Preheat oven to 375°F.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet set over medium heat.
4 tbsp unsalted butter
Add in the onion, salt, and pepper, sautéing until softened.
½ onion, 1 tsp kosher salt, ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
Stir in the garlic, nutmeg, and chopped sage and cook for another minute.
2 cloves garlic, ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp chopped fresh sage
Stir in the heavy cream, and let the mixture simmer for a couple minutes. Taste, and add salt if needed.
1 cup heavy cream
Layer half of the butternut squash at the bottom of a greased casserole dish, followed by ⅓ of the cream mixture, followed by ½ cup of cheese. Repeat this process 2 more times, but leave the remaining ½ cup of cheese off.
2½-3 lbs. butternut squash, 1½ cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
Cover the casserole dish with foil, and bake for 30 minutes
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine it with the breadcrumbs.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Remove the foil, and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese and buttered breadcrumbs over the casserole.
Return the casserole to the oven, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.