Description
A hearty and wholesome vegetarian casserole made with roasted butternut squash, sautéed kale, caramelized onions, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect as a comforting main dish or a holiday side.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and golden.
- Meanwhile, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly until caramelized, about 10–15 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Then add chopped kale and sauté until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- In a large bowl or baking dish, combine roasted squash, sautéed kale mixture, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is coated evenly.
- If using breadcrumbs, mix with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
- Add cooked quinoa or rice to make it a heartier main dish.
- Great make-ahead dish—just assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
