Potato Squash Casserole
A hearty potato and butternut squash casserole with savory sausage and creamy cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners and adaptable to various spice preferences.
Ingredients
- 4 small potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 lb uncooked bulk pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp all purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. whipping cream, divided ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, squash, and water.
- Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Place half of the cooked mixture in a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Crumble the uncooked bulk pork sausage over the potato mixture.
- Add chopped onion on top of the sausage.
- Layer the remaining potato mixture over the onion and sausage.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour with 1/4 cup of whipping cream until smooth. Stir in the remaining cream.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly over the layered casserole.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 5 minutes more or until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier casserole, consider adding some grated cheese between the layers or on top before the final bake. You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage or a vegetarian alternative for a lighter dish. If using pre-cooked sausage, reduce the baking time slightly. To enhance the flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It can also be served alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a festive touch, consider serving it as a side dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners. Explore more comforting American recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, checking for warmth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Squash Casserole contains roughly 612 calories, with 9g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1230mg per serving (53% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for this casserole due to its melting qualities and rich flavor. However, you can also use mozzarella for a milder taste, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Just sprinkle it on top during the last few minutes of baking.
Can I substitute the butternut squash with another vegetable?
Absolutely! If butternut squash isn't available, you can use sweet potatoes or even zucchini for a different twist. Just ensure the vegetables are sliced thinly to cook evenly with the potatoes, and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
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).