Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole

Enjoy this healthy, vegan butternut squash and sweet potato casserole recipe that's easy to make and perfect as a side dish for fall, Thanksgiving dinner, and Christmas. Try it today for a nutritious and delicious addition to your holiday table.

As the leaves change and the air gets cooler, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal to bring the whole family together. Our Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for those cozy fall evenings, Thanksgiving, or Christmas gatherings. This hearty and nourishing dish is sure to become a favorite on your holiday table.

Butternut squash and sweet potatoes are at their peak during the colder months, making it an ideal dish to serve at this time of year. In the Northern Hemisphere, you can find these delicious ingredients in abundance from late summer through winter. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, they are typically harvested from late fall to early spring. Utilizing these seasonal ingredients is a great way to ensure the freshest, most flavorful casserole that will impress your guests.

When there's a chill in the air, nothing beats the comfort of warm, oven-baked casserole dishes. Our butternut squash casserole recipe combines the nutty flavor of butternut squash with the sweet flavor of sweet potatoes, creating a dish that's both warming and delicious. It's perfect as a main dish or a side dish, adding vibrant colors and a creamy texture to any meal.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Butternut Nutrition
• Ingredients
• How to make Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole
• Chef’s Tips
• Variations
• What to Serve with Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole
• Storage Instructions
• FAQs
• Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This butternut squash casserole recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home, making it a breeze to prepare.
• Healthy: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, this dish is a nutritious choice that supports a balanced diet.
• No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a sharp knife, a baking dish, and a few basic kitchen tools – no fancy gadgets required.
• Great Side Dish: This casserole is a versatile side dish that compliments any main course, especially for holiday meals.
• Easily Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a flexible option for any occasion.

Butternut Nutrition

• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Butternut squash is an excellent source of both vitamin A and C, which support your immune system and promote healthy skin and vision.
• High in Dietary Fiber: This nutritious ingredient helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer, making it a great recipe for a healthy diet.
• Protein and Antioxidants: Butternut squash provides a good amount of protein and is rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and protect your cells from damage.

Ingredients

• Butternut Squash: Adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture, making it the star of this casserole.
• Sweet Potatoes: Contributes a natural sweetness and rich color, complementing the butternut squash.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, savory note.
• Fresh Thyme and Sage: Provide a fragrant, earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with the vegetables.
• Olive Oil: Ensures the vegetables roast to golden brown perfection while adding healthy fats.
• Orange: Zest and juice add a refreshing citrus twist, balancing the richness of the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a hint of heat to elevate the flavors.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) or Seed Mix: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.
• Dried Cranberries: Provide a touch of sweetness and a burst of vibrant color.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to make Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole

Preheat the Oven

• Preheat the oven to 200ºC (400°F).

Peel and Cut the Vegetables

• Peel the butternut squash and sweet potatoes with a vegetable peeler.
• Cut both the butternut squash and sweet potatoes in half, vertically.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the vegetables into thin half-moon slices.

Prep the Casserole

• Combine the garlic, thyme, sage, olive oil, the zest and juice of an orange, and the cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
• Add the sliced vegetables to a large bowl, pour over the garlic, herb, and citrus mixture, mix well, and season with salt and pepper.
• Add the pumpkin seeds and cranberries to the small bowl (that contained the garlic, herb, and citrus mixture) and mix around to coat seeds and cranberries.

• Arrange the butternut squash and sweet potato slices in a baking dish. Sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds and cranberries. Cover with foil.

Bake the Casserole

• Bake the casserole for 40 - 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 10 - 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy!

Chef’s Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh butternut squash and sweet potatoes to ensure the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Cut Even Slices: Using a sharp knife, cut the vegetables into even slices to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Proper seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like roasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and flavor.
• Prepare Ahead: You can prep the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Variations

• Moroccan flavors: Add chickpeas, dates, almonds, and a touch of harissa for a warm, spiced twist.
• Mexican touch: Incorporate black beans, corn, jalapeno or chipotles, dried apricots, lime, cumin, and coriander for a vibrant, zesty flavor.

What to Serve with Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole

• Chicken: Grilled or roasted, chicken pairs wonderfully with this casserole.
• Turkey: A perfect main dish for a holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving dinner.
• Roasted Meat: Beef, pork, or lamb, the hearty flavors of roasted meats match well with the butternut squash and sweet potatoes.
• Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic: A quick and healthy side that adds a touch of green to your plate.
• Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing salad balances the richness of the casserole.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight or on the countertop for an hour or two.
• Reheating: Once defrosted, cover and warm through in the oven at 175°C (350°F) or use the microwave for a quicker alternative.
• Use Leftovers: Add to soups, vegetable curries, or pearl barley risotto.

FAQs

Incorporating seasonal ingredients like butternut squash and sweet potatoes into your meals not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutritional value. This vegan butternut squash casserole recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the health benefits of these nutritious ingredients while savoring a delicious and comforting dish.

Try this recipe for your next family gathering or holiday dinner and experience the joy of cooking from scratch. Don’t forget to leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Happy cooking!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.