Baked Mash Squash(A Thanksgiving Day Favorite)
A comforting baked butternut squash casserole combining mashed potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, and savory toppings, perfect for festive gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. butternut squash ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 to 1/4 c. chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 Cortland apple ⓘ
- 1/4 c. oil ⓘ
- 2 c. cold white rice ⓘ
- 3 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 2 cooked bacon slices, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 10 medium potatoes ⓘ
- 2 (3 oz. each) pkg. cream cheese
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 2 tsp. onion salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook, drain, and mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Mix cream cheese with sour cream, onion salt, and pepper.
- Beat the cream cheese mixture into the mashed potatoes until fluffy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Place the mashed potato mixture in a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cool and cover tightly before baking or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mashed potatoes. You can substitute the butternut squash with pumpkin puree if you're in a pinch. If you prefer a nut-free option, skip the walnuts or use sunflower seeds instead. Always taste as you go, especially with the seasoning, to ensure the flavors are balanced.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Mash Squash pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or glazed ham, making it an excellent side for Thanksgiving. Consider serving it alongside green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a cozy gathering, include it in a spread with dishes like Clam Chowder (Or New England Chowda!) or Jalapeno Beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, just be sure to cover them to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Mash Squash(A Thanksgiving Day Favorite) contains roughly 1433 calories, with 29g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1003mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potato mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a vegetable-based oil instead of butter. The cream cheese and sour cream provide richness, so you won't lose flavor. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy note.
What can I serve with Baked Mash Squash?
Baked Mash Squash is versatile and goes well with many dishes. Pair it with roasted meats like turkey or pork. It also complements other sides like Hot Turnip Slaw or Cabbage And Corn Dish. For a complete meal, serve it with a light soup or salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).