Cozy up to the flavors of autumn with this epic Hearty Butternut Squash and Sage Casserole. Packed with juicy roasted butternut squash, savory herbs, and melty cheeses, this comforting dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With simple, chef-tested steps, you’ll enjoy big comfort and bold flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Butternut Squash and Sage Casserole
This lush and creamy casserole is the ultimate cozy comfort food. The combination of sweet butternut squash, fragrant sage, and rich, melty cheeses creates a truly satisfying and indulgent dish. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season and bring people together around the table. Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions and make-ahead options, this recipe delivers reliable results every time.
Ingredients
This hearty casserole calls for a simple list of wholesome, seasonal ingredients. You’ll need butternut squash, sage, onion, garlic, milk, cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Together, these flavors meld into a velvety, zesty, and comforting dish.
- 1 medium butternut squash – peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 cup fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and vegan mozzarella cheese.
- Sage: Try using fresh thyme or rosemary instead.
How to Make Hearty Butternut Squash and Sage Casserole
Dive into the easy-to-follow steps for creating this cozy and comforting casserole.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by peeling, seeding, and cubing the butternut squash. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and roughly chop the fresh sage leaves.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Roast the butternut squash in the oven until tender and lightly caramelized. In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Then, make a creamy sauce by combining the milk, cream, Parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Layer the roasted butternut squash, sautéed onion and garlic, and fresh sage in a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and finish with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped sage for a festive touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Heartier Meal: Add cooked Italian sausage or crispy bacon to the casserole.
- One-Dish Wonder: Toss in some cooked pasta or wild rice.
- Time-Saver: Roast the butternut squash in advance and assemble the casserole just before baking.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of white wine, or some crumbled feta cheese to the filling.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: roasted meats, fresh salad, or as a main dish.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Freeze baked casserole for up to 3 months.
Reheat: In the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This casserole is a nutritious and filling dish, thanks to the fiber-rich butternut squash and the protein-packed cheese. Each serving provides a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Bake it as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash in this recipe. Simply skip the roasting step and add the frozen cubes directly to the casserole.
Is this casserole vegetarian or gluten-free?
This recipe is not vegetarian, as it contains Parmesan cheese. However, it can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top.
How can I make this casserole more flavorful?
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of white wine, or some crumbled feta cheese to the filling. You can also experiment with different herb combinations, such as thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of smoked paprika.
Try These Next
- Comfort Classics Casseroles
- Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole With Herbs
- Creamy Chili Mac And Cheese Casserole
Hearty Butternut Squash and Sage Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hearty Butternut Squash and Sage Casserole is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Roasted butternut squash is layered with creamy béchamel sauce, fresh sage, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. 3. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4. 4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. 5. Gradually whisk in the milk, nutmeg, and sage. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. 6. In a large casserole dish, layer half of the roasted squash, followed by half of the béchamel sauce.
7. 7. Repeat the layers with the remaining squash and sauce, then top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
8. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Notes
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
• Feel free to add other herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: butternut squash, casserole, comfort food, sage