Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving a warm, creamy comfort dish, this easy butternut squash casserole is just what you need. Packed with herb-infused cream and melted cheddar, it makes a perfect side or satisfying main course. Let’s get cooking and bring some cozy flavors to your table!

Ingredients

• 400 ml whipping or double cream (about 1 3/4 cups, avoid single or half and half cream)
• 2 bay leaves
• A handful of thyme sprigs
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 pounds thinly sliced butternut squash, peeled
• 100 grams grated mature white cheddar cheese (approximately 1 cup)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a saucepan, combine the cream with nutmeg, crushed garlic, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then remove from heat and let the flavors infuse for 10-15 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the cream infuses, peel, deseed, and slice the butternut squash evenly. Thoroughly butter a large, shallow ovenproof dish.
3. Step 3: Layer half of the sliced squash in the dish. Pour half of the infused cream over this first layer. Add the remaining squash slices on top, then cover with the rest of the cream.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to soften the squash and meld flavors.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil and sprinkle grated cheddar evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the cheese is golden and the cream bubbles at the edges.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich, creamy squash gratin!

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, replace cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for a cheesy flavor.
• Substitute butternut squash with sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a similar texture and taste.
• Try Gruyère or Gouda cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lower-fat, tangier option.
• Make sure squash slices are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the casserole from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake as directed when ready. Avoid adding cheese until right before the final baking step for best results.

What can I use instead of butternut squash?

Sweet potatoes or pumpkin are great substitutes and provide a similar sweetness and texture. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are tender.

Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy butternut squash casserole is a comforting and creamy dish perfect as a side or main course. Layers of thinly sliced butternut squash are bathed in a fragrant herb and garlic-infused cream, then baked with mature white cheddar cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. This dish offers warm, rich flavors and a velvety texture that will delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Herb and Garlic Infused Cream

• 400 ml whipping or double cream (about 1 3/4 cups)
• 2 bay leaves
• A handful of thyme sprigs
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)

For the Casserole

• 2 pounds thinly sliced butternut squash, peeled
• 100 grams grated mature white cheddar cheese (approximately 1 cup)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Herb and Garlic Infused Cream: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, ground nutmeg, crushed garlic, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring this mixture gently to a boil over medium heat, then remove from heat and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.
2. Prepare the Butternut Squash: While the cream infuses, peel, deseed, and thinly slice the butternut squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Butter a large, shallow ovenproof dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
3. Layer the Squash and Add Cream: Arrange half of the butternut squash slices in the prepared dish. Pour half of the infused cream over this layer. Add the remaining squash slices on top, then cover them with the remaining cream.
4. Initial Baking: Cover the dish tightly with tin foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to soften the squash and meld the flavors.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle grated mature white cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and the cream is bubbling around the edges.
6. Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this butternut squash gratin.

Notes

• For a dairy-free option, substitute whipping cream with full-fat coconut milk and reduce cooking time slightly.
• Greek yogurt can be used as a lower-fat alternative, though it will add a tangy flavor.
• Swap butternut squash with sweet potatoes or pumpkin for similar texture and flavor.
• Vegan cheese alternatives include using 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and B-vitamins.
• Gruyère or Gouda cheeses can be used instead of cheddar for varied flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: butternut squash casserole, creamy squash gratin, baked squash recipe, comforting vegetarian dish, cheesy squash bake