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There’s something so comforting about a casserole that warms your kitchen and your soul. This Butternut Squash Casserole is exactly that—a fall-inspired side dish that bridges creamy, savory, and just the right touch of sweet. With a buttery, crisp topping and a silky-smooth squash base, it hits all the right notes, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering.

The tender roasted butternut squash is blended with rich cream, subtle spices, and a hint of maple for sweetness. Topped with a golden crust of pecans and brown sugar, this casserole walks the line between side dish and dessert in the best way. It’s comforting, elegant, and easy to make ahead, which makes it a favorite for busy households and seasonal potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Casserole

This dish is a cozy crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy. It has a naturally sweet flavor from the squash, which gets enhanced with maple syrup and cinnamon, while the crunchy topping brings texture and a little decadence. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe: you can dress it up for Thanksgiving or keep it simple for a weekday side.

It’s also a make-ahead wonder. You can prep the entire casserole the day before, refrigerate it overnight, and simply bake it fresh the next day. That makes it perfect for holiday planning or meal prepping for the week.

Can I Use Frozen Butternut Squash?

Absolutely! If peeling and chopping a whole squash sounds intimidating or time-consuming, frozen cubed butternut squash is a great shortcut. Just be sure to steam or roast it until tender and drain off any extra water to avoid a soggy casserole.

Ingredients for the Butternut Squash Casserole

To create the perfect harmony of creamy and crunchy, you’ll need a balance of fresh produce, warm spices, and a few pantry staples.

Butternut Squash: The star of the dish, roasted for maximum flavor and mashed for that creamy base.

Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and brings out the earthy tones of the squash.

Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the casserole structure.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a luscious texture to the mashed squash.

Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness and adds depth.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that complement the squash perfectly.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the flavors.

Butter: Used in both the filling and the topping for that golden, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Brown Sugar: Sweetens the topping and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Chopped Pecans: Adds a crunchy, nutty layer that contrasts the soft filling.

How To Make the Butternut Squash Casserole

Step 1: Roast the Squash

Cut your butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it face-down on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for about 40-45 minutes or until tender. Let cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, mash the roasted squash and mix in maple syrup, eggs, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the squash mixture into a greased baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the squash.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is set. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Store and Serve Butternut Squash Casserole

This casserole serves about 6 to 8 people as a side dish, making it ideal for a family dinner or holiday table. It’s best served warm, fresh out of the oven, but leftovers are just as delicious.

To store, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

You can also freeze it! Just wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

What to Serve With Butternut Squash Casserole?

Roast Chicken

A simple herb-roasted chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors.

Pork Tenderloin

Juicy and flavorful, pork tenderloin complements the soft texture of the squash.

Cranberry Sauce

Adds a tart contrast that brightens up the rich casserole.

Green Bean Almondine

The freshness and crunch of green beans balance the creamy dish.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re making this for a holiday meal, you can never have too many comfort sides.

Stuffing

Savory herb stuffing and sweet squash make a cozy combination.

Apple Fennel Salad

The crispness of apple and fennel offers a refreshing bite between casserole helpings.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this butternut squash casserole, you might want to check out some of our other cozy comfort food favorites:

• Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake if you’re craving veggie-forward richness.
• Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole for classic Southern flavors.
• Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole when you’re feeling extra indulgent.
• Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole for a seafood spin.
• Best Chicken and Rice Casserole to keep things hearty and easy.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday or side dish board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments if you roasted your squash fresh or used the frozen shortcut. Did you swap in sweet potatoes or try a crunchy oat topping instead?

I love seeing how these dishes evolve in your kitchens. And if you have any questions or tips, share them below so we can all cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find your next comfort classic!

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