Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole

This super comforting Butternut Squash Casserole is filled with Mexican spices and some cheesy goodness for one delightful and versatile vegetarian dish certain to please the pickiest of palates! Gluten-free, with a vegan option, too!

This dish is filled with warm and comforting flavors and textures for a versatile fall dish that is easy to make, and can be enjoyed a variety of ways! We like to serve this Vegetarian Butternut Squash Casserole alongside some bread or socca (as shown) for one deeply satisfying meal! For dessert, this pairs well with a sweet potato casserole.

Butternut Squash Casserole

• Creamy, comforting and filled with rich flavors.
• Super easy to make.
• Made with only a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients.
• Versatile, and can be enjoyed on its own or alongside a wide variety of dishes.
• Vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, sugar-free and can easily be made dairy-free or vegan.

What Ingredients are Needed to Make Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole?

• Butternut Squash.
• Olive oil, onion, bell pepper, garlic.
• A special spice blend.
• Dairy or non-dairy yogurt.
• Dairy or non-dairy shredded cheddar cheese.
• Salt.

Note: for full ingredients and recipe amounts scroll to the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

How to Make Butternut Squash Casserole - Step by Step

1. Boil or steam cubed butternut squash until tender. Place into a food processor or blender.

2. Blend until you have a smooth puree. Pour into a mixing bowl, then set aside.

3. Saute onions, bell pepper and garlic for 10 minutes.

4. Add cayenne and black pepper, then saute a few minutes longer.

5. Pour saute mixture into the butternut squash puree you set aside.

6. Add yogurt.

7. Add spices.

8. Add cheese.

9. Stir until all is well combined.

10. Pour into a square baking dish.

11. Top with more cheese + cilantro (and an optional bay leaf).

12. Bake and enjoy!

Top Tips for making Mexican Butternut Squash Casserole

1. Fresh or Frozen

   Do you only have frozen squash? That works! Use approximately 4 cups of cubed squash.

2. Store It

   This butternut squash casserole keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply place in a 350 F (180 C) oven until warmed throughout.

    

Butternut Squash Casserole - Common Recipe Questions

1. Can I omit or replace the yogurt?

   Yes. This recipe works with both dairy and vegan yogurt (I love Nancy’s Oatmilk yogurt!), but if you would rather omit, this recipe still comes out tasty!

2. Can I omit the cheese?

   Yes. If you would rather not use dairy or vegan cheddar, you can omit it altogether or replace it with nutritional yeast.

3. Why the bay leaf?

   The bay adds a touch of aromatics, and makes for a prettier presentation! But, it can certainly be omitted if you prefer.

More Vegetarian Butternut Squash Recipes

Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Vegetarian Lasagna

Butternut Squash & Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free)

Vegan Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry (+ Stovetop Instructions)

Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Butternut Squash Vegan Ramen (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

Butternut Squash Coconut Curry Rice Noodle Soup

If you try this recipe please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, share this post, use Pinterest's "tried it" feature, or take a photo, & tag me on Instagram and I'll share it! Thank you so much! <3

📖 Recipe

Cheesy Butternut Squash Casserole (Gluten-Free, Vegan Option)

This super comforting Butternut Squash Casserole is filled with Mexican spices and some cheesy goodness for one delightful and versatile vegetarian dish certain to please the pickiest of palates! Gluten-free, with a vegan option, too!

4.48 from 19 votes

Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!

Course: Appetizers, Entrées, Sides

Cuisine: Mexican

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Kristen Wood

1x2x3x

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

• 1 butternut squash cubed, cooked and pureed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 red onion chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt dairy or non-dairy (125 grams)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese + extra for topping dairy or non-dairy (115 grams)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt or pink salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
• 1 bay leaf optional

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Prep cubed butternut squash by boiling or steaming until tender. Place cooked squash into a blender or food processor, then blend until you have a smooth puree. Pour into a bowl and set aside.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet over medium heat add garlic, onion and pepper. Saute for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add cayenne and black pepper. Saute for 2 minutes longer.
• Add saute mixture to the pureed butternut squash.
• Add yogurt, cheese and remaining spices. Mix until well combined.
• Pour into a 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 or 9.5 x 9.5 square baking dish.
• Top with a sprinkle of cheese, chopped cilantro and an optional bay leaf.
• Bake for 30 minutes, then optionally turn on the broiler for a few minutes until the top is bubbling.
• Let cool slightly to set a little before serving.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Please refer to the TIPS and QUESTIONS sections above in the post for more information!

You might also like our October Produce Guide.

Also see: 25 Best Vegetarian Casserole Recipes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 790mg | Potassium: 873mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 21371IU | Vitamin C: 80mg | Calcium: 355mg | Iron: 2mg

Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!

Mention on Instagram!@moon.and.spoon.and.yum