Harvest Casserole Recipe

Fall in our home is synonymous with warmth, comfort, and the incredible bounty of the harvest season. As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, my kitchen transforms into a haven of autumnal aromas. And at the heart of it all, stands our family’s beloved Harvest Casserole. This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a celebration of fall, a comforting hug in a dish, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From the first time I baked this, the reaction was unanimous – pure delight! The kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, devoured it, asking for seconds (and thirds!). My husband declared it a new family favorite, and even my discerning mother-in-law requested the recipe. What makes this casserole so special? It’s the perfect harmony of sweet and savory, the delightful textures, and the way it effortlessly brings together the best flavors of autumn. Imagine tender roasted butternut squash and sweet potatoes, mingling with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, all enveloped in a creamy, herb-infused sauce, and topped with a golden, savory stuffing crust. It’s a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive Thanksgiving side dish. Prepare to fall in love with this Harvest Casserole – it’s a taste of autumn you won’t soon forget.

Ingredients

Creating the perfect Harvest Casserole starts with selecting the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the symphony of tastes and textures that make this dish so irresistible. We’re focusing on seasonal produce, warm spices, and comforting elements that truly capture the essence of fall. Below is a detailed breakdown of each ingredient, highlighting its purpose and offering tips for selection and preparation:

• Vegetables – The Heart of the Harvest:
  • 2 lbs Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is the star of our harvest celebration, bringing a naturally sweet and nutty flavor that forms the foundation of the casserole. It roasts beautifully, becoming incredibly tender and slightly caramelized, adding depth and richness.
    • Selection Tip: Choose a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size, with a firm, smooth skin and a deep beige color. Avoid squash with soft spots or blemishes.
    • Preparation: Peel, seed, and cut the butternut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity is key for even roasting, ensuring that all pieces cook through at the same rate and achieve that perfect tender texture.
  • 1 lb Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes complement the butternut squash perfectly, adding another layer of sweetness and a vibrant orange hue. Their slightly earthy and subtly spiced flavor profile enhances the overall autumnal character of the casserole.
    • Selection Tip: Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth skin and no sprouts or soft spots. Smaller to medium-sized sweet potatoes tend to be sweeter and cook more evenly.
    • Preparation: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, similar in size to the butternut squash. This ensures a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Cranberries provide a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the squash and sweet potatoes. Their vibrant red color also adds a visual pop to the dish. Whether you use fresh or frozen cranberries, they bring a burst of juicy flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
    • Selection Tip (Fresh): Choose firm, plump cranberries with a deep red color. Avoid berries that are soft, shriveled, or bruised.
    • Selection Tip (Frozen): Frozen cranberries are a convenient option and work just as well. No need to thaw them before using – simply add them directly to the casserole.
  • 1 cup Shredded Brussels Sprouts (Optional but Recommended): While optional, shredded Brussels sprouts add a slightly bitter, earthy note that provides a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness and tartness. When shredded and roasted, they become surprisingly tender and almost nutty, adding another layer of textural complexity.
    • Selection Tip: Choose firm, bright green Brussels sprouts with tightly closed heads. Avoid sprouts that are yellowing or have wilted outer leaves.
    • Preparation: Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and shred them thinly using a knife, food processor, or mandoline. Shredding ensures they cook quickly and evenly in the casserole.
• Creamy Sauce – The Binding Element:
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that creates the luxuriously creamy and rich sauce. It melts beautifully, binding all the vegetables and other components together in a velvety embrace. Softening the cream cheese beforehand ensures it blends smoothly into the sauce without any lumps.
    • Tip: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to soften properly. You can also microwave it briefly in 10-second intervals, but be careful not to melt it completely.
  • 1 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Broth provides the liquid base for the sauce, adding moisture and savory depth to the casserole. Chicken broth offers a richer flavor, while vegetable broth is a great vegetarian option that still provides ample savory notes.
    • Tip: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the casserole. You can always add more salt to taste later.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Heavy cream adds richness and body to the sauce, making it extra decadent. Half-and-half is a lighter alternative that still provides a creamy texture without being overly heavy. Choose based on your preference and dietary considerations.
    • Tip: For a vegan option, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is a foundational flavor enhancer, adding a pungent and savory note that complements the sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the cream cheese. Minced garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic essence.
    • Tip: Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the sauce and releases its flavor fully.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Sage: Sage is a classic autumnal herb, with its earthy, slightly peppery, and subtly piney flavor. It perfectly complements the squash, sweet potatoes, and cranberries, enhancing the harvest theme.
    • Tip: If using fresh sage, use about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Thyme is another essential herb for fall cooking, bringing a delicate, slightly lemony, and earthy flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the other herbs and vegetables.
    • Tip: If using fresh thyme, use about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy note that is characteristic of fall baking and cooking. It enhances the overall warmth and coziness of the casserole.
    • Tip: Freshly grated nutmeg is always preferable for its more intense aroma and flavor, but ground nutmeg works well too.
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste of the casserole. Season to your preference, tasting as you go.
• Topping – The Crunchy Crown:
  • 4 cups Herb Stuffing Mix (or Cornbread Stuffing): Stuffing mix provides a delightful savory and textural contrast to the creamy vegetables. Herb stuffing adds a classic Thanksgiving flavor, while cornbread stuffing offers a slightly sweeter and more rustic element. Choose your favorite or experiment with both!
    • Tip: You can use pre-packaged stuffing mix for convenience or make your own homemade stuffing from scratch for an even more special touch.
  • 1/2 cup Pecans or Walnuts, roughly chopped: Pecans or walnuts add a wonderful nutty crunch and a hint of buttery flavor to the topping. Their texture and taste complement the stuffing and the creamy filling perfectly.
    • Tip: Toast the pecans or walnuts lightly in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch. Be careful not to burn them.
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps to bind the stuffing and nut topping together, creating a golden and slightly crispy crust. It also enhances the flavor of the topping.
    • Tip: You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. If using salted butter, you may need to adjust the amount of salt added to the casserole overall.

