Description
Craving a cozy fall-inspired dish that feels like a warm hug? This Apple Butternut Squash Casserole with Cozy Flavor is a heartwarming blend of sweet apples, savory bacon, caramelized onions, and tender squash, all baked under a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a side dish for your Thanksgiving spread, or served on its own as a comforting weeknight dinner, this easy recipe uses seasonal ingredients to deliver big flavor. It’s also make-ahead friendly and ideal for anyone looking for delicious dinner ideas, healthy comfort food, or easy recipes for colder days. If you’re on the hunt for new food ideas, especially for the holidays, this casserole will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
3 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed
2 medium apples sliced thin
1 large yellow onion diced
6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
0.75 cup breadcrumbs
0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded (optional)
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional)
0.5 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Dash cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash into ½-inch pieces. Slice apples thinly and dice the onion. Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until partially crisp, about 5–6 minutes. Add the onion and cook until golden and soft, another 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In a mixing bowl, toss the squash and apples with olive oil, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
5. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or oil. Spread the squash and apple mixture into the dish. Layer the bacon and onion mixture on top. Sprinkle cheese over if using.
6. Mix breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter (or bacon drippings). Sprinkle over the casserole. Top with fresh thyme.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and squash is fork-tender.
9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra thyme if desired.
Notes
Use firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala to avoid mushy texture.
Cheese is optional but adds a delicious savory note that balances the sweetness.
Let the casserole rest before serving for easier slicing and better flavor development.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: fall recipe, apple casserole, butternut squash, cozy comfort food, healthy side dish