What if your favorite fall flavors could all melt into one creamy, sweet, savory dish? This Apple Butternut Squash Casserole with Cozy Flavor is the comfort food answer to chilly days and festive gatherings. With tender chunks of apple and roasted butternut squash tucked under a golden-baked breadcrumb and bacon topping, this casserole is a delicious twist that feels both nostalgic and new.

It’s the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight—just imagine the sweet apples softening into the rich squash, balanced with salty bacon and finished with a buttery crunch. Whether you’re feeding a holiday table or meal-prepping for cozy weeknights, this casserole is all about warming hearts and bellies alike.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this casserole seamless and satisfying, you’ll want the right tools on hand. Start with a sharp chef’s knife for cleanly cutting apples and squash without bruising or splintering the pieces. A vegetable peeler is essential to glide through the skin of the squash with ease.

Use a large mixing bowl to toss ingredients evenly, especially when combining the apples and squash with seasoning and fat. A 9×13 baking dish will give your casserole ample room to cook evenly, ensuring every scoop has the perfect balance of texture.

Don’t forget a baking sheet if you’re roasting your butternut squash beforehand—it brings out that nutty depth. Finally, a skillet is ideal for crisping bacon to a golden finish before layering it into the dish. With these kitchen allies, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, flavorful bake.

Ingredients for the Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Butternut Squash – This hearty, sweet squash becomes beautifully tender when baked and forms the bulk of the casserole base.

Apples – Choose a firm and slightly tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a contrast to the sweet squash and to keep its shape when baked.

Bacon – Adds a smoky, salty bite that elevates the sweetness of the apples and squash.

Breadcrumbs – For that crispy golden topping, giving every bite a pleasant crunch.

Butter – Melted butter binds the topping together and infuses the casserole with rich flavor.

Fresh Thyme – Offers an earthy note that balances the sweet and savory ingredients.

Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance and unify the dish’s flavor profile.

How To Make the Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Spread it on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season lightly with salt, and roast for 25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

While the squash roasts, core and slice the apples into thin wedges. You can leave the peel on for color and texture or peel them for a softer result.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve a bit of the bacon fat for added flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the roasted squash, sliced apples, and half of the crispy bacon. Add a few thyme leaves and season with a pinch of pepper. Gently toss everything together.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and a teaspoon of reserved bacon fat. Sprinkle this over the top, followed by the remaining bacon.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is crisp and golden, and everything is warmed through.

Serving and Storing Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Serve this casserole warm, ideally straight from the oven, garnished with a few extra thyme sprigs for a fresh look. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, glazed hams, or as a holiday table centerpiece.

For storing, let the dish cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It will keep for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to revive the crisp topping or microwave individual portions for a quicker fix. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly in foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the apples from turning mushy?

Use a firmer apple variety like Granny Smith or Pink Lady. Also, slice them thicker than you would for pie.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the entire dish without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Add a few minutes to the baking time when ready.

What can I substitute for bacon?

Try pancetta or even a smoked turkey bacon. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use a savory parmesan or nut-based topping instead.

Is it sweet or savory?

It’s a perfect blend of both. The apples and squash bring sweetness, while the bacon and thyme round it out with savory depth.

Can I use frozen squash?

Yes! Just make sure it’s thawed and patted dry before roasting, or the texture might become too watery.

What cheese goes well in this casserole?

Though not required, a sprinkle of aged cheddar or Gruyère can melt in beautifully if you want a cheesy variation.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

You might also like the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole if you’re into comfort food with a green twist. For a spicy alternative, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe adds heat and layers.

Craving something with more meat? The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta delivers big on flavor and protein. Or explore the hearty, bean-loaded Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup for a cozy spoonful.

And if you’re still on the apple train, don’t miss the Apple Enchiladas — they’re a dessert you didn’t know you needed.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your fall recipe boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use cheddar? Did you swap the bacon? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious to hear your twists and takes.

For more cozy, comforting dishes, follow me on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Apple Butternut Squash Casserole with Cozy Flavor

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A warm and comforting casserole that brings together tender roasted butternut squash, tart-sweet apples, and smoky bacon, all topped with a buttery breadcrumb crunch. It’s perfect for holidays or cozy weeknight dinners.