Butternut Squash Casserole Savory

Savory Butternut Squash Casserole

If you love butternut squash, but aren’t crazy about all the cloyingly sweet recipes you find online, our savory Squash Casserole is for you! This squash bake is packed with roasted butternut squash, onions, garlic, bacon, toasted pecans and, fresh herbs. Crushed saltine crackers absorb the moisture and give the dish a texture that is similar to traditional stuffing. It’s tender and fluffy, slightly crunchy on top, and loaded with your favorite fall and winter flavors. If you aren’t a huge fan of traditional stuffing, around the holidays you absolutely have to learn how to make butternut squash casserole1 And with just a few simple swaps the recipe also becomes a vegetarian-friendly and/or gluten free stuffing! Prep time is only 20 minutes, and a few steps can even be made ahead. The butternut squash dressing is baked hands-off for under an hour, so you can easily work on other dishes at the same time. If you want a unique side dish for holiday meals, this is it!

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Casserole

Butternut squash – peeled and chopped into 3/4-inch cubes Olive oil – or preferred neutral-flavored high-heat oil Thick-cut bacon – chopped Onion – diced Garlic – minced Pecans – roughly chopped Fresh sage – chopped Saltine crackers Half & half Eggs Parmesan cheese – grated Salt and pepper

Pro Tip: Purchase pre-chopped squash from the grocery store’s produce section for fast prep. Fresh is best, but in a pinch, you can certainly use frozen squash.

How to Make Butternut Squash Stuffing

First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Set out a large rimmed baking sheet, a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish, and a large skillet. Grease the baking dish and set it aside. Place the chopped butternut squash chunks onto the rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then salt and pepper liberally. Note: This is the only time salt is added to the recipe due to the use of bacon, saltine crackers, and Parmesan cheese, so be generous. Spread the cubed butternut squash out into a single layer. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until soft and toasted around the edges. Meanwhile, place the skillet over medium heat. Brown the chopped bacon in the skillet. Once crispy, add in the onions and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes to soften, then stir in the chopped pecans, sage, and thyme. Sauté another 1 to 2 minutes, then turn off the heat. Crush the sleeve of saltine crackers with your hands. Note: You want them to be crushed but not pulverized into a powder. In a small mixing bowl whisk the half-and-half and eggs together. Once the butternut squash comes out of the oven, move it to the greased baking dish. Add in the bacon and onion mixture, and the crushed crackers. Toss well to mix, then spread out and an even layer. Next, pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake the butternut squash casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is crispy. Serve warm with your favorite holiday mains and other classic side dishes.

Tips & Tricks

Add extra veggies! Spinach or kale would be a great green addition to this squash casserole. Substitute the butternut squash for sweet potatoes! If you can’t find butternut squash or have sweet potatoes on hand, sweet potatoes would be amazing here! Fresh is best, but you can also use frozen butternut squash here if preferred!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this holiday butternut squash casserole with all of your favorite holiday dishes! Here are some of my favorites:

Brown Sugar Ham (Glaze Recipe) Smoked Turkey Breast Sweet Potato Biscuits Roasted Lemon Asparagus Fennel Salad with Roasted Beets and Shaved Asparagus The Best Yeast Rolls Recipe Corn Spoon Bread Roasted Butternut Squash Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe Chocolate Pudding Cake

Looking For More Delicious Holiday Side Dish Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:

Garlic Butter Roasted Parsnips Best Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Best Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Corn Pudding Recipe (Corn Souffle) Cheesy Southern Squash Casserole