Butternut Squash Casserole with Pecans

Butternut Squash Casserole with Pecans – this make-ahead sweet and crunchy-topped casserole is perfect for a potluck or holiday dinner! This easy casserole will have everyone diving in for seconds!

This recipe is definitely going to be a new Thanksgiving staple! It will be your favorite (and everyone else’s fav all winter long!

Butternut Casserole

#ad – This post has been #sponsored by Oakhurst Dairy, however, as always, all opinions are my own. #SoWorthIt

What you’ll love best is the make-ahead option. This means less time on Thanksgiving morning fussing with yet another side dish. And the kids will gobble this up in no time!

And if my picky eaters devour this recipe, yours will too! Trust me, this recipe is #SoWorthIt!

It’s one of the top Thanksgiving side dishes on the blog! Find more Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes here.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Casserole with Pecans

• eggs – to bind the casserole
• Oakhurst heavy Cream and Butter – adds richness and creaminess
• sugar and brown sugar – to sweeten this recipe
• vanilla extract – adds richness
• butternut squash – the star of the show
• panko bread crumbs and pecans – for crunch
• salt, pepper and pumpkin pie spice mix – to perfectly season this casserole

Butternut Squash Casserole

What is healthier butternut squash or sweet potato?

Butternut squash has fewer calories and sugar than sweet potatoes, however, the sweet potato has it beat on fiber and protein.

Can butternut squash replace sweet potato?

Almost any hard squash can replace sweet potatoes in recipes – butternut, acorn, and pumpkin are all readily available.

Can you freeze shredded butternut squash?

Absolutely, that’s one of the reasons this is one of my favorite make-ahead casseroles! But it doesn’t need to have to be cooked to successfully freeze this vegetable.

Once it’s peeled and diced it can be successfully frozen after being well packaged.

Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?

Yes, you could and it would super easy if you’re using canned pumpkin!

Steps to make Butternut Squash Casserole with Pecans

1. Preheat the oven and butter the casserole dish.
2. Beat the eggs and cream until fluffy.
3. Add the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and pepper, mix well.
4. Fold in the mashed squash and pour the mixture into the baking dish
5. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove from the oven.
6. Prepare the topping and sprinkle over the squash mixture.
7. Return to the oven and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

Make-Ahead Method for Butternut Squash Casserole with Pecans

1. Bake casserole as directed without adding topping.
2. Cool; cover and freeze.
3. Freeze topping mixture in a resealable plastic freezer bag.
4. To use, partially thaw casserole and topping in refrigerator overnight.
5. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
6. Preheat oven to 350°.
7. Sprinkle topping over the casserole and bake until bubbly.

More great Make-Ahead Dishes and Meals

Make Ahead Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar

This recipe for fabulously easy mashed sweet potatoes with a little brown sugar are the perfect make ahead side dish!

Get the Recipe >>>

Hearty Potato Sausage Casserole

This homey recipe with creamy potatoes, crumbled sausage and cheese feeds a crowd! This is an ideal dish for potlucks, parties and even brunch. Plus, it's easy to make ahead and freezes well.

Get the Recipe >>>

15 Make Ahead Meals

15 Make-Ahead Meals that will save the day when you’re short on time!

Get the Recipe >>>

Some of my favorite Side Dishes

If you’re looking for more side dishes, here are a few favorites that we love!

Baked Potatoes Air Fryer Recipe

It is so quick and easy to make tender delicious Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer. This simple side dish takes less time than oven baked potatoes and leaves the skins crispier, too.

Get the Recipe >>>

Roasted Beet Salad

Earthy roasted beets, sweet oranges, and salty cojita cheese combine in this simple but tasty roasted beet salad.

Cheesy Ranch Tater Tots

Easy and fast, Cheesy Ranch Tater Tots from The Bitter Side of Sweet that is the perfect kind of snack food!

Get the Recipe >>>

Spinach and Strawberry Salad + Greek Yogurt Dressing

Grilled chicken, fresh avocado and crumbled feta cheese on this spinach and strawberry salad make it worthy of a whole meal, not just a side dish!

Get the Recipe >>>

Delicious, right? Easy too – I love serving up a great meal without a lot of fuss or muss! And heaven knows I don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen!

More Thanksgiving Ideas

• Thanksgiving Gratitude Cards – simple and elegant to grace your table
• 25 Perfect Pumpkin Recipes – because pumpkin is a must for the holiday!
• Baked Spaghetti Squash Recipe – a savory balanced casserole with garlic, parmesan and tomatoes.
• How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree – I make this every fall!
• Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter – that you can make with the pumpkin puree, perfect for your holiday table and makes the house smell amazing!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you’ll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier!  

Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama

❤ ❤ ❤

Butternut Squash Casserole

Have you already made and love this recipe? I knew you would!! Please be sure to leave a comment below with a five-star rating, that would make my day! And if you’re over on Instagram, you can tag me with #jugglingactmama or @jugglingactymama so I get to see your photos!!

Butternut Squash Casserole with Pecans

An easy make-ahead sweet and crunchy-topped casserole that everyone loves! This casserole is perfect for a potluck or holiday dinner

0 from 0 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Casserole, Make-Ahead

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 408kcal

Author: Ang Paris

Cost: $10

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

• For the Casserole
• 2 cups butternut squash cooked
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Topping Ingredients
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup pecans chopped
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tsp butter melted

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350-degrees.
• Butter a 9 x 11 casserole dish.
• In a large bowl, beat the eggs and cream until fluffy.
• Add in the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
• Fold in the mashed butternut squash. The mixture will be thin.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake 40-45 minutes uncovered until just set.
• In a small bowl, prepare the topping and sprinkle over the squash mixture. Return to the oven and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

Notes

MAKE AHEAD METHOD

1. Bake casserole as directed without adding topping.
2. Cool; cover and freeze.
3. Freeze topping mixture in a resealable plastic freezer bag.
4. To use, partially thaw casserole and topping in the refrigerator overnight.
5. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
6. Preheat oven to 350°.
7. Sprinkle topping over the casserole and bake until bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 541mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 5755IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg

Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.