If you are looking for a dish that combines creamy texture, rich flavors, and wholesome vegetables, you will absolutely love this Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe. It’s comfort food at its best, with tender butternut squash and cauliflower mingling with savory parmesan and aged cheddar cheeses, all brought together by a smooth celery soup base. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday side, this casserole is both hearty and approachable, making it a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall or any season year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe, you’ll find the ingredients simple yet thoughtfully selected to create the perfect balance of taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy cauliflower to the sharpness of aged cheddar—bringing colorful layers and savory depth to the dish.
- 2 cups of cauliflower cloves: Adds a subtle earthiness and creamy smoothness when baked.
- 2 cups of butternut squash (cubed): Provides natural sweetness and beautiful orange color.
- 1/2 cup of diced red onions: Gives a gentle bite and aromatic foundation.
- 1 cup of parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty punch to elevate all flavors.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural vegetable sweetness.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the rich cheeses.
- 1 can of celery soup: Acts as a creamy binder, keeping the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Aged cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for a golden, melty, richly savory crust.
How to Make Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and cutting your butternut squash into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Similarly, break the cauliflower into small cloves for a tender bake. Dicing the red onions finely allows them to melt into the casserole without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cubed butternut squash, cauliflower cloves, and diced red onions with the sea salt and black pepper. Adding the parmesan cheese now helps to distribute that savory goodness throughout your mixture before the creamy binder goes in.
Step 3: Add the Celery Soup
Pour in the can of celery soup over the vegetable and cheese mixture. Stir well to combine, making sure every bit of squash and cauliflower is coated in the rich, smooth base. This step ensures your casserole stays moist and creamy after baking.
Step 4: Transfer and Top
Pour the blended mixture into a greased casserole dish. Now comes the best part—sprinkle a generous layer of aged cheddar cheese on top. This will melt into a beautifully crisp and flavorful crust that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for around 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is bubbling golden brown. The aromas wafting through your kitchen at this point will surely have everyone eager to dig in.
How to Serve Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness to the finished casserole. A light sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans or walnuts can also add a wonderful crunch that contrasts the creamy interior.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with light, crisp salads or simple steamed green beans to balance its richness. If you want to go heartier, roasted chicken or a honey-glazed ham make excellent mains alongside this comforting vegetable dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a mini herb sprig. Alternatively, layer the ingredients in a clear glass baking dish to showcase the vibrant colors, turning it almost into an edible piece of art on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making your next meal a breeze to reheat and enjoy.
Freezing
If you want to save this Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe for later, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use a freezer-friendly container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese on top is bubbly again. This helps maintain the casserole’s creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen butternut squash and cauliflower can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Is this casserole gluten free?
Absolutely! This Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe uses no flour or breadcrumbs, making it a gluten-free option as long as you check the celery soup label for any gluten ingredients.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives, and replace the celery soup with a vegan cream soup or homemade cashew cream. The texture will still be creamy and delicious.
What can I add to make it more filling?
For extra protein and texture, consider adding cooked quinoa, lentils, or even diced cooked chicken before baking. These additions make it a complete meal on their own.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure you mix the celery soup thoroughly throughout the vegetable mixture, and don’t overbake. Covering the casserole loosely with foil during part of the baking can help retain moisture while the vegetables cook.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe is a heartwarming, flavorful dish that’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Its simple ingredients and fuss-free preparation make it accessible for cooks of all levels, while its comforting layers of cheese and veggies serve up pure joy in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it’s the perfect cozy addition to your meal rotation.
Print
Easy Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Butternut Squash Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish combining tender butternut squash and cauliflower with savory cheeses and celery soup. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a festive side dish, it comes together in just 40 minutes and serves four. The blend of parmesan and aged cheddar creates a rich cheesy topping that complements the natural sweetness of the squash.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1/2 cup diced red onions
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- Aged cheddar cheese, quantity as desired for topping
Other
- 1 can celery soup (approximately 10.5 oz)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the vegetables: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets and butternut squash cubes until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well to avoid watery casserole.
- Mix the casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower and butternut squash with diced red onions, parmesan cheese, celery soup, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy mixture.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top generously with aged cheddar cheese to create a golden crust when baked.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and to cool slightly.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the celery soup used is gluten-free or substitute with homemade cream soup.
- You can substitute parmesan with pecorino or another hard cheese if desired.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Add breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top for added crunch, sprinkled before baking.
