Butternut Squash Casserole

With its sweet and savory notes, this Butternut Squash Casserole captures all the best fall flavors!

I probably sound like a broken record, but I adore the fall. I love the food, the seasonings, the scents, and, of course, the fall weather. Fall features my favorite holidays and seasonal vegetables, like the butternut squash. Easily seasoned and cooked, the butternut squash is a cherished autumn staple in my house.

Butternut squash naturally has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and is often compared to the flavor of pumpkin or sweet potatoes. Its thin skin is easy to remove, though you don’t need to because it’s edible. Butternut squash is also versatile in its cooking methods. You can bake, roast, grill, or fry butternut squash. Plus, it’s easy to slice, dice, or halve.

This recipe for butternut squash casserole takes the beautiful light sweetness of the butternut squash and blends it with cloves, nutmeg, thyme, bay leaves, and the rich dairy creaminess of sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream. It’s an overall fantastic and delicious side dish for the holidays.

Is Butternut Squash Casserole Healthy?

Butternut squash casserole is, in fact, healthier than a lot of holiday sides. This orange vegetable is rich in vitamins, potassium, fiber, and beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Butternut squash also has a low glycemic index, meaning its carbs digest more slowly. With all these vitamins and nutrients, you can see how healthy butternut squash is alone.

While the heavy cream and cheese add calories and fats to the mix, it’s not enough to counteract the health benefits of the butternut squash. This recipe can be made vegan by substituting your dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives.

How Are Squashes Different?

When you see butternut squash, maybe your first thought is: What other squashes could I use? Spaghetti squash? Acorn squash? However, they all differ in a multitude of ways. Every squash varies in texture, taste, shape, and health benefits.

It is also important to note that not all squashes are edible; inedible members of the squash family are called gourds and are primarily used for decoration. So, when it comes to your fall cooking, remember that not all squash is the same—it’s best to stick to the recipe!

Serving Suggestions

I think it goes without saying that the best serving suggestions for a holiday side are other holiday dishes. On that note, I recommend turkey or ham as your protein to help bring out the bright sweetness of this casserole. Roasted Green Beans or Glazed Stovetop Carrots are also great side options. The savory flavors of Sausage Stuffing are also a perfect blend to go with your butternut squash casserole.

Recipe

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