Description
Warm, gooey, and loaded with comfort—this Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole blends roasted butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and three kinds of cheese into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. It's the perfect easy dinner for cozy nights, a flavorful side for holiday tables, and a go-to for quick breakfast or healthy snack leftovers. Ideal for fall food ideas and hearty dinner recipes, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and flexibility.
Ingredients
4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and half the sage. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
3. While squash roasts, brown the sausage in a skillet. Add onion, cook until soft, then stir in garlic. Cook 1 minute.
4. Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix roasted squash, sausage mixture, and most of the cheese.
5. Spread mixture in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and Parmesan. Garnish with whole sage leaves.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Broil 2–3 minutes for a golden top.
7. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For vegetarian version, substitute sausage with roasted mushrooms or lentils.
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well—use freshly grated cheese.
To save time, use pre-cut butternut squash or roast the day before.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesy casserole, butternut squash, fall dinner, comfort food, holiday side dish