Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

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Creamy, savory, and packed with cozy fall flavor, this Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole is everything you want in a comforting side dish. Golden cubes of roasted squash are baked with sausage, sharp cheddar, and a hint of sage, forming a bubbling, rich casserole that practically demands seconds. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and creamy textures—the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into a celebration.

This casserole is incredibly versatile: serve it as a hearty side for your Thanksgiving table, pair it with a simple green salad for a lighter dinner, or use it as a meal-prep hero for weekday lunches. It reheats like a dream and always delivers big flavor in every cheesy, caramelized bite.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole to life, you’ll want to start with some essential kitchen tools:

• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For cutting through that tough butternut squash skin safely and evenly.
• Cutting Board: A large, stable surface makes prep work more efficient and safe.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: You’ll use this for browning sausage and starting the flavor base.
• Mixing Bowl: Helps bring together the squash, sausage, cheese, and other ingredients evenly.
• Baking Dish (9×13-inch preferred): This is your final vessel, where everything bakes into golden, bubbly goodness.
• Foil: To cover the casserole partway through baking, preventing over-browning while ensuring a fully melted cheese top.

Each of these tools plays an important role in getting the texture just right. From even roasting to gooey melting, they help this casserole turn out perfectly every time.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole is carefully chosen to create a well-balanced dish of rich flavors and textures:

• Butternut Squash: The star of the dish. It adds a natural sweetness and creamy texture once roasted.
• Ground Sausage: Provides savory depth and heartiness. Choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a bold cheesy flavor that balances the sweetness of the squash.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, helping everything hold together during baking.
• Milk or Half-and-Half: Adds richness and creaminess without making the dish too heavy.
• Onion: Offers a sweet and aromatic backbone to the casserole.
• Fresh Sage (or dried): Complements the squash and sausage with its earthy, herby notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors and adds balance.
• Olive Oil: Used for roasting the squash and sautéing the onions.

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How To Make the Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

Step 1: Roast the Squash

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

In the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Stir in the chopped sage and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Combine the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the roasted squash, cooked sausage, sautéed onion, and half of the cheddar cheese. In a separate small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk, then pour over the squash mixture. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mixture. Top with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing cleaner.

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How to Serve and Store Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven when the cheese is melty and golden. It makes a comforting side dish next to roast chicken, turkey, or a simple green salad. If you’re serving it for a potluck or holiday dinner, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh sage or thyme for a finishing touch.

Storing is a breeze. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sausage works best in this casserole?

Mild Italian sausage is a great base, but if you like a little kick, hot Italian sausage adds wonderful spice. You can also use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the sausage and add mushrooms or lentils for a hearty, plant-based twist. You can also boost the cheese or add a layer of breadcrumbs for more texture.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge covered with foil. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes and bake as instructed.

Do I have to peel the butternut squash?

Yes, for this casserole, peeling ensures the squash gets tender and blends smoothly with the rest of the ingredients. A sharp vegetable peeler or sturdy knife works best.

What cheese can I substitute for cheddar?

Gruyère, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a smoked provolone can all work beautifully. Just make sure it melts well and complements the sausage and squash.

How can I add more flavor?

Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or crushed red pepper flakes to the milk mixture. You can also mix in a bit of garlic or caramelized onions.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole hit the spot, here are a few more cozy casseroles worth trying from Life With Olivia:

• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for nostalgic comfort food vibes.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole when you want cheesy layers that taste like a million bucks.
• Scalloped Corn Casserole for a sweet-and-savory side that pairs perfectly with any meal.
• Mexican Cornbread Casserole if you’re craving a zesty twist on dinner.
• Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole that’s a total win with kids and adults alike.

And if you want even more comfort food inspo, check out my daily recipe pins here: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it anytime you need a cozy dish that hits all the right notes.

Tried it already? I’d love to hear how it went for you. Did you go spicy with the sausage? Add any twists like caramelized onions or extra cheese?

Drop your experience in the comments below—let’s make this the ultimate casserole conversation.

Questions? Tips? Let’s help each other cook smarter and eat happier.

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