Description
This Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish filled with roasted vegetables, wholesome grains, and a touch of sweetness from dried cranberries and golden raisins. Drizzled with a warm maple balsamic sauce and seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s perfect as a hearty side or a standalone vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ½ cup brown rice (short or long grain)
- ¼ cup wild rice
- ⅙ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 3–4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 ½–2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Toss the cubed butternut squash and sweet potato with half of the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread the vegetables on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
- Cook the Rice:
- Bring water to a boil in a pot. Cook the wild rice first for about 10 minutes.
- Add the brown rice and cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring in the remaining sauce.
- Once the rice is tender, stir in dried cranberries and golden raisins. Cover the pot and let it steam for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a baking dish, layer the roasted vegetables and the rice mixture alternately.
- Finish with a layer of roasted vegetables on top for a colorful presentation.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Dice vegetables evenly to ensure consistent roasting.
- Make this dish ahead by prepping the roasted vegetables and cooked rice a day in advance.
- For added crunch, top the casserole with chopped nuts or seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting and Baking
- Cuisine: American