This baked farro casserole brings nutty farro, sweet butternut squash, savory bacon, and Brussels sprouts together under a finishing sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty, colorful side dish that fits right in at a cozy family dinner or on your Thanksgiving table.
If you’re looking for a delicious change from the usual rice or potato sides, give this comforting farro bake a try!
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Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list for making baked farro with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts:
- Why this recipe works:
- What is farro and how does it taste?
- Is farro healthy?
- Can this recipe be made in advance?
- How to reheat if making in advance:
- The step-by-step photo instructions:
- Additional fall side dishes:
- Key Recipe Takeaways:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
This recipe was originally shared in 2015. This post has been updated with additional information, including a recipe card complete with nutritional information, but the recipe itself has remained unchanged.
The ingredient list for making baked farro with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
- whole grain farro
- bacon
- onion
- cubed butternut squash
- fresh Brussels sprouts, halved or quartered
- butter
- dry white wine
- beef broth (or stock)
- grated nutmeg
- Parmesan cheese
- garlic
- smoked paprika
- salt and pepper
Why this recipe works:
Baked Farro Casserole is a dish that could (and should) become a family staple on your Thanksgiving table, and beyond.
Not only is it delicious and nutritious, but it also features all those lovely fall colors which are a feast for your eyes as well as your taste buds.
What is farro and how does it taste?
Farro is an ancient wheat grain with a slightly nutty flavor and a firm, chewy texture.
Is farro healthy?
Whole farro (which is what this recipe calls for), is a complex carbohydrate that's full of protein, fiber, and contains a good amount of magnesium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins in every serving.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes it can.
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You can make it fully from start to finish the day before you plan to serve, allow it to cool completely and store it in the refrigerator (covered) overnight.
OR, make the casserole, but instead of baking right away, cool completely, cover and refrigerate overnight.
How to reheat if making in advance:
Whether baked in advance (or not), allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes before baking.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes (if unbaked), OR 20-25 minutes (if prebaked) for reheating.
The step-by-step photo instructions:
Additional fall side dishes:
Key Recipe Takeaways:
- The baked farro casserole combines nutty farro, butternut squash, bacon, and Brussels sprouts topped with Parmesan cheese.
- It's a nutritious and colorful side dish, perfect for family dinners and Thanksgiving.
- Farro is an ancient grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, then reheat it before serving for convenience.
- This recipe offers a delicious alternative to traditional rice or potato sides.
Printable Recipe Card
Baked Farro Casserole with Butternut Squash and Bacon
Equipment
- 6-quart casserole dish
Ingredients
- ¼ pound bacon, cooked and drained
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1½ cups whole farro
- 1 cup dry white wine dry
- 2 cups beef broth, or stock
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet until your desired consistency.Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels.
- Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the skillet. Add the onion, butternut squash, and prepared Brussels sprouts into the skillet along with 1 tablespoon butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes.Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, garlic, paprika and bacon.
- Add the farro to the pot, stirring to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
- Add the wine and beef stock to the skillet. Simmer for 5-10 minutes over medium heat.
- Transfer the mixture into a 6-quart baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover the baking dish and bake in a preheated oven for 50 minutes.
- Remove the cover and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over top. Return the casserole back into the oven (uncovered) for 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you'll enjoy making, serving, and of course eating today's delicious baked farro with Brussels sprouts, bacon and butternut squash as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
All of the recipes you'll find here on my website are in loving memory of my son, Greg, who left this earth far too soon and will be forever in our hearts.
Julian says
I made this by first cooking on the stovetop with my 7 quart dutch oven and then putting it directly into the oven in the dutch oven. It came out perfect, i just added a touch more water (maybe 1 cup) to cover everything in the pot for simmering. Nice simple one pot meal, and its also delicious. I'm definitely adding this to my recipe book for the next potluck event.
Renée says
Hi, Julian!
I'm very glad you enjoyed this recipe so much. It's one of my favorites.
Every time someone finds this recipe and comments it reminds me that it's time to make it again.
Thanks for the reminder. LOL. Also, thanks for the 5-star rating. I appreciate it.
Have a lovely day,
Renee
PB says
Great flavors. Will certainly make again. Next time, though, I'd toss the brussels and squash in halfway through the oven time. The veggies were way too mushy when exposed to a combined total of 70 minutes of cooking.
Renée says
I'm glad you enjoyed the flavor even though the texture may have been a little off for your tastes.
I am happy you'll be making it again.
Have a great day!
Renee
Meagen Brosius says
This is SO delicious. So many great flavors and it's just perfect for fall. I can't wait to serve this at our next family gathering, everyone will love!
Renée says
I'm so happy you like this recipe. It's sure to please your entire family! Thanks.
Taryn says
This is the flavor of fall in a bite! I love the combo of butternut squash and bacon.
Renée says
Me, too. Glad you like this recipe, Taryn! Thanks.
Liz Berg says
YUM! So many of my favorites in this recipe--farro, Brussels sprouts, bacon. What a terrific recipe!
Susan says
I just love farro, I think it's one of my favorite whole grains. I would never have thought about baking it and this dish sounds lovely.
Lauren says
I love this - it's the perfect balance of healthy and hearty. Farro is awesome!
Nikki @ Nik Snacks says
That's so awesome, that he enjoyed it. Kudos to you and for keeping it healthy!
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
Farro is hands-down my favorite whole grain. I often cook a batch to keep in the fridge and eat all week long. This dish looks amazing, I mean squash and bacon - yes please! And how great that your fil really enjoyed it, too. 🙂
Martha @ A Family Feast says
We first had farro on our honeymoon in Italy and it was impossible to find at stores in the US...but so glad it is more readily available these days (thank you Whole Foods!) The looks really great and I can totally see why your family would want to make it themselves!
Brenda@SugarFreeMom says
Looks hearty and perfect, especially that you added bacon!!
foody schmoody says
Farro is on my "must try" list. I just keep forgetting about it. This dish has my other faves in it though, butternut, Brussels sprouts and bacon! I'm definitely giving this one a go!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
This looks fantastic Renee! I'm a recent convert to Farro too...I just love the nutty flavor.