If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful side that instantly feels like a warm hug, the Butternut Squash Casserole with Parmesan, Nutmeg, and Walnuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish takes tender, naturally sweet butternut squash and transforms it with a silky blend of cream, butter, and eggs, while the nutty Parmesan and a whisper of aromatic nutmeg deepen every bite. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and toasted walnuts, it’s a beautiful dance of textures and tastes, perfect for family dinners or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in balancing creaminess, warmth, and crunch, bringing out the natural sweetness of butternut squash and ensuring every bite is pure comfort.
- Butternut squash (2 lbs): The star of the show, offering a creamy, slightly sweet base that’s perfect for casseroles.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds luscious richness and smooth texture to the squash mixture.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Brings a velvety mouthfeel and subtle indulgence.
- Eggs (2, lightly beaten): Act as a binder, ensuring the casserole holds together beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Offers a savory, nutty depth that complements the squash perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Create that irresistible golden, crunchy topping.
- Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, fragrant spice that elevates the flavor profile.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, spicy kick to brighten the dish.
- Chopped walnuts (1/3 cup, optional): Provide an extra layer of crunch and earthiness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and add a touch of fruitiness.
How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole with Parmesan, Nutmeg, and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to perfectly bake your casserole. Then, give your baking dish a good coat of olive oil. This simple step keeps your casserole from sticking and also lends a subtle depth of flavor to the base.
Step 2: Cook the Butternut Squash
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the cubed butternut squash. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the pieces are tender to the bite but not mushy. This step softens the squash perfectly so it can be mashed into a dreamy, creamy layer later on. Once cooked, drain the squash well to avoid watery casserole.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Transfer the drained butternut squash to a large bowl and mash it until it’s smooth and creamy — no big lumps, just silky goodness. Stir in the heavy cream, melted butter, and lightly beaten eggs, which will give the casserole its rich, cohesive texture. Next, add in 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to infuse the squash with warm, savory notes.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy butternut squash mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This is where your dish really comes together, blending smooth base layers with the crispy, cheesy topping to come.
Step 5: Create the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the casserole. If you’re a fan of added texture and flavor, toss on the chopped walnuts evenly, giving a pleasantly nutty crunch to each serving.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden brown crust that signals the combination of creamy interior and crunchy topping has come to life. Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let all those flavors settle.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Casserole with Parmesan, Nutmeg, and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your dish pop, sprinkle a little fresh thyme or chopped parsley on top just before serving. These fresh herbs add a vibrant color and an earthy, aromatic freshness that pairs so well with the rich, nutty flavors of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This Butternut Squash Casserole with Parmesan, Nutmeg, and Walnuts Recipe shines beautifully alongside roasted turkey or grilled chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or sautéed greens to balance the creamy richness with some bright, fresh bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch at dinner parties. You can also layer it with cooked quinoa or wild rice for a hearty main dish that combines textures and brings an extra dimension of flavor to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers — which is more likely than not because it’s just that good — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your casserole will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping regains some of its crispiness. You can also microwave it, but the oven helps maintain that perfect crunchy topping we all love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of squash for this casserole?
Absolutely! While butternut squash has a uniquely sweet and creamy texture that works beautifully here, other winter squashes like acorn or kabocha can also be delicious substitutes with slightly different flavor profiles.
Is it necessary to use walnuts, or can I omit them?
The walnuts add a wonderful crunch and earthiness, but they are entirely optional. If you’re allergic or prefer not to use them, you can simply leave them out or swap them for pecans or toasted pumpkin seeds.
How spicy is the nutmeg in this recipe?
Nutmeg is used sparingly here — just a half teaspoon — to provide a subtle warmth and aromatic depth. It should not make the casserole spicy or overpower the other flavors, just add a gentle, cozy note.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
You can adapt this recipe to be vegan by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, using vegan butter, replacing eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes, and opting for a vegan Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast.
How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Make sure to drain the cooked butternut squash really well before mashing to avoid excess moisture. Also, using eggs and Parmesan cheese helps bind the mixture so it sets nicely without becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the Butternut Squash Casserole with Parmesan, Nutmeg, and Walnuts Recipe that feels just right no matter the season. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with texture, making it a dish that’s sure to bring smiles around your table. I truly hope you give it a go because it’s the kind of recipe that, once you’ve tried it, will keep finding its way back onto your dinner rotation. Cozy up, enjoy every bite, and savor the delicious simplicity of this autumnal delight.
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Butternut Squash Casserole with Parmesan, Nutmeg, and Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and comforting Butternut Squash Casserole blends tender, mashed butternut squash with rich Parmesan cheese, eggs, and spices. Topped with a crunchy mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and optional walnuts, it’s baked to golden perfection for a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided: 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Grease Baking Dish: Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to grease a large baking dish, ensuring the casserole does not stick.
- Boil Butternut Squash: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cubed butternut squash and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mash Squash: Transfer the cooked squash to a large bowl and mash it until smooth for a creamy base.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, melted butter, beaten eggs, 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper into the mashed squash. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the squash mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Add Walnuts (Optional): If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the breadcrumb layer for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is thoroughly heated.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to let it set.
Notes
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a food processor to puree the cooked squash instead of mashing it by hand.
- To make the casserole ahead, assemble it completely but hold off on baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped walnuts in the topping.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers to make it gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
