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Butternut Squash Casserole

Butternut squash casserole with a creamy, smooth mash and a crunchy golden pecan streusel. Bakes until the topping is golden and the edges bubble for a classic Southern side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 365
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Butternut squash casserole base
  • 1 butternut squash Peeled and cubed.
  • 0.25 cup butter Melted; divided (use 1/4 cup for mashing).
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar Divided (use 1/4 cup for mashing).
  • 2 eggs Large eggs.
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour For the pecan streusel topping.
Pecan streusel topping
  • 0.75 cup pecans Chopped.
  • 0.25 cup butter Melted; remaining 1/4 cup for topping.
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar Divided; remaining 1/4 cup for topping.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Boil and mash the squash
  1. Boil the butternut squash for 15 minutes until very tender, then drain well.
  2. Mash the butternut squash with 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  3. Spread the squash mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Make the pecan streusel and bake
  1. Mix the all-purpose flour, pecans, remaining 1/4 cup butter, and remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar until you have a crumbly topping, then sprinkle it over the squash.
  2. Bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden and the edges bubble.

Notes

For the smoothest texture, mash the squash while it’s hot so the butter and eggs blend evenly; if it seems thick, stir in a splash of milk until it spreads easily. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven at 325F until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the creamy interior can soften after thawing. For a nut-free option, replace pecans with toasted sunflower seed kernels for a similar crunch.