last few minutes to restore that irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Can I use canned butternut squash instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While roasting fresh squash delivers incredible flavor and texture, canned butternut squash is a major time-saver and still works beautifully in this casserole. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid so your final dish doesn’t turn out watery.

Is this recipe suitable for a make-ahead holiday side?

Definitely! Butternut Squash Casserole is made for entertaining since you can prep it a day ahead. Just assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving—or serve at room temperature if you prefer.

Can I swap the pecans for another nut?

Yes! Walnuts are a great substitute if you want a slightly different flavor or texture, and almonds can add a delightful crunch. For a nut-free version, try using rolled oats mixed with extra brown sugar and butter.

What’s the best way to make this casserole dairy-free?

You can easily swap in plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy milk (like oat or almond milk) for fantastic results. The Butternut Squash Casserole will still have that irresistible creamy bite and golden topping!

Can I halve this recipe for a smaller crowd?

Absolutely—simply cut all ingredients in half and bake in a smaller dish, such as an 8×8-inch pan. The flavor and texture of the casserole will be just as lovely, perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a small gathering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting side that steals the spotlight, Butternut Squash Casserole is your answer. It’s the kind of dish that brings joy to the table, whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family meal. Give it a try—your taste buds and your guests will thank you!