It's hard to handle this casserole - with caution occasionally (3,6)
I believe the answer is:
hot potato
'it's hard to handle' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'this casserole with caution occasionally' is the wordplay.
'this casserole' becomes 'hotpot' (I've seen this before).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'occasionally' indicates alternate letters.
The alternating letters of 'caution' are 'ato'.
'hotpot'+'ato'='HOT POTATO'
(Other definitions for hot potato that I've seen before include "contentious question" , "controversy" , "Difficult issue" , "Awkward or delicate situation" , "Troublesome situation for spicy spud" .)