Recipe: Butternut Squash Ham & Cheese Casserole

AuthorMarla Meridith
DifficultyBeginner

This squash casserole takes just minutes to throw together. Great as a gluten & grain free side or main dish.

Butternut Squash Ham & Cheese Casserole recipe on MarlaMeridith.com ( @marlameridith ) #recipe #squash #ham
Yields1 Serving
Prep Time10 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time35 mins
 1 1/2 - 2 pound butternut squash
 2 tbsp olive oil
 2 leeks, white & light green part only, chopped
 1 clove garlic, minced
 1 cup heavy cream
 1 tsp paprika
 1/4 tsp salt
 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
 6 ounces sliced ham, chopped
 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F with the rack in the middle. Grease a 9x9 inch casserole dish.

2

Pierce several holes in the squash with a sharp knife. Place squash on a plate, heat in the microwave on high setting for 4-5 minutes or until it's just soft enough to cut into. Remove the squash from the microwave and let it cool a bit so you can handle it.

3

Once the squash is cool, cut it in half, trim off skin, seeds and discard. Cut the flesh into bite sized pieces. Set aside.

4

In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat until it's shimmering. Add the leeks and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Add in the cream, seasonings and squash. Mix to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat.

5

Pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Top with the ham and cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the squash is cooked through. Serve immediately.

Ingredients

 1 1/2 - 2 pound butternut squash
 2 tbsp olive oil
 2 leeks, white & light green part only, chopped
 1 clove garlic, minced
 1 cup heavy cream
 1 tsp paprika
 1/4 tsp salt
 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
 6 ounces sliced ham, chopped
 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese

Directions

1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F with the rack in the middle. Grease a 9x9 inch casserole dish.

2

Pierce several holes in the squash with a sharp knife. Place squash on a plate, heat in the microwave on high setting for 4-5 minutes or until it's just soft enough to cut into. Remove the squash from the microwave and let it cool a bit so you can handle it.

3

Once the squash is cool, cut it in half, trim off skin, seeds and discard. Cut the flesh into bite sized pieces. Set aside.

4

In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat until it's shimmering. Add the leeks and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Add in the cream, seasonings and squash. Mix to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat.

5

Pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Top with the ham and cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the squash is cooked through. Serve immediately.

Recipe: Butternut Squash Ham & Cheese Casserole

~ Marla Meridith

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