Side dishes are important at holiday parties from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Winter squash is often on the menu, and this Instant Pot Butternut Squash Bake is both delicious and different. Often winter squash casseroles include brown sugar and spices, but this is a savory bake and it goes well with any main dish, as well as the other side dishes such as corn pudding, creamed vegetables, and .

This casserole can be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated. It will take slightly longer to bake – about 45 minutes. Although butternut squash is my favorite winter squash to use in this casserole, you can use any winter squash that you happen to have around such as banana squash, acorn, delicata, and kuri.

8 Servings

2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water

1 cup grated cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 package Buttery Crackers such as Ritz, crushed and divided

Topping
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1. Place the squash, garlic, onion and salt in the Instant Pot; add the water and stir.
2. Cover the pot, set the valve to sealing, and set to manual for 3 minutes.
3. When the cycle is finished, do a quick release of the pressure, and drain the squash well.
4. Return the squash to the empty Instant Pot, and, using a potato masher, add the butter and mix until melted.
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the cracker crumbs.
6. Mix the eggs and whipping cream, and add to the squash mixture.
7. Preheat oven to 350º. Spray a 2 quart shallow casserole dish with non-stick spray.
8. Pour the squash mixture into the dish and smooth out.
9. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup cheese over the squash.
10. Mix the two tablespoons melted butter with the remaining cracker crumbs and parsley; sprinkle over the cheese.
11. Bake 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is puffed and bubbly.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 280 Calories from Fat 180
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 64% Protein 12% Carb. 24%

Nutrient Amount per % Daily
Serving Value
Total Fat 20 g 31%
Saturated Fat 12 g 60%
Cholesterol 109 mg 36%
Sodium 393 mg 16%
Total Carbohydrate 17 g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2 g 7%
Sugars 0 g
Protein 9 g

Vitamin A 193% Vitamin C 44% Calcium 0% Iron 7%