Looking for a comforting and flavorful side dish for your holiday feast? This Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Bursting with creamy cheese, tender squash, and a hint of savory herbs, it’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Casserole, Thanksgiving Style

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2–3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup milk (or heavy cream for richer flavor)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl

• Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)

• Saucepan

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Cheese grater

• Aluminum foil (optional for baking)

 

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Butternut Squash Casserole, Thanksgiving

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.

2. Prepare the Butternut Squash
   Peel, seed, and cut the butternut squash into small cubes. This will help them cook evenly and blend perfectly with the cheese mixture.

3. Cook the Vegetables
   In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Steam or Boil the Squash
   Add the cubed squash to the saucepan and cover with water. Cook for 10–12 minutes until the squash is tender. Drain well to remove excess water.

5. Mash the Squash
   Using a potato masher or fork, mash the cooked squash until smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture.

6. Combine Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed squash, sautéed onions and garlic, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

7. Assemble the Casserole
   Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy topping.

8. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. For extra browning, you can broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.

9. Garnish and Serve
   Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm as a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving or any cozy family meal.

Helpful Tips for Making Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

• For a richer flavor, use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or mozzarella alongside cheddar.

• Make ahead tip: Prepare the casserole the day before, cover with foil, and store in the fridge. Bake on Thanksgiving day, adding 10 extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

• If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the squash mixture.

• To add a sweet contrast, sprinkle a teaspoon of brown sugar over the squash before baking.

• For gluten-free options, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

Approximate Nutritional Value (per serving, serves 8)

• Calories: 220

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

• Protein: 8g

• Sodium: 400mg

Conclusion

Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food and an essential dish for Thanksgiving. Its creamy, cheesy texture paired with tender, flavorful squash will make it a favorite for both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast turkey or a vegetarian spread, this casserole guarantees smiles at the dinner table. Don’t wait—bring the warmth and deliciousness of this recipe to your holiday feast and make your Thanksgiving unforgettable!