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Butternut Squash and Sausage Kale Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Butternut Squash Casserole featuring a savory blend of sweet Italian sausage, kale, garlic, and fresh sage, topped with a golden, crispy parmesan panko breadcrumb crust and baked to perfection. This comforting dish combines tender butternut squash with robust sausage and aromatic herbs, making it a perfect side or main dish for fall and winter meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetable Mixture

  • ½ pound ground sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4–6 ounces thinly sliced white onion (1 medium onion)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 4 cups cubed butternut squash (approximately 1 ½ pounds total)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Breadcrumb Topping

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated fresh parmesan (at room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Casserole Dish: Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a casserole dish with butter or neutral cooking spray, then set it aside.
  2. Cook Sausage: Place a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the ground sweet Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, until the sausage is browned and crumbled, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Sauté Onions: Drain any excess liquid from the skillet, return it to heat, add olive oil and thinly sliced white onion to the cooked sausage. Stir and sauté until onions are softened, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add Herbs, Garlic, Kale, and Stock: Stir in chopped fresh sage, minced garlic, chopped kale, and low-sodium chicken stock. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the kale softens and the broth reduces slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Combine with Butternut Squash: Place cubed butternut squash in the prepared casserole dish, pour the sausage-kale mixture over it. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently stir or toss to incorporate the squash evenly with the mixture. Spread evenly in the casserole dish and set aside.
  6. Melt Butter for Topping: Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Add unsalted butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan to coat the surface.
  7. Toast Breadcrumbs: Once the butter is bubbling, add panko breadcrumbs and stir constantly until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and lightly toasted.
  8. Add Parmesan and Herbs to Breadcrumbs: Remove skillet from heat. Allow to cool slightly, then stir in grated parmesan, chopped fresh sage, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the parmesan melts and the topping is well combined.
  9. Top the Casserole: Transfer the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the sausage-kale butternut squash layer, covering it completely.
  10. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  11. Finish Baking Covered: Remove casserole from oven, cover with aluminum foil, and return to bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
  12. Rest and Serve: Remove the foil and let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving warm to allow flavors to meld and the topping to crisp slightly.

Notes

  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty texture.
  • Fresh sage is key to the flavor but can be substituted with 1 teaspoon dried sage if fresh is unavailable.
  • Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt content, especially if adding additional salted ingredients.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
  • To save time, prepare the breadcrumb topping in advance and store in an airtight container before baking.
  • Ensure the butternut squash is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.

Keywords: butternut squash casserole, Italian sausage casserole, fall casserole recipes, savory squash bake, parmesan breadcrumb topping

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/butternut-squash-and-sausage-kale-casserole-with-sage-and-parmesan-recipe/