Butternut Squash Casserole

This is substantial as a side dish or, in a larger serving, works well as the entree of a vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 small/medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 c. stuffing mix
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 c. chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ medium sweet onion, minced
• 1 t. thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• ½ c. bread crumbs

Procedure

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Combine all ingredients except bread crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
3. Place mixture in a greased, 8” x 8” pan.
4. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
5. Bake at 375F for 1 hour.

Yields 4 servings.

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When I made this, I happened to have a square of cornbread on hand. I crumbled that over the casserole in place of bread crumbs. It was great! I wonder if you can buy dried cornbread crumbs? I suppose you could buy cornbread stuffing mix and use that--pulverized in a food processor or straight from the package--as the topping. I’m thinking a small can of mushroom pieces and stems would be a good addition to try.

2011-11-13 @ 0054: After a trip to Meijer's for groceries, I realized that the CSA butternut squash I used for this recipe was on the small side. The squash I saw at the store was 2-3 times more massive than mine! The recipe might be perfectly good with the changed ratio of ingredients, but I've not tested that scenario.