Home Cooking Is Better

This modern butternut squash sweet potato casserole will leave your tastebuds dancing with delight!

Mashed sweet potatoes have always been a traditional Thanksgiving side. So why not add a slight twist at any time of the year?

During times when you want to bring a special dish for a family and friends gathering or special occasion, this casserole is a great option.

Your casserole can look like you spent hours preparing and baking but in reality, it will take you less than 30 minutes to prepare.

With a slightly crispy edge on the outside and nutty yet perfectly sweet tender vegetables on the inside, this side dish will not disappoint.

This recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and salty requiring no extra sugar or maple syrup.

From now on, you will gladly skip the frozen casserole section in your local grocery store and choose to make your own which will be much more nutritious and satisfying.

With just a few simple ingredients and root vegetables this is one meal from scratch that can be made all season long.

CASSEROLES:

A butternut squash sweet potato casserole is filling enough to enjoy for dinner or as a breakfast casserole with a side of scrambled eggs.

Breakfast?

Yes.

We started using leftover butternut squash sweet potato casserole mixed with scrambled eggs and my family can not get enough of it.

This is one of our new favorite ways to eat our scrambled eggs when there’s leftover casserole.

You will need:

• A large sharp knife
• A vegetable peeler

WHAT DEFINES A CASSEROLE?

A casserole usually consists of 3 components.

Meat or protein. Usually, chicken, tuna, or ground beef. You can also use beans, ham, or other sources of protein you prefer.

Vegetables. I prefer freshly chopped vegetables although some people do use canned or frozen instead.

A Starchy binder. Typically this is some form of flour, potato, or pasta

Casseroles are normally baked slowly in a deep pan with all the ingredients combined.

Casseroles can be served in the same pan they are baked in from the oven to the table.

HOW TO MAKE THIS SIMPLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• a small bag of sweet potatoes or yams
• 2 small to medium butternut squash
• 2 shallots
• 3 Tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• Small pre-sliced ham or 16 oz bacon (you can omit the meat altogether)
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (whichever flavor you prefer; or you can omit cheese)
• 1 cup frozen kale

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
2. Choose a large/deep casserole dish to grease.
3. Peel and cube all the sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Make the cubes as small as you’d like. Just be careful not to cube them too tiny unless you want more of a ‘mashed’ type casserole.
4. Add the sweet potatoes and butternut squash into the greased casserole dish. Drizzle olive oil on top. Add in shallots, salt, pepper, and cumin. Mix well and cover with a lid.
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until all vegetables are soft and tender.
6. While the casserole is baking cook ham or bacon, drain, and set to the side.
7. Once the casserole is done baking remove from the oven, add in ham or bacon, frozen kale, and sprinkle cheese on top.
8. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the kale has softened and the cheese has melted.
9. This makes a great side dish or main course!

IS BUTTERNUT SQUASH AS HEALTHY AS SWEET POTATOES?

Yes, both butternut squash and sweet potatoes are healthy vegetables.

Although they both offer slightly different nutritional benefits.

Here’s a comparison of their nutritional benefits to help you understand their differences:

Butternut Squash:

• Low in Calories: Butternut squash is relatively low in calories, making it a good option for those looking to manage their weight.
• Rich in Vitamins: It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, all of which are essential for overall health.
• High in Fiber: Butternut squash is high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
• Contains Minerals: It provides minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are important for heart health and muscle function.

Sweet Potatoes:

• Rich in Beta-Carotene: Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is vital for vision, immune function, and skin health.
• High in Fiber: Similar to butternut squash, sweet potatoes are also a good source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
• Contains Vitamins and Minerals: Sweet potatoes provide vitamins C and B6, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese, all of which play various roles in the body’s functions.
• Lower Glycemic Index: Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index compared to regular potatoes, which means they have a smaller impact on blood sugar levels.

Both butternut squash and sweet potatoes are excellent choices for a nourishing diet!

They are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and offer a variety of vitamins and minerals.

The choice between the two can depend on personal taste preferences and specific dietary needs.

WHY DOES SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE GET WATERY SOMETIMES?

Sweet potato casserole can become watery for several reasons:

1. High Water Content: Sweet potatoes naturally contain a lot of water. When they are cooked, especially when boiled or steamed, they can release this water into the casserole.
2. Overcooking: If the sweet potatoes are overcooked before being incorporated into the casserole, they can become mushy and release excess moisture when mixed with other ingredients.
3. Incorrect Ratios: If the ratio of wet ingredients (like milk, butter, or eggs) to dry ingredients (sweet potatoes, flour, etc.) in the recipe is not balanced correctly, it can result in a watery consistency.
4. Underbaking: If the casserole is not baked long enough, the excess moisture might not evaporate, leaving the casserole watery.

To prevent a watery sweet potato casserole, consider these tips:

• Bake Sweet Potatoes: Instead of boiling or steaming sweet potatoes, bake them. Baking helps to evaporate some of the moisture, resulting in a less watery texture.
• Drain Canned Ingredients: If you’re using canned ingredients, drain them thoroughly to remove excess liquid before adding them to the casserole.
• Adjust Ratios: Pay attention to the ratios of wet to dry ingredients in your recipe. You might need to adjust these ratios to achieve the desired consistency.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh sweet potatoes and other fresh ingredients rather than canned ones. Fresh ingredients often have a firmer texture and release less moisture when cooked.
• Proper Baking: Make sure that the casserole is baked thoroughly. Baking allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a firmer texture.

By being mindful of these factors and making adjustments as needed, you can create a delicious sweet potato casserole with the right texture and consistency and less water.

WHAT DOES BUTTERNUT SQUASH TASTE LIKE?

Butternut squash has a slightly nutty and sweet taste. Similar to a buttery, brown sugar flavor. Some compare the taste of butternut squash to pumpkin or carrot. Toasted pecans are often used with butternut squash because the two flavors complement each other well. If you’re concerned about calories, butternut squash has fewer calories than sweet potatoes.

WHAT ARE SOME BUTTERNUT SQUASH SUBSTITUTES?

These substitutes will make your casserole taste just as delicious. You can also try using these in addition to your casserole.

• Acorn squash
• Pumpkin
• Buttercup squash
• Hubbard squash
• Carrots
• Delicata squash

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