Easy Instant Pot Apple Butternut Squash Casserole: Your New Favorite Holiday Side Dish

Are you searching for a fresh, exciting addition to your holiday dinner table this year? Perhaps you’re ready to gently nudge aside the traditional sweet potato casserole or green bean casserole for something equally comforting but with a delightful twist. Look no further! We recently prepared this Instant Pot Apple Butternut Squash Casserole in our kitchen, and it instantly became a beloved favorite. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, packed with warming autumnal flavors that will undoubtedly impress your guests and add a vibrant touch to any festive meal.

The Instant Pot Advantage for Butternut Squash

Utilizing your Instant Pot to prepare butternut squash is a game-changer, making it one of our go-to methods for everyday side dishes. The pressure cooker excels at transforming firm butternut squash into tender, flavorful cubes with incredible ease and consistency every single time. Beyond its speed, the Instant Pot offers a hands-off approach, freeing up valuable stovetop and oven space—a precious commodity during holiday meal preparation. Plus, butternut squash itself is incredibly versatile, lending itself beautifully to a myriad of flavor combinations, and this casserole truly showcases its potential.

This particular butternut squash casserole recipe is a symphony of flavors, combining the natural sweetness of apples, the smoky crunch of bacon, the subtle bite of red onions, and the nutty texture of pecans. It’s infused with aromatic fresh sage and thyme, balanced with a hint of honey, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a truly irresistible dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of fall and winter holidays.

The Essential Role of Stackable Pan Inserts

When crafting this delicious apple butternut squash casserole in the Instant Pot, using a stackable pan insert is a crucial step for achieving the desired texture and preventing sogginess. While it might be tempting to cook the ingredients directly in the Instant Pot’s main pot, pressure cookers inherently require liquid to come to pressure. Adding liquids directly to this butternut squash mixture would cause the ingredients to become overly saturated, leading to a mushy, less appealing texture that might fall apart.

The stackable pan insert allows the casserole to cook indirectly, steaming gently above the water in the Instant Pot. This method ensures that the butternut squash and apples become perfectly tender without absorbing excess moisture, preserving their delightful consistency and concentrated flavors. There are various casserole dishes designed to fit within the Instant Pot, so if you’re exploring this route, always double-check that they are heat-safe and suitable for pressure cooking.

While theoretically, you could attempt to slow cook or sauté the squash mixture directly in the Instant Pot until it’s fork-tender without added liquids, this approach would significantly increase the cooking time and might not yield the same consistent, perfectly cooked results as pressure cooking with a stackable insert. For this specific recipe, we strongly recommend investing in a set of stackable pans if you don’t already own them. Since acquiring ours, we’ve discovered countless new ways to utilize our pressure cooker, expanding our repertoire of quick and easy meals exponentially. They are a truly versatile accessory that will elevate your Instant Pot cooking experience far beyond this one recipe.

Instant Pot Apple Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but can also be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. For a Weight Watchers-friendly option, simply use turkey bacon instead of traditional thick-cut bacon.

12 Freestyle Smart Points (when prepared with traditional bacon)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

¼ c. coconut oil, melted, divided
3 c. butternut squash, peeled and cubed (approx. ½-inch pieces)
2 medium firm apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith), cored and cubed (approx. ½-inch pieces)
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1½ t. fresh sage, finely chopped
1½ t. fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces
½ c. pecans, roughly chopped
2 T. honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
½ t. ground cinnamon
¼ t. ground cloves
1/2-1 c. water (for the Instant Pot to come to pressure)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, apples, chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, fresh sage, and fresh thyme. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Toss all ingredients together until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
Carefully transfer the butternut squash mixture into a stackable Instant Pot pan insert, spreading it out into an even layer. Place this pan insert inside your Instant Pot liner. Pour at least ½ cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s beneath the stackable pan and not directly touching your food mixture. (You may need up to 1 cup depending on your Instant Pot model and size to ensure it comes to pressure effectively).
Securely lock the lid on your Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) setting and set the cooking time for five minutes on “High” pressure.
Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes. This natural release period will allow the squash to continue steaming gently and become perfectly tender while you prepare the topping.
While the squash is pressure cooking and naturally releasing, prepare the bacon-pecan topping. In a skillet, over medium heat on the stovetop, cook the chopped bacon until it is crispy and golden brown.
Once the bacon is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon pieces to a small mixing bowl lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess grease. Blot off any remaining grease from the top of the bacon and set it aside to cool slightly.
Once the bacon has cooled for a few minutes and is mostly grease-free, discard the paper towels. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil, chopped pecans, honey, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves to the bowl with the bacon. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper as desired. Toss all ingredients together until the pecans and bacon are evenly coated.
After the 15-minute natural release, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure in the Instant Pot by turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Once the float valve drops, open the lid.
Carefully remove the stackable pan containing the butternut squash mixture from the Instant Pot. Transfer the aromatic butternut squash and apple mixture to your chosen serving dish. Generously top with the prepared crispy bacon-pecan mixture.
Serve immediately and savor the delightful flavors!

