Butternut Squash Casserole
A sophisticated harvest side dish that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. Featuring earthy kale, toasted pecans, and a savory layer of smoked gouda, this casserole is finished with a golden panko crust. We have substituted the traditional bacon with a smoky vegetarian alternative to ensure it remains a crowd-pleasing, flavor-forward comfort dish suitable for any table.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 (4-pound) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup smoked tempeh or vegan ‘bacon’ bits, chopped
2 cups fresh kale, stems removed and chopped
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss squash with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, dried thyme, sage, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Reduce oven heat to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine roasted squash, chopped kale, pecans, maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
Fold in the smoked tempeh bits and shredded smoked gouda.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Notes
To make this dish vegan, substitute the smoked gouda with a high-quality vegan smoked cheese and use vegan butter for the panko topping. The squash can be roasted up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator before assembling.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/butternut-squash-casserole/