Instructions

Creating this Harvest Casserole is a straightforward process, broken down into simple, manageable steps. Follow these instructions to bring this autumnal delight to your table:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is ideal for roasting the vegetables to perfection, ensuring they become tender and slightly caramelized. While the oven is preheating, prepare your vegetables. Peel and cube the butternut squash and sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Uniformity in size is crucial for even cooking. If using Brussels sprouts, shred them thinly.
2. Roast Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash and sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting the vegetables prior to assembling the casserole deepens their flavor and ensures they are perfectly tender. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned, stirring halfway through. If adding shredded Brussels sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl and add them to the baking sheet for the last 10-15 minutes of roasting, ensuring they don’t burn.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the creamy sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Fragrant garlic is key to a flavorful sauce. Add the softened cream cheese, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream (or half-and-half), dried sage, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Once the roasted vegetables are tender, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the cranberries (fresh or frozen) to the skillet and gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. The cranberries will soften and burst slightly as they heat up in the sauce. Pour the vegetable and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. A 9×13 inch dish is ideal for this recipe, allowing for even baking and a generous serving size.
5. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the herb stuffing mix (or cornbread stuffing), chopped pecans or walnuts, and melted butter. Toss everything together until the stuffing mixture is evenly moistened with butter and the nuts are distributed throughout. The melted butter helps to create a crispy and flavorful topping.
6. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the stuffing and nut mixture evenly over the vegetable mixture in the baking dish, creating a generous and flavorful topping layer. Gently press the topping down slightly to help it adhere to the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is heated through and bubbly around the edges. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the topping to prevent burning.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the Harvest Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing the sauce from being too runny. This also allows the flavors to meld together even further. Garnish with fresh sage leaves or chopped parsley (optional) for a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy the symphony of autumn flavors!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving – Estimated, based on typical ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

• Servings: Approximately 8-10 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-450 calories

Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown per Serving:

• Fat: 20-25g (This will vary depending on the type of cream and butter used)
• Carbohydrates: 35-45g (Includes sugars from vegetables and cranberries, and carbohydrates from stuffing)
• Protein: 8-12g (Protein content will vary depending on the type of broth and any added protein like chicken or turkey – if you choose to add some shredded cooked chicken or turkey, the protein content will increase significantly)

Important Notes:

• These nutrition facts are estimates only and should be considered as a general guide.
• For more precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
• This casserole is a good source of Vitamin A (from butternut squash and sweet potatoes), Vitamin C (from cranberries), and fiber (from vegetables and stuffing).
• It is also moderately high in fat due to the cream cheese, cream, and butter. To reduce fat content, consider using lighter cream cheese, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reducing the amount of butter in the topping.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30-40 minutes (This includes peeling and chopping vegetables, preparing the sauce, and assembling the topping)
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes (This includes roasting vegetables and baking the assembled casserole)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes

Tips to Speed Up Prep Time:

• Pre-chopped Vegetables: Purchase pre-cut butternut squash and sweet potatoes from the grocery store to save time on peeling and chopping.
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts: Buy pre-shredded Brussels sprouts or use a food processor with a shredding attachment to quickly shred them.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened in advance to make sauce preparation faster.
• Assemble Ahead: You can roast the vegetables and prepare the sauce ahead of time (up to a day in advance). Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake the casserole when you are ready to serve.