Nutrition Information

Amount Per Serving (based on 6 servings)
Calories: 234
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sodium: 18mg
Carbohydrates: 26g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 2g

Serving Size

6 servings

Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Choose the Right Squash: Look for a butternut squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a dull, not shiny, skin. A shiny skin indicates it was picked too early.
Select Firm Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape well during cooking, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
Consistent Cubing: Ensure your butternut squash and apples are cut into uniform ½-inch cubes. This promotes even cooking in the Instant Pot and ensures both ingredients become tender at the same rate.
Don’t Skimp on Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage and thyme provide an unparalleled aromatic depth that dried herbs simply can’t replicate in this recipe.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Take your time to cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. The textural contrast is crucial for the overall enjoyment of the casserole. Patting off excess grease ensures it stays crisp.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your butternut squash mixture before pressure cooking and the bacon-pecan topping before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and even honey as needed to suit your palate.
Serving Warm: This casserole is best served warm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

One of the beauties of this Instant Pot Apple Butternut Squash Casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it uniquely yours:

Herb Alternatives: If you enjoy different herb profiles, consider adding a touch of fresh rosemary or a hint of marjoram to complement the sage and thyme, or even as a substitute.
Nut Swaps: Not a fan of pecans? Walnuts offer a similar crunch and earthy flavor. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a different textural element.
Sweetener Adjustments: While honey adds a wonderful richness, maple syrup is an excellent substitute, especially if you’re aiming for a vegan version. You can also adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to control the sweetness level to your preference. A pinch of brown sugar could also be added for extra caramelization.
Bacon Alternatives: For a lighter option, as noted, turkey bacon works wonderfully. If you want to explore different savory notes, crispy pancetta or even a bit of smoked sausage (diced and browned) could add another layer of flavor.
Vegan Adaptation: To make this recipe completely vegan, simply omit the bacon and ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey. You might also consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the squash mixture for a subtle smoky depth that mimics the absence of bacon.
Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes added to the squash mixture can provide a subtle warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering it.

Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

While this casserole shines as a holiday showstopper, its versatility means it can grace your table on many other occasions:

Holiday Feast: A perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, baked ham, prime rib, or a festive roast chicken.
Everyday Dinner: Pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken breasts, pan-seared pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf.
Brunch Delight: Serve it alongside a savory quiche, scrambled eggs, or even as a unique topping for rustic toast.
As a Lighter Main: For a satisfying vegetarian meal, serve a larger portion of the casserole with a fresh green salad on the side.

Why This Dish Deserves a Spot on Your Table

In summary, this Instant Pot Apple Butternut Squash Casserole offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. It leverages the efficiency of the Instant Pot to deliver a sophisticated side dish with minimal fuss, a true blessing during busy times. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet, providing a nourishing alternative to heavier, cream-based casseroles. The combination of tender squash and apples, crispy bacon, crunchy pecans, and fragrant herbs creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting, fresh yet familiar.

Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday dinner or simply looking for an easy, flavorful weeknight side, this recipe is a winner. Its vibrant colors and complex flavors make it a beautiful and delicious addition to any meal. So, go ahead and give it a try—we’re confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!

If you aren’t making this Instant Pot Apple Butternut Squash Casserole right this second, be sure to pin this post so you can easily find this incredible recipe later. You won’t want to miss out on these delicious flavors!