A Cozy Fall Favorite: Butternut Squash and Apple Casserole with Sausage

Photo byAngie Bright

As the air turns crisp and the leaves change color, it's time to embrace the flavors of fall. And what better way to do that than with a comforting Butternut Squash and Apple Casserole with Sausage? This dish brings together the sweetness of butternut squash and apples with the savory goodness of sausage, making it the perfect centerpiece for any autumn gathering or a cozy night at home. The warm spices and rich textures will transport you to a place of comfort with every bite.

This casserole is more than just a delicious dish; it's a celebration of fall's best ingredients. Butternut squash, with its natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue, pairs perfectly with the tartness of apples, creating a balance of flavors that’s both hearty and refreshing. The addition of sausage provides a satisfying savory contrast, while the hint of cinnamon ties everything together with a touch of warmth. This is a recipe that combines seasonal ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and inventive.

Cooking this casserole fills your home with the warm, inviting smells of roasted squash and sausage. It’s an ideal dish for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it's a simple recipe that doesn’t require much fuss, yet delivers big on flavor. Whether you add the optional cheddar cheese for a bit of creaminess or enjoy it as-is, this dish will undoubtedly become a fall favorite.

Recipe: Butternut Squash and Apple Casserole with Sausage

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1 lb sausage, crumbled
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash, apples, cooked sausage, onion, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss the ingredients until everything is evenly coated.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and cover it with foil.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
7. Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if desired, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm and hearty dish with friends and family.

This Butternut Squash and Apple Casserole with Sausage is a great way to celebrate the season. Its combination of sweet and savory ingredients makes it versatile enough to be a main dish or a hearty side. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party or just enjoying a quiet meal at home, this casserole brings all the best flavors of autumn to your table.

Here are some sources for the Butternut Squash and Apple Casserole with Sausage recipe, providing different variations and helpful tips:

1. Where Is My Spoon: This source provides a detailed recipe for a butternut squash and sausage casserole, offering tips for making the dish savory and full of flavor. It discusses ingredient variations and cooking techniques, like sautéing the onions and sausage before baking the mixture with squash and apples​(Where Is My Spoon).
2. Mia Recipes: This source offers a similar take, with caramelized fennel and a maple syrup drizzle to enhance the sweetness of the squash and apples. It also suggests adding Gruyère cheese for a richer flavor​(Miarecipes).
3. Smart Nutrition: This site includes a cozy fall casserole recipe with butternut squash, apples, and sausage, alongside options for making the dish more nutrient-dense by incorporating sweet potatoes. It’s an excellent source for those looking to make a balanced, hearty meal​(Smart Nutrition with Jessica Penner, RD).
4. Just the Woods: This source offers a gluten-free version of the casserole, combining roasted butternut squash with apples, sausage, and rice. It also discusses how to prepare the dish with fresh herbs like sage and thyme​(Just the Woods | Healthy Food Blog).

These sources provide a range of options and tips for customizing the casserole to your liking, from cheese choices to making it gluten-free or adding different vegetables.