How to Serve

This Harvest Casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, making it perfect for different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• As a Side Dish:
  • Thanksgiving or Holiday Dinner: This casserole is a quintessential Thanksgiving or holiday side dish, complementing roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib beautifully. Its autumnal flavors are a perfect match for the festive season.
  • Sunday Supper: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a hearty pot roast for a comforting and satisfying Sunday supper.
  • Weeknight Meal: Pair with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and balanced weeknight dinner.
• As a Vegetarian Main Course:
  • Hearty Vegetarian Option: For vegetarians, this casserole can easily serve as a flavorful and satisfying main course. Its richness and depth of flavor make it a substantial meal on its own.
  • Add Protein: To boost the protein content if serving as a main course, consider adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or white beans to the vegetable mixture before baking.
• Garnishing Ideas:
  • Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh sage leaves, chopped parsley, or thyme sprigs for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  • Extra Nuts: Sprinkle extra toasted pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Serve with a side of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce for an extra burst of tartness and festive flavor.
  • Maple Syrup Drizzle: For a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over individual servings.
• Complementary Side Dishes:
  • Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
  • Roasted Green Beans or Asparagus: Roasted green vegetables add another element of freshness and balance to the meal.
  • Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potato Mash: For a truly decadent and comforting meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash.
  • Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: Warm dinner rolls or cornbread are perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Harvest Casserole

To ensure your Harvest Casserole is a resounding success, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Roasting Pan: When roasting the vegetables, make sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause the vegetables to steam instead of roast, resulting in them being soggy rather than nicely browned and caramelized. Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure ample space for roasting.
2. Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: The sweetness of butternut squash and sweet potatoes can vary. Taste the roasted vegetables before adding them to the sauce. If they are particularly sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of cranberries slightly to maintain a balanced flavor profile. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter casserole, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the sauce.
3. Customize the Topping: Feel free to customize the topping to your liking. If you prefer a crispier topping, you can add some panko breadcrumbs to the stuffing mixture. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free stuffing mix or make a topping with almond flour, chopped nuts, and gluten-free oats. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as hazelnuts or slivered almonds, for a different flavor profile.
4. Make it Ahead of Time: Harvest Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for simplifying holiday meal preparation or busy weeknights. You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) a day ahead of time. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
5. Reheat Leftovers Properly: Leftover Harvest Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You may want to add a tablespoon or two of broth or water to the casserole before reheating to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are five frequently asked questions about making Harvest Casserole to help you navigate any potential queries:

Q1: Can I make this casserole vegetarian or vegan?

A: Yes, absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, you’ll need to make a few substitutions. Replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and ensure your stuffing mix is vegan-friendly (some contain chicken broth or butter). You can also use olive oil instead of butter for the topping. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious and plant-based Harvest Casserole.

Q2: Can I add protein to this casserole?

A: Yes, you can definitely add protein to make it a more substantial main course. Shredded cooked chicken or turkey would be excellent additions. You can stir in about 2-3 cups of shredded cooked chicken or turkey to the vegetable mixture before pouring it into the baking dish. For a vegetarian protein boost, consider adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or white beans to the vegetable mixture.

Q3: Can I freeze Harvest Casserole?

A: Yes, you can freeze Harvest Casserole, although the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can bake the casserole, let it cool completely, cut it into individual portions, and freeze the portions for easier reheating.

Q4: I don’t have stuffing mix; what else can I use for the topping?

A: If you don’t have stuffing mix, you can use other options for the topping. Breadcrumbs (panko or regular) mixed with melted butter, herbs (like sage and thyme), and chopped nuts work well. You can also use crushed crackers (like Ritz crackers or gluten-free crackers) mixed with melted butter and seasonings. For a slightly sweeter topping, consider using crumbled gingersnap cookies or granola mixed with nuts and butter.

Q5: Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what’s in season. Roasted carrots, parsnips, acorn squash, or pumpkin would all be delicious additions or substitutions. You can also add other fall vegetables like kale or spinach (wilted or sautéed first) to the vegetable mixture for added nutrients and flavor. Just ensure the vegetables are roasted until tender before assembling the casserole.

Print