Butternut Squash Casserole

This Butternut Squash Casserole is a delightful dish that brings the essence of autumn to your table. With its mix of roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and savory sausage, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or any cozy dinner night. The combination of flavors creates a unique and satisfying experience that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet apples paired with savory sausage and creamy Gruyere cheese make each bite a flavor explosion.
• Seasonally Inspired: This casserole captures the essence of fall, making it a perfect addition to seasonal meals.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Simple Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip this up without any hassle.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Cast-iron skillet (or large frying pan)
• Medium-sized baking dish (9 by 13)
• Small saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing ingredients together without spilling.
• Cast-iron skillet: Ideal for even browning and caramelizing your vegetables and sausage.
• Medium-sized baking dish: Perfect for holding all your casserole ingredients while ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

This butternut squash casserole has all the flavors of fall with apples, sweet sausage, caramelized fennel and onions, plus Gruyere cheese!

For the Casserole

• 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

For the Filling

• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
• 2 small fennel bulbs, cut in half lengthwise, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 onion, quartered and thinly sliced

For Topping

• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• Fresh sage leaves, fresh or fried, for garnish

How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil lightly misted with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Squash and Apples

In a large bowl:
1. Add the cubed butternut squash and apples.
2. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them.
3. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, dried sage, and Herbes de Provence.
5. Toss until everything is well coated.

Step 3: Roast the Mixture

Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 35 minutes:
– Stir occasionally to ensure even roasting.
– Cook until the squash is tender.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage

While roasting:
1. Heat a small drizzle of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the crumbled sweet Italian sausage.
3. Cook until browned (about a few minutes).
4. Remove from heat and set aside in a bowl.

Step 5: Caramelize Fennel and Onion

If needed:
1. Add more oil to the skillet if required.
2. Add the sliced fennel and onion.
3. Caramelize for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Switch to Broil Mode

Once everything is roasted and cooked:
– Switch your oven setting to “broil” to finish up.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Spoon in the roasted butternut squash/apples mixture.
2. Add in the cooked sausage/fennel/onion mix.
3. Pour in the remaining maple syrup; toss to combine well.

Step 8: Assemble into Baking Dish

Transfer everything into a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 9 by 13). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9: Prepare Fried Sage Leaves (Optional)

If you want fried sage leaves as garnish:
1. Heat about 1/4 cup of oil in a small saucepan until shimmering.
2. Fry sage leaves for about 20 seconds until crispy.
3. Remove them from oil; drain on paper towels; sprinkle lightly with salt.

Step 10: Top with Cheese & Broil

Sprinkle grated Gruyere cheese over the top of your casserole:
– Place under broiler for just a few minutes until melted and golden-brown.

Final Touches

Garnish your butternut squash casserole with fried or fresh sage leaves before serving warm!

Enjoy this comforting dish that truly celebrates seasonal flavors!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Casserole

Serving butternut squash casserole is a delightful experience that captures the essence of fall. This dish pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments, enhancing its flavors and making it a centerpiece for any gathering.

Pair with Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
• Apple Walnut Salad: Fresh apples and crunchy walnuts add texture and a sweet counterpoint to the savory dish.

Enjoy with Grains

• Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs can balance the casserole’s creamy texture.
• Wild Rice Medley: The nutty flavor of wild rice pairs well with the sweetness of butternut squash.

Complement with Bread

• Crusty Artisan Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the casserole.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter add a comforting touch.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Casserole

Achieving the perfect butternut squash casserole requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and apples enhance flavor and texture significantly.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup based on personal preference for sweetness; too much can overpower other flavors.
• Don’t Skip Caramelization: Properly caramelizing fennel and onions brings out their natural sweetness and depth.
• Experiment with Cheese: While Gruyere is delicious, try mixing in sharp cheddar or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to achieve your desired flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Butternut Squash Casserole

Pairing side dishes with butternut squash casserole enhances your meal. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a savory contrast to the sweet casserole.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort alongside the casserole.
3. Sautéed Green Beans: Bright green beans sautéed in olive oil add color and crunch to your plate.
4. Cauliflower Gratin: A cheesy cauliflower dish complements the flavors while keeping things cozy.
5. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Baked acorn squash filled with grains and nuts makes for an appealing presentation.
6. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce can cut through richness, providing a refreshing bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making butternut squash casserole, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.

• Not peeling the squash: Leaving the skin on can result in a tough texture. Always peel the squash for a smoother bite.
• Overcooking the apples: Apples should retain some firmness. Add them to the baking sheet halfway through roasting to prevent mushiness.
• Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season your ingredients well. A lack of salt and spices can lead to bland flavors, so be generous with seasonings.
• Using low-quality cheese: The cheese makes a big difference in flavor. Opt for a good quality Gruyere for optimal taste and meltability.
• Ignoring the broil step: Broiling adds a delicious golden crust. Don’t skip this step; keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
• Not letting it rest: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving allows flavors to meld together better.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Butternut Squash Casserole

• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Butternut Squash Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the perfect butternut squash casserole.

Can I use other types of cheese in Butternut Squash Casserole?

Yes, you can substitute Gruyere with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if desired.

What can I add to my Butternut Squash Casserole for extra flavor?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or additional herbs such as thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles.

How do I know when my Butternut Squash is cooked?

The squash should be fork-tender when fully cooked. You can check by easily piercing it with a fork after roasting.

Can I make Butternut Squash Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up until baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge overnight before baking it the next day.

Final Thoughts

This butternut squash casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. Its blend of sweet apples and savory sausage creates a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste!