Golden Harvest Butternut Squash Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a cozy, comforting dish that brings the warmth of autumn right to your table: Golden Harvest Butternut Squash Casserole. This recipe is all about embracing the natural sweetness of butternut squash, complemented by fragrant herbs and a crispy, cheesy topping. It's perfect for when you want something heartwarming yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients for Golden Harvest Butternut Squash Casserole

Butternut squash is the star of this casserole, offering a nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory elements. The onion adds a hint of sweetness and depth. Olive oil helps to roast the squash to perfection, while salt and black pepper bring out its natural flavors. The dried thyme and rosemary add earthy, aromatic notes. Parmesan cheese provides a savory, umami element, and bread crumbs create a satisfying, crispy topping. Finally, a touch of butter enhances the dish with richness and moisture.

Tips & Tricks

  • For easier peeling, microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes before cutting.
  • Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand for even more aromatic flavor.
  • If your squash is on the larger side, make sure to cut the cubes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it a fantastic side for a holiday meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside a simple green salad for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly dinner. It also complements a hearty soup on a chilly evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese would be excellent substitutes.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely, you can assemble it a day ahead and bake it when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.

Golden Harvest Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it'll be nice and hot by the time you're ready to bake. While the oven is warming up, grab a large bowl. Toss in your peeled and cubed butternut squash along with the chopped onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on the salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Give it all a good toss with your hands or a sturdy spoon until everything's well-coated.

Next, take a greased baking dish and spread the squash mixture evenly across the bottom. You want a nice, even layer so everything cooks uniformly. In a separate small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Sprinkle this cheesy, crunchy goodness evenly over the squash layer. Then, drizzle melted butter over the top to help everything crisp up beautifully.

Cover your dish with foil to keep the moisture in during the initial bake. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes. This final stretch without the foil lets the top get golden brown and slightly crispy. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet, savory, and umami flavors for a well-rounded dish.
  • Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive for holiday gatherings.
  • Uses simple, seasonal ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Minimal prep work with a big flavor payoff.

Ingredients

2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes and chopped onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary until evenly coated.
3. Spread the squash mixture in an even layer in a greased baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the cheese and bread crumb mixture over the squash.
6. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the squash is tender.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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