This comforting savoury butternut squash bake (or casserole) combines cubbed butternut squash, chopped bacon, and sliced mushrooms with a buttery crumble topping. It’s a terrific make-ahead side dish, perfect for gracing your holiday table, or Sunday supper!
Butternut squash is one of those vegetables that even your vegetable haters will love. A savory butternut squash casserole with bacon is a savory casserole topped with an amazing buttery crumble that will compliment any meal.
It’s a fabulous Thanksgiving or Christmas side because it goes so well with turkey, beef or ham and will compliment a baked green bean casserole.
When you need several side dishes for the holidays, a butternut squash bake goes great with a sweeter side like baked sweet potato casserole.
However, this savory butternut squash casserole is too good to wait until the holidays, try it for dinner with pork tenderloin or steak or roasted chicken.
To bring out the flavor, the butternut squash is first browned in a skillet with bacon and onions and then baked until it’s just softened. Add a savory crumble with walnuts to the top and bake a little more until golden brown.
The butternut squash has a wonderful smokey applewood bacon flavor, but it’s the crumble that makes the dish. Think of a fruit crumble, but savory instead of sweet.
To speed things up, you can find butternut squash already cut and cubed for you in the produce section. Most groceries in my area carry this. If not bite the bullet, it’s not that hard to peel and cut one.
How do you peel a butternut squash
The outer layer of a butternut squash is a nightmare to peel. Try cutting off both ends first, pricking it with a fork and microwave it for about 3 minutes. This will soften the skin and make it much easier to peel.
Why you’ll love a vegetable casserole made with butternut squash
- The crumble baked on top of the casserole is buttery and you’ll enjoy the crunch!
- Mushrooms, onions and bacon add so much flavor.
- Buying pre cubed squash can reduce the prep time in this dish.
- It’s easy to make ahead, just let it come to room temperature and bake when you’re ready.
Ingredients you’ll need for this savory casserole
- Butternut squash – cubed makes it easier to cook evenly and serve as a side dish
- Bacon – applewood smoked bacon is my preference but pepper bacon is also a good choice
- Mushrooms – this earthy flavor compliments the squash and bacon
- Walnuts – these add a nice crunch and I love the flavor they add to the casserole.
- Pantry staples – onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, flour, butter, brown sugar, and chicken stock
Simple steps to make a butternut squash side dish recipe
Step 1 – create some flavor
Sauté onions, bacon and garlic and then add butternut squash and cook until it has just started to soften and is browned. Add some chicken broth and parsley and place it in a pie pan.
Step 2 – cook the squash
Bake for about 30 minutes covered.
Step 3 – add a crumble
While it’s baking, make the crumble by combining the flour, a little brown sugar, thyme and cold butter.
Pinch it until the flour mixture is incorporated into the butter, then add the walnuts.
Step 4– finishing step
Remove the squash from the oven, top with the crumble and bake uncovered until golden brown.
Pro tip: This recipe makes enough to fill a pie pan but you can easily double the recipe to fill a 9 x 13 baking dish.
You’re going to have to find room on your holiday table for this incredible butternut squash bake; your friends and family will thank you.
This is so good, that I’ve made it even when I can’t buy it pre-cut. It’s such a big hit, that I’ve taken it to the office Thanksgiving potluck. It’s nice to have something a little different when you have a bunch of people all bringing sides.
Storing this casserole
If you want to make this ahead, just assemble and wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for a day or two. Let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven for the final bake.
If you have left overs, they will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them. Let them come to room temperature, then reheat in the oven at 350º for 10 minutes.
Butternut squash FAQ’s
Is butternut squash good for you?
This winter vegetable is high in potassium which is good for regulating blood pressure. It also has high fiber content, keeping you feeling full longer.
Is butternut squash healthier than potatoes?
The good news for squash lovers is that the butternut squash is healthier than sweet potatoes! Boasting fewer calories and lower sugar and carb counts, squash is also rich in magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Can you make this casserole ahead of time?
This can easily be made ahead of time. Refrigerate after placing the squash mixture in the pie pan. Then let it come to room temperature and bake just before serving.
How long will this casserole last?
You can refrigerate leftovers for a day or two and re-heat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350º for about 10-15 minutes.
Can you make this vegetarian a vegetarian dish?
To make it vegetarian, leave off the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may have to add a bit more salt if leaving out the bacon.
More squash recipes
Casseroles you’ll love
- Creamy broccoli casserole
- The best corn pudding
- Sweet potato casserole with bourbon
- Mac & Cheese
- Pasta casserole with summer squash
- Noodle kugel
- Tex-Mex squash casserole
Adapted from Chocolate Moosey
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Savory Butternut Squash Casserole with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 strips applewood smoked bacon chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 3 cups butternut squash peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- ½ cup chicken stock
- salt and pepper
Crumble
- ¾ cup flour
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter cold, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375º and butter a pie pan.
- Heat oil In a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the onions, and bacon until the onions are soft. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and squash and sauté until the squash starts to soften and brown, about 10-15 minutes. Add the parsley, stock, and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into the baking dish and cover with foil. Bake until tender 30-35 minutes.
- While the squash is baking, make the crumble. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, thyme, and salt. Add the butter pieces and pinch with your fingers until the mixture is the consistency of coarse meal. Add walnuts. Chill until ready to use.
- When the squash is done baking, uncover and scatter the crumble on top. Bake uncovered another 30 minutes until the top is golden brown. Serve warm.
Barbara’s Tips + Notes
- Make the squash easier to peel by heating it in the microwave for about 3 minutes first.
- Try to find cubed squash to make this easier.
- This recipe is easy to double and will fill up a 9 x 13 baking dish when doubled.
- You can make this in advance, just refrigerate before baking, then let it come to room temperature before baking.
Nutrition
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