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To make a tasty French onion squash casserole, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend together to create a rich, warm dish perfect for any meal. In addition to fresh items, you will want some pantry staples. These make your cooking smoother: - Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the onions. - Salt and pepper enhance all the other flavors. - Thyme gives a lovely, herbal note to the dish. Make sure you always have these on hand. They are useful in many recipes. Gruyère cheese is my top choice for this casserole. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture. If you want something different, consider these options: - Swiss cheese for a milder taste. - Cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor. - Mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture. Choose the cheese that suits your taste. This small change can make a big difference in flavor! For the full recipe, visit the section above. Start by peeling and dicing the butternut squash into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Next, slice the onions thinly. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes until they become soft and golden brown. This step brings out their sweet flavor. In the last two minutes, add the minced garlic. This adds a nice kick to the mix. In a big mixing bowl, combine the diced squash, caramelized onions, and vegetable broth. Add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything well, so the flavors mix. This blend of ingredients is what makes the casserole rich and tasty. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish for even baking. Now, it’s time to add the topping. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and shredded Gruyère cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the squash layer. Dot the top with sour cream for creaminess. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes. The casserole is ready when the squash is tender and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting dish! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Caramelized onions add depth to this dish. Start with medium heat and use a non-stick pan. Stir the onions often. This helps them cook evenly. Cook until they turn golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Add garlic near the end for a tasty kick. Remember, patience is key. Slow cooking brings out the sweet flavor. The texture of the squash is important. Make sure to dice the butternut squash into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. When mixing with the onion, aim for a creamy but chunky feel. The breadcrumbs on top should be crispy. This contrast makes each bite enjoyable. Bake until the squash is soft but not mushy. To boost flavor, think about herbs. Thyme is a great choice, but feel free to experiment. Try adding rosemary or sage for unique notes. A pinch of nutmeg can also brighten the dish. For extra richness, dot the casserole with sour cream. This creates a creamy layer on top. Finally, don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper. A well-seasoned dish brings all the flavors together. For the complete guide to making this delicious dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can use many types of squash in this dish. I love butternut squash, but acorn or spaghetti squash also works well. Each squash has its own flavor and texture. Acorn squash gives a sweet touch, while spaghetti squash adds a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if the squash size changes. Cut your squash into similar sizes for even cooking. If you want a vegan version, swap the cheese and sour cream for plant-based options. Use cashew cream for a rich texture. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also skip the cheese and focus on the squash and onions. This keeps the dish light and healthy. Many love the taste just as much! For a heartier meal, you can add protein. Cooked lentils are a great choice. They blend well with the squash and add fiber. You can also use chickpeas or black beans. If you prefer meat, shredded chicken or turkey works nicely. Just mix your protein in with the squash before baking. This will make your casserole filling and tasty. To keep your French Onion Squash Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to cover it tightly to avoid drying out. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is warm throughout. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives the best results. You can freeze this casserole for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label it with the date. It will last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions above. For the full flavor experience, make sure to try out the full recipe. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it well and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, just bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you do not have Gruyère cheese, try Swiss or fontina cheese. Both melt well and add a nice flavor. Cheddar can work too, but it will change the taste a bit. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cheese that melts. The casserole is done when the squash is tender and the top is golden brown. You can poke the squash with a fork to check its softness. If it slides in easily, your dish is ready. Enjoy this cozy meal! For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. French onion squash casserole blends rich flavors and simple steps. We covered key ingredients, like the squash and cheese. You learned how to prepare, bake, and store your dish. The tips can help you perfect caramelized onions and enhance flavors. Explore variations to make it your own, from vegan swaps to adding protein. With this knowledge, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Now, gather your ingredients and let your cooking adventure begin!

French Onion Squash Casserole

Delight in the rich flavors of this French Onion Squash Casserole, a cozy dish perfect for gathering around the table. With creamy butternut squash, caramelized onions, and melty Gruyère cheese, this recipe is a comforting twist on a classic favorite. Easy to make and satisfying, it's ideal for any occasion. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced

2 large onions, thinly sliced

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes until they are caramelized and golden brown. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking for flavor.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced butternut squash, caramelized onions, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

        Transfer the squash mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.

          In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the shredded Gruyère cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the squash and onion layer.

            Dot the top with sour cream for extra creaminess.

              Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and the top is golden brown.

                Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 1 hr 20 min | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole in the dish itself for a rustic look, or scoop out portions onto individual plates. A sprinkle of additional Gruyère on top before serving adds a lovely touch.