If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing side that beautifully balances sweet and nutty flavors, this Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, velvety mashed butternut squash mingling with warm vanilla and brown sugar notes, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel that adds incredible texture. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate and instantly becomes the star of any meal, whether it’s a festive feast or a simple weeknight supper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each one contributes to a luscious texture, delightful sweetness, or that irresistible crunchy topping you’ll love.
- Butter: Melted to bring richness and help bind the ingredients smoothly.
- Butternut squash: The star ingredient providing naturally sweet, creamy goodness.
- Milk: Adds a touch of creaminess for a velvety mash.
- Brown sugar: Gives that essential caramel sweetness in both casserole and topping.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the squash base.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering sweetness.
- Eggs: Help to set and give structure to the casserole.
- All-purpose flour: Key for the streusel topping, creating crumbly texture.
- Chopped pecans: Add wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to top things off.
How to Make Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350º F. This ensures a consistent temperature when you’re ready to bake, so your casserole cooks evenly. Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cook the Butternut Squash
Place the peeled and cubed butternut squash into a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let the squash cook until it’s very tender—this usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once soft, drain the water and let the squash cool slightly so you can mash it smoothly without losing that buttery texture.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base
Using a large bowl, whisk together the 4 tablespoons of melted butter with the mashed squash. Then, add the milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and eggs. Whisk everything until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This luscious base is where all those rich, creamy flavors meld together beautifully. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, packed brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until the mixture becomes moist and starts to clump. Stir in the chopped pecans for that lovely crunch. Spread this crumbly topping evenly over the butternut squash mixture—you’ll love the contrast this adds.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges, and the topping will turn a beautiful golden brown, crispy and inviting. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the texture firm up slightly.
How to Serve Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To bring a fresh pop of color and flavor to your Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a few thyme leaves over the top right before serving. A light drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of cinnamon can also elevate the sweetness and add a cozy aroma that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken. The sweet, nutty flavors complement meats beautifully while also standing strong alongside lighter fare such as quinoa salads or fresh green beans for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation or layer the casserole with a few dollops of whipped cream cheese for a decadent twist. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans on each plate will give a nice finishing touch that delights both the eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making your next helping just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked charm, reheat your casserole in a 350º F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If microwaving, cover the dish and heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. The topping will be best when crisped up again in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash works well and can save you some prep time. Just thaw and drain any excess water before mashing to avoid a watery casserole.
Is there a dairy-free option for the milk and butter?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil instead of butter. This keeps the casserole creamy and delicious without dairy.
How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
For added crunch, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the topping. You can also sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for a sweet crackly finish.
Can I prepare this casserole a day in advance?
Definitely! Prepare the casserole and topping separately, store them in the refrigerator overnight, then combine and bake right before serving. This helps save time on the big day.
Is this Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe suitable for holiday meals?
Yes, this dish shines on holiday tables with its comforting sweetness and beautiful presentation. It complements traditional main courses perfectly and adds warmth to any festive spread.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe is one of those incredible dishes that feels like a special secret worth sharing. It’s easy to make, full of comforting flavors, and always a hit with friends and family. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself reaching for this recipe season after season because it truly brings joy to the table.
Print
Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting Sweet Butternut Squash Casserole featuring tender mashed butternut squash mixed with brown sugar and vanilla, topped with a buttery pecan streusel. This classic side dish is baked until golden and perfect for holiday meals or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main Casserole
- 4 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 pounds peeled and cubed butternut squash
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 eggs
Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 Tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Butternut Squash: Place the peeled and cubed butternut squash into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the squash is very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly. Mash the cooked squash until smooth.
- Prepare Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons melted butter, mashed butternut squash, milk, ¼ cup brown sugar, vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and eggs until fully combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir until the mixture becomes moist and clumps together. Fold in the chopped pecans. Evenly spread this topping over the butternut squash mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the squash a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of baking.
- For a crunchy topping without pecans, omit them or substitute with walnuts or almonds.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Ensure the squash is well-mashed for a smooth texture in the casserole.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set for easier serving.
