Thanksgiving Butternut Squash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, sweetness, and a dash of nostalgia to your holiday table. Imagine creamy butternut squash baked with a golden crumb topping, filling your kitchen with an aroma that makes even the turkey jealous. turkey breast with cranberry glaze sweet potato casserole variation This dish is a perfect balance of flavors, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg mingling in the air, promising to make your taste buds dance with joy. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole recipe.
Every Thanksgiving, my family gathers around the table, and the moment I unveil this casserole, you can almost hear the collective gasp of delight. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a family tradition that sparks laughter and storytelling. pumpkin cupcakes for dessert Picture this: Uncle Bob trying to sneak in an extra helping while Aunt Linda rolls her eyes, claiming it’s too rich. But we all know it’s worth every creamy bite!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Thanksgiving Butternut Squash Casserole is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. The delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a comforting dish everyone will love. Its vibrant colors make for an eye-catching addition to your holiday spread. Versatile enough for any occasion beyond Thanksgiving, making it perfect for potlucks or cozy dinners at home. [/info_box]
Sharing this casserole at family gatherings always elicits smiles and happy bellies. family favorite hobo casserole.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Butternut Squash: Choose firm squashes without blemishes; they should feel heavy for their size to ensure sweetness.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness; you can substitute with half-and-half if you’re feeling adventurous.
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for subtle caramelization; it’s essential for balancing the squash’s natural sweetness.
Cinnamon: A must-have spice that enhances warmth; fresh ground offers better flavor than pre-ground varieties.
Pecans or Walnuts: These nuts add crunch; toast them lightly for maximum flavor before adding them to the topping.
Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness in the topping; they elevate the texture beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors; don’t skip these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly baked casserole that achieves that golden-brown top.
Prepare the Squash: Peel and cube about 2 pounds of butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniformity so they cook evenly.
Cook the Squash: Boil or steam those cubes until they’re tender—about 15 minutes should do! You want them soft enough to mash easily.
Mash It Up!: Drain any excess water and transfer the squash into a mixing bowl. Add heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth but leave some chunks for texture.
Create Your Topping: In a separate bowl, combine toasted pecans or walnuts with breadcrumbs and melted butter. This will create a crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy squash.
Assemble & Bake!: Spread the mashed squash mixture into a greased baking dish. Top generously with your breadcrumb mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Now you have made an unforgettable Thanksgiving Butternut Squash Casserole that’s sure to become a staple in your holiday traditions! Enjoy every moment around the table as you savor each delicious bite! For more inspiration, check out this honey garlic butter roasted carrots recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Thanksgiving Butternut Squash Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines sweet and savory flavors. The creamy texture and golden topping create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. It’s the perfect side to elevate your holiday feast. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the butternut squash until tender, then mash it while it’s still warm for easy mixing. Combine with spices and cream, and top with breadcrumbs before baking for crispy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients; try adding cranberries for sweetness or walnuts for crunch. You can also use different cheeses to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfectly creamy butternut squash, ensure it’s fully cooked before mashing. Don’t skimp on seasoning; taste as you go! A touch of nutmeg can add depth of flavor that surprises everyone. [/info_box]
It was Thanksgiving last year when my cousin declared this casserole “the real star” of dinner, overshadowing even Grandma’s famous turkey. Who knew butternut squash could steal the spotlight?
FAQ
Can I make Thanksgiving Butternut Squash Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How do I know when my casserole is done baking?
Bake until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling, usually about 30 minutes.
Thanksgiving Butternut Squash Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Thanksgiving Butternut Squash Casserole is a delightful blend of creamy butternut squash topped with a crunchy, golden breadcrumb layer. This dish embodies the essence of comfort food, perfect for gathering around the holiday table. With its harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors enhanced by spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it promises to be a standout side that will enchant your guests and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil or steam the cubed butternut squash until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the squash and mash in a mixing bowl with heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth but slightly chunky.
- In another bowl, mix toasted nuts with panko breadcrumbs and melted butter for the topping.
- Spread the mashed squash in a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
