Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole: An Incredible 7-Layer Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
Ingredients
- 2 medium butternut squashes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
Creating the Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps to achieve a delightful dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the Squash: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed butternut squash and cook until tender, about 10–15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Mix until well incorporated.
- Mash the Squash: Using a fork or potato masher, mash the boiled butternut squash until smooth (or leave some chunks for texture).
- Combine: Gently fold the mashed squash into the cheese mixture until evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs for added flavor and crispness.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set before serving.
This simple process allows you to create a mouthwatering casserole that’s rich and comforting.