Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner
This easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole is the perfect side dish for your fall dinner. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting the perfect creamy texture every time. The warm spices and the combination of sweet apples and butternut squash make this dish cozy and comforting. It’s a great way to use up those fall apples and butternut squash. If you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas, try my Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Dip or Quick Chicken Avocado Wrap. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Dip and Quick Chicken Avocado Wrap.
Why This Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Comforting and creamy texture
- Packed with warm spices for a cozy fall flavor
- Perfect side dish for holiday dinners or weeknight meals
What You'll Need for Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Butternut squash
- Apples
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheese
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Optional: Chopped pecans
- Optional: Crumbled bacon
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Butternut squash: You can use pre-cut butternut squash to save time.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Saves time and effort in chopping butternut squash and apples → See on Amazon
- Mixing bowls — Helps in combining ingredients and preventing mess → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner
- Prepare the butternut squash and apples: Peel and dice the butternut squash and apples into small cubes. You should have about 4 cups of each.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, apples, heavy cream, shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients are coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite main dish. Top with chopped pecans or crumbled bacon if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: The #1 reason this recipe fails is using too much liquid. This can make the casserole watery. To prevent this, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the butternut squash and apples before mixing.
- Pro tip: For an extra crunch, top the casserole with crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Pro tip: To make this recipe ahead, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Storing & Reheating Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Freezing Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a sweeter casserole, use sweet apples like Gala or Fuji.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: This casserole can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the casserole is still watery after baking, drain some of the excess liquid before serving.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality baking dish — Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking → Check price on Amazon
Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Butternut squash
- Apples
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheese
Seasonings
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Chopped pecans
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the butternut squash and apples: Peel and dice the butternut squash and apples into small cubes. You should have about 4 cups of each.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, apples, heavy cream, shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients are coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite main dish. Top with chopped pecans or crumbled bacon if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a sweeter casserole, use sweet apples like Gala or Fuji.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: This casserole can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the casserole is still watery after baking, drain some of the excess liquid before serving.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
- Make ahead: You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sat. Fat: 7g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
This can happen if too much liquid is used. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the butternut squash and apples before mixing.
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
No, this casserole is best made in the oven. The air fryer may not heat the casserole evenly.
You can substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter version.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole for Fall Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
