Butternut squash becomes pure comfort when it’s baked into a bubbly, cheesy casserole. The tender roasted squash melds beautifully with a savory, creamy cheese sauce that makes every bite feel like a cozy evening at home. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, without feeling heavy. This casserole works perfectly as a hearty side or even a vegetarian main dish.

Whether you’re planning a holiday menu or just looking for a way to shake up your weeknight veggies, this recipe delivers warmth and taste in every spoonful. Plus, it’s a great way to use seasonal produce and sneak in extra nutrients without sacrificing that irresistible cheesy pull.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

If you love dishes that balance sweet and savory with creamy and crispy textures, you’re in for a treat. The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness and velvety texture that pairs so well with sharp cheddar or gruyère. The cheese sauce coats every piece in richness, and the baked topping turns golden and bubbly, delivering that iconic comfort food satisfaction.

This casserole is also surprisingly flexible. Want to add some caramelized onions or crumbled bacon? Go for it. Prefer a breadcrumb topping or crushed crackers? Either works. It can be made ahead, feeds a crowd, and easily fits into both casual and festive meals.

What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Butternut Squash Casserole?

Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for its bold flavor that stands up to the sweet squash, but gruyère offers a buttery melt with a nutty edge that’s also delicious. Parmesan can be added for salty depth, and even a touch of cream cheese gives the sauce extra silkiness. You want something that melts well and complements, rather than overpowers, the squash. Feel free to mix cheeses for a more complex profile.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

Butternut squash and cheese might be the stars, but each ingredient plays a role in making this casserole irresistibly creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. Here’s what you need:

Butternut Squash
Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor turns creamy when roasted. It’s the perfect base for the casserole.

Butter
Adds richness to the cheese sauce and helps cook the aromatics.

Garlic
Freshly minced garlic deepens the flavor with a warm, savory punch.

All-Purpose Flour
Creates the roux to thicken the cheese sauce.

Milk
Essential for making the creamy base. Whole milk is best for richness.

Heavy Cream
Adds velvety texture and extra body to the sauce.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Melts beautifully and brings a bold cheesy taste.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds sharpness and saltiness that rounds out the flavor.

Salt & Pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors.

Fresh Thyme (optional)
Herbal freshness that complements the earthiness of the squash.

Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers
For that golden, crispy topping.

How To Make the Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

Step 1: Roast the Squash

Peel and cube the butternut squash, then roast at 400°F for about 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. This brings out the squash’s natural sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, cooking until thickened. Stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Layer

In a baking dish, mix the roasted squash with the cheese sauce. Gently fold to coat evenly. Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for crunch.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbling on top. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Casserole

This casserole feeds about 6 people as a side dish and can stretch to 4 as a main course. Serve it hot out of the oven while the cheese is still melty and gooey. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or a simple green salad.

For storing, let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

You can even freeze it: just wrap tightly in foil, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole?

Herb Roasted Chicken

The savory herbs and crispy skin balance the rich casserole beautifully.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Their tangy caramelized flavor cuts through the creaminess.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Adds earthy tones and a nutty chew that complements the soft squash.

Garlic Green Beans

Bright, snappy, and garlicky, they make a fresh contrast.

Cranberry Sauce

A sweet-tart pop of flavor that brings out the best in the squash.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Soft, sweet, and colorful, they’re a perfect texture partner.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and hearty enough to scoop up cheesy goodness.

Spinach Apple Salad

Light and crisp with a little tang from vinaigrette to refresh the palate.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this cheesy butternut squash casserole has won you over, try one of these next:

Easy Brunch Casserole with layers of hearty eggs and sausage.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a one-pan creamy dinner option.
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake when you’re craving bold, cheesy comfort.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for something a little spicy and incredibly cozy.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest veggie board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go full cheddar or mix it up with some gouda or fontina? Did you try it with a crunchy Ritz topping?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated veggie-forward comfort dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new seasonal favorites: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Cheesy butternut squash casserole is a cozy, creamy, crowd-pleasing favorite that deserves a spot in your fall and winter lineup. With just the right mix of wholesome and indulgent, it’s a fantastic way to serve squash in a form everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a holiday table, it’s one of those dishes that always disappears fast.