Savory butternut squash casserole with cozy caramelized squash, kale and a cheesy Parmesan topping. Perfect for holidays or a vegetarian main!
Serving: 1(of 8)Calories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 7gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 13mgPotassium: 837mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 22148IUVitamin C: 88mgCalcium: 238mgIron: 2mg
Ingredients
For the Butternut Squash Filling:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 large (3 1/2 pound) butternut squash peeled, seeded, and diced into 3/4-inch cubes, divided (about 9 1/2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme divided (rosemary works as well)
- 2 cloves minced garlic divided (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper divided
- 12 ounces kale* tough stems removed and chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces, divided (I used curly kale)
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced, divided
- 1 cup low sodium vegetable stock or chicken stock divided
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs** or 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Generously grease a shallow 9×13-inch casserole dish or similar 3-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Prepare the filling in two batches: Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add half of the butternut squash, ½ tablespoon of the rosemary, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Sauté until the squash is beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. The squash will still be too firm to eat.
Next, add half of the kale, half of the onions, and half of the garlic. Cook until the kale and onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes.
Add the 1/2 cup of the chicken stock, stir, and let cook 1 minute so that the stock reduces slightly.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and with a spoon, prod it into a relatively even layer.
Heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil in the skillet, then repeat the above steps with the remaining half of each of the ingredients. Transfer the rest of the filling to the casserole dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the squash is soft when pierced with a sharp knife.
While the squash bakes, prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, sage, nutmeg, and salt. Pour the melted butter over the top. Stir to combine.
Remove the casserole from the oven, remove the foil, then sprinkle the top evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F, return the dish to the oven, then bake uncovered, until the bread crumbs are golden, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.
- *You also can omit the kale and make this recipe with a few extra cups of additional butternut squash, though we love the mix of both!
- **To make your own fresh breadcrumbs, tear bread (leftover sourdough or similar artisan breads or leftover baguette is my favorite; you can also use 3 slices of sandwich bread) into pieces and place in the food processor. Pulse in long bursts until you have crumbs. Measure and use in the recipe as directed.
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