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Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

This Butternut Squash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful autumn dish combining roasted butternut squash and Honeycrisp apples with savory sweet Italian sausage, caramelized fennel and onion, infused with herbs and maple syrup, and topped with melted Gruyere cheese. Perfect as a hearty side or main for fall gatherings, it balances sweet and savory in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed into medium-size chunks
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored and cubed into larger chunks
  • 2 small fennel bulbs, stalks/fronds removed, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, quartered and thinly sliced
  • Fresh sage leaves (fresh or fried), for garnish

Meat

  • 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled

Herbs and Spices

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground, dried sage
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Oils and Condiments

  • Olive oil (about 2 tablespoons for roasting plus drizzle for cooking sausage and vegetables)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided use
  • 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil lightly misted with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Squash and Apples: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash and apples with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ground dried sage, and Herbes de Provence, making sure everything is evenly coated.
  3. Roast Squash and Apples: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and roast for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, until the squash is tender and golden.
  4. Cook Sausage: While roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil and cook the crumbled sweet Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and keep aside.
  5. Caramelize Fennel and Onion: Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the sliced fennel and onion and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until caramelized, golden and jammy. Remove from heat and combine with cooked sausage.
  6. Broil Preparation: Once the squash and apples are tender, switch your oven setting to broil.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the roasted butternut squash and apples to a large bowl. Add the sausage, fennel, and onion mixture along with the remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Toss everything together, adjusting salt and pepper to balance the sweet-savory flavor. Transfer the mixture into a medium 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Prepare Fried Sage Garnish: In a small saucepan, heat about 1/4 cup olive oil until shimmering. Fry fresh sage leaves for about 20 seconds until crisp, then remove and drain on paper towels. Lightly salt and set aside for garnish.
  9. Add Cheese and Broil: Evenly sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese over the casserole. Place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden brown crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the fried or fresh sage leaves and serve immediately as a warming fall side or main dish.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp apples for a balanced sweet and tart flavor; other firm apples like Fuji or Gala can be substituted.
  • Ensure the sausage is cooked thoroughly before combining with vegetables to prevent any undercooked meat.
  • Frying sage leaves enhances their flavor and adds a crisp texture but fresh sage is a wonderful lighter garnish alternative.
  • Keep an eye on the casserole while broiling to avoid burning the Gruyere cheese.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead; simply assemble and refrigerate before broiling and serving.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and increase fennel and onion quantity or add mushrooms for savory depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash casserole, autumn recipe, roasted squash, sweet Italian sausage, caramelized fennel, Gruyere cheese, fall side dish

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/butternut-squash-casserole-recipe/