Easy Squash Casserole Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
This easy squash casserole recipe is perfect for your next holiday gathering or weeknight dinner. It's creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious – guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! This recipe is optimized for search engines, incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the text.
What You'll Need:
This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You likely already have many of these in your pantry!
Ingredients:
- 3 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds total), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions:
This squash casserole is incredibly easy to make. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly comforting side dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Squash
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. This is the most time-consuming part, but it’s worth it!
Step 2: Cook the Squash
Spread the cubed squash in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until tender. You should be able to easily pierce the squash with a fork.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Remove the roasted squash from the oven and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and well combined. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set up a bit. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious side dish with your favorite main course!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Add some crunch: Try topping the casserole with toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Store the assembled casserole in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Different Squash: Feel free to experiment with other types of squash, such as acorn squash or kabocha squash. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Keyword Optimization:
This recipe is optimized for keywords like: easy squash casserole, butternut squash casserole, cheesy squash casserole, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving side dish, easy recipe, simple recipe, quick recipe. The use of these keywords throughout the text naturally improves search engine optimization.
This recipe is designed to be both delicious and easily searchable online. Enjoy!
