Sally Roberts
Creamy, sweet, and savory all at once, this Apple Butternut Squash Casserole with Cozy Flavor is the perfect side dish for autumn gatherings or any comforting dinner at home. Layers of tender butternut squash and sweet apples are baked with a golden, crunchy topping of breadcrumbs and crispy bacon, all brought together with a hint of thyme and melted cheese.
This dish brings a rustic warmth to the table—every spoonful tastes like fall. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving, but also shines as a weeknight comfort meal. The contrasting textures and complementary flavors create something truly satisfying and unique.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Butternut Squash Casserole
This casserole is an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. The sweetness of apples balances beautifully with the earthiness of butternut squash, while the richness of cheese and crunch of bacon add decadence. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday or just want something different for dinner, this recipe hits the mark for flavor and comfort.
- It’s an all-in-one side dish
- Family-friendly and easy to prep ahead
- Perfect balance of savory and sweet
- Great for fall, but delicious year-round
What Kind of Apples Should I Use?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully in this casserole. They hold their shape well during baking and don’t become mushy. These apple varieties add a fresh bite and just the right touch of sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which tend to fall apart during cooking.
Ingredients for the Apple Butternut Squash Casserole
Each ingredient in this cozy casserole serves a specific purpose to create balance in flavor and texture:
- Butternut Squash – Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji) – Provide a juicy bite and a bright contrast to the savory ingredients.
- Bacon – Brings saltiness and crispy texture to balance the softness of the squash and apples.
- Breadcrumbs – Give the topping a golden, satisfying crunch.
- Gruyère or Sharp White Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully into the casserole, adding rich, nutty flavor.
- Butter – Helps brown the topping and enrich the overall taste.
- Fresh Thyme – Adds earthy, aromatic notes that pair perfectly with fall produce.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
How To Make the Apple Butternut Squash Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Squash
Peel and cube the butternut squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until just tender.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the squash is roasting, cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain, then chop into small pieces.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
In a buttered baking dish, layer roasted squash, sliced apples, and shredded cheese. Sprinkle with thyme, half the bacon, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Add Topping
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and the remaining bacon. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
Serving and Storing Apple Butternut Squash Casserole
This comforting casserole serves 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for holiday dinners or casual family meals. Serve it warm straight from the oven to enjoy the melted cheese and crunchy topping at its best.
To store leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the topping is crispy again.
What to Serve With Apple Butternut Squash Casserole?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of proteins and sides. Here are some serving ideas to round out your meal:
Roasted Chicken
Simple herb-roasted chicken is a natural companion to this casserole.
Glazed Ham
The sweetness of glazed ham enhances the apple and squash flavors.
Pork Tenderloin
A juicy pork tenderloin with a balsamic glaze pairs beautifully.
Sauteed Greens
Balance the richness with garlicky kale or spinach.
Cranberry Sauce
A tangy cranberry sauce complements the dish’s sweetness.
Dinner Rolls
Soft rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bite.
Quinoa or Wild Rice
Add a grain for a complete and hearty meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Can I use pre-cut squash?
Absolutely! Pre-cut butternut squash saves prep time. Just make sure it’s fresh and evenly diced so it roasts properly.
What cheese substitutes work well?
If Gruyère or sharp white cheddar isn’t available, try mozzarella for a milder flavor or fontina for a creamy melt. Smoked gouda also adds a nice twist.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your bacon and cheese labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Gruyère or try something new? Maybe added nuts or left out the bacon?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook better every season.
👉 Follow more cozy seasonal recipes here: Meals We Share By Sally Pinterest
Conclusion
Apple Butternut Squash Casserole with Cozy Flavor is a dish that wraps fall into every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a holiday meal or making it the centerpiece of a weeknight dinner, it offers a delicious balance of sweetness and savoriness with a crispy golden topping. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and will quickly become a favorite in your seasonal recipe lineup.
Apple Butternut Squash Casserole with Cozy Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
Cozy, rich, and full of seasonal flavor, this Apple Butternut Squash Casserole is your new go-to comfort dish. Perfect for holidays or easy dinner nights, it layers roasted butternut squash with tender apples, savory bacon, and bubbling cheese. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crunch, it’s a sweet and savory crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re searching for quick breakfast casseroles, fall dinner ideas, or healthy seasonal sides, this easy recipe delivers comforting food ideas in one warm dish.
Ingredients
3 cups cubed butternut squash
2 apples sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
6 slices bacon
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or sharp white cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter melted
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Peel and cube the butternut squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until tender.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set aside on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
3. Butter a baking dish. Layer roasted squash, sliced apples, and shredded cheese. Sprinkle with thyme, half the bacon, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining bacon. Spread evenly over the top.
5. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until topping is golden and cheese is bubbling.
Notes
Use a mandoline slicer for even apple slices and better texture.
Don’t skip the thyme—it ties all the fall flavors together beautifully.
For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add toasted pecans for crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: fall casserole, cozy side dish, squash apple bake, thanksgiving sides, comfort food
