Description
This Apple Butternut Squash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for crisp autumn days. Combining roasted butternut squash, thin-sliced apples, smoky bacon, and caramelized onions, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs and thyme, it’s the ideal addition to your list of cozy dinner ideas, quick breakfast casseroles, or even healthy snack-style leftovers. Whether you’re looking for fall dinner recipes, breakfast ideas, or easy recipes that impress, this casserole covers it all.
Ingredients
4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 medium apples, sliced thin
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko
2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Peel the butternut squash, remove seeds, and cube into 1-inch pieces. Slice the apples thinly, leaving the peel on.
2. In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain. In the same pan, sauté diced onion until caramelized, about 8–10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mix squash, apples, caramelized onions, and half the bacon. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and thyme.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Pour in the mixture and spread evenly. Add shredded cheese if using.
5. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining bacon. Sprinkle on top of the casserole. Garnish with extra thyme.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15–20 minutes more until golden and squash is tender.
7. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
Notes
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji to avoid mushy texture.
For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add smoked paprika.
Add a touch of maple syrup over the top before baking for extra fall sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: easy recipe, fall recipe, butternut squash, apple casserole, dinner ideas, holiday side dish