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Why Make This Recipe

Butternut squash casserole is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash and apples with savory ingredients like sausage and cheese. It’s a perfect choice for gatherings, holidays, or any cozy meal at home. This casserole warms up any table and makes for a satisfying side dish or a main course. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce and get some comfort food into your diet.

How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

Ingredients:

2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed into medium-size chunks
2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and cubed into larger chunks
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided use
1/2 teaspoon ground, dried sage
1 1/2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence
1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
2 small fennel bulbs (stalks/fronds removed), cut in half lengthwise, cored, and thinly sliced
1 onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Fresh sage leaves (fresh or fried), for garnish

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425° and line a baking sheet with foil lightly misted with cooking spray.
Place the cubed butternut squash and apples into a large bowl. Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, dried sage, and Herbes de Provence. Toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and roast for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking. The squash should be tender when done.
While the vegetables roast, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
If needed, add more oil to the skillet and then add the sliced fennel and onion. Caramelize for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden and jammy.
Once the squash and apples are roasted and tender, switch your oven setting to broil.
In a large bowl, combine the roasted squash and apples with the sausage, fennel, and onion. Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and mix well. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Spoon the mixture into a medium-size (roughly 9 by 13) baking dish.
If you want to prepare fried sage leaves as a garnish, heat about 1/4 cup of oil in a small pot until shimmering. Add the sage leaves and fry for about 20 seconds. Remove and drain on paper towels, sprinkling lightly with salt.
Top the casserole with grated Gruyere cheese and place it under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden-brown.
Garnish the casserole with fried or fresh sage leaves and serve.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Casserole

This casserole can be enjoyed hot, right out of the oven. It pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a delightful stand-alone dish. You can serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal or use it as a side dish for Thanksgiving and holiday dinners.

How to Store Butternut Squash Casserole

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to store it in a freezer-safe container and it should last for about 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

Choose a firm butternut squash that’s heavy for its size. This ensures a sweeter and denser flavor.
You can add nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for some crunch.
Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference.

Variation

You can replace sweet Italian sausage with turkey sausage or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether and adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add the cheese and bake when you’re ready to serve.

3. How do I know when the butternut squash is done?
The squash is done when it is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. If it feels too firm, it may need more time in the oven.