Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner

easy apple butternut squash casserole

Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole is the perfect side dish for your fall dinner. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting the topping just right. The combination of crispy topping and creamy squash is irresistible. It’s like a cozy hug in a dish. Try it with my Easy Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Bowl for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Bowl and Easy Mediterranean Orzo and Beans One-Pot Dinner.

Apple Butternut Squash Casserole with Crispy Topping
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Why This Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner Is Pure Comfort

  • Crispy topping that adds a satisfying crunch
  • Creamy squash and sweet apples in every bite
  • Easy to make and ready in under an hour
  • Better than takeout and perfect for fall dinners

What You'll Need for Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • Optional: 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • Optional: 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Raw Ingredients for Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • butternut squash: You can use pre-cut squash to save time.

đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend

Plated Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

How to Make Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook squash: Boil cubed butternut squash for 10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté onions: Sauté chopped onions in a pan until soft. Add diced apples and cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked squash, apple-onion mixture, salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  5. Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the squash mixture.
  6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
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Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner

  • Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the squash. It can become mushy and watery. Keep an eye on it and drain well if needed.
  • Pro tip: For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
  • Pro tip: Make ahead and reheat in the oven for best results.

Storing & Reheating Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Freezing Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
  • Best substitution: You can substitute the apples with pears for a different flavor.
  • Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated successfully.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
  • Troubleshooting: If the topping isn't crispy enough, broil it for a minute or two at the end of cooking.

Want to level up this recipe?

Calphalon Nonstick Baking Dish — Even heat distribution ensures perfectly cooked casserole every time. → Check price on Amazon

Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner

Plated Apple Butternut Squash Casserole
⏱
Prep
20 mins
🍳
Cook
30 mins
⏳
Total
50 mins
🍽
Serves
6 servings
🥗
Diet
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

Optional Toppings

  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook squash: Boil cubed butternut squash for 10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté onions: Sauté chopped onions in a pan until soft. Add diced apples and cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked squash, apple-onion mixture, salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  5. Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the squash mixture.
  6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
  • Best substitution: You can substitute the apples with pears for a different flavor.
  • Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated successfully.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
  • Troubleshooting: If the topping isn't crispy enough, broil it for a minute or two at the end of cooking.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sat. Fat: 3g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. It's also freezer-friendly.

Why is my casserole watery?

This could be due to overcooking the squash or not draining it well enough. Be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time and drain the squash thoroughly.

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.

What can I serve this with?

This casserole pairs well with my Easy Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Bowl or any of your favorite main dishes.

How can I make this vegan?

Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. Also, ensure your butter is vegan-friendly.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!

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