Butternut Squash Casserole

Butternut Squash Casserole with kale is a family favorite in our house. Tender and savory-sweet butternut squash with kale and baked with a crunchy, cheesy topping. And also BACON!

Butternut Squash Casserole

I’m always looking for a new side dish. Most people have a hard time mixing it up with chicken or pork chops but I am worried about about what goes with it.

I love finding new ways to serve vegetable and new combinations.

Kale is something I usually keep just for smoothies or soups but it pairs so well with the butternut squash giving this casserole a sweet and savory flavor.

Some of my other favorite veggie dishes are my wild rice stuffing, black eyed pea casserole, mashed potato casserole, and minestrone soup.

Ingredients Needed

Butternut Squash – Use raw or frozen. You can also substitute sweet potatoes.

Kale – I like to buy my kale in bulk. Just be sure to chop in smaller pieces, massage the leaves if they are tough, and remove any thick stems.

Onion – One small sweet or white onion works best.

Panko – If you don’t have panko, you can use cracker crumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed pretzels.

Cheese – Parmesan adds a nice nutty flavor to the topping but you can use your favorite cheese!

Pantry staples – Olive oil, garlic, bacon, and butter.

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How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole

First: Preheat oven to 375F. In a medium sized pot, oven medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.

Second: Add the onion, garlic, and spices to bacon fat. Cook until starting to get tender. Add the kale and cook until lightly wilted. Remove the kale and onion mixture to a bowl.

Third: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to pot along with the butternut squash. Cook 5 minutes and lightly golden brown the outside of the squash and it starts to cook.

Fourth: Combine the cooked squash with the kale mixture. Spread into an even layer in a 9×13 oven safe casserole dish prepped with cooking spray.

Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes or until the squash is tender. While the casserole is baking, mix the topping ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Fifth: When the squash is tender, take the casserole out of the oven and remove the foil. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the panko is crispy and lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with cooked bacon, and enjoy warm.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

Leftover butternut squash casserole can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Reheat leftovers in a 350F oven until heated through or microwave in 30 second intervals until hot.

Can I freeze it?

Wrap the fully baked casserole in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep this ahead of time by roasting the butternut squash and cooking the kale. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Mix and top with crumb mixture and bake when ready. Just be sure to leave the topping off until after you do the initial baking.

What flavors go well with butternut squash?

Because butternut squash is best in the fall so is considered a fall/winter vegetable, they are most often served around the holidays.

I am drawn to sage and thyme and other flavors that are associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas. But really, it pairs well with sweet or savory flavors. Much like sweet potatoes!

Why is my squash Casserole watery?

This usually only occurs with yellow or green zucchini squash as they contain so much water.

Using fresh squash is much like potatoes in that they don’t release as much water when baking.

If it is watery, you might need to cook the onions and kale a little longer to remove excess water.

Tips for No Leftovers

• You can substitute sweet potatoes for the butternut squash if you prefer.
• For a heartier casserole, add cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or pork sausage.
• Dice the squash in similar sizes so they squash cooks evenly.
• Use prepped squash (already peeled, diced) that you find in the produce section to save time.
• Buy fresh or raw kale. Be sure to chop the leaves into bite size sections and remove the thick stems.
• Substitute cracker crumbs or regular breadcrumbs instead of panko.
• Feel free to change the cheese from parmesan to Gruyere or even mozzarella.
• This casserole recipe is great for using up leftover roasted butternut squash.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This butternut squash casserole recipe is easy to make and perfect for any time of the year! Mix it up with spinach or Brussels sprouts too.

Here’s more Side Dish recipes:

• Balsamic-Honey Roasted Beets & Carrots from Sweet Beginnings
• Cape Cod Corn Pudding from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Easy Parmesan Noodles from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes from Devour Dinner
• Make Ahead Dinner Rolls from Cookaholic Wife
• Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts from Palatable Pastime
• Orrechiette with Butternut Squash from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin from Jen Around the World
• Potatoes & Peas from An Affair from the Heart
• Quick and Easy Green Beans and Bacon Skillet from Blogghetti
• Swedish Rice Pudding from Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Vegan Pumpkin Coconut Cornbread from Magical Ingredients

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