Butternut Squash Apple Bake

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve found it with this Butternut Squash Apple Bake! This recipe is a delightful mix of sweet butternut squash and tart apples, all wrapped up in a warm, cinnamon-spiced hug. It’s not just perfect for Thanksgiving; it’s also an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want to bring some warmth to the dinner table.

What makes this dish so special is how easy it is to prepare and how everyone loves it. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this Butternut Squash Apple Bake will surely become a favorite. The combination of flavors is nothing short of comforting, and I guarantee your loved ones will ask for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Just chop, mix, and bake! This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike enjoy the sweet flavors and fun textures of this dish.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare ahead of time, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices combined with the sweetness of the apples create a taste sensation that screams comfort food.
• Seasonal Goodness: Enjoying seasonal ingredients like butternut squash and apples means you’re savoring the best flavors that fall has to offer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients. You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor to the table, making this dish a true celebration of autumn.

For the Bake

• 1 1/2 pounds peeled (seeded, and small cubed butternut squash {about 2 cups, cubed evenly})
• 2 gala apples (peeled, cored and diced {or a sweet apple of your choice})
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar {or use honey}
• 2 tablespoons butter (chopped into sections)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup pecans {or walnuts}
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Variations

One of the best things about this Butternut Squash Apple Bake is how flexible it is! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Try Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or even slivered almonds for a different crunch.
• Add More Fruit: Toss in some pears or dried apricots for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for additional flavor variations.
• Go Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to make it plant-based!

How to Make Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden color.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Mixing these ingredients well allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Season It Right

Add in the salt and black pepper next. These seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of the squash and apples while balancing their flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Get Ready to Bake

Pour your mixture into a baking dish that has a lid. Spread everything out evenly so that all pieces cook uniformly. Then place chopped butter throughout the mixture—this will add richness as it melts while baking!

Step 5: First Bake Session

Cover your baking dish and pop it in the oven for 15 minutes. This initial bake softens the squash and apples so they can soak up all those lovely spices.

Step 6: Add Some Chewy Goodness

After 15 minutes are up, take out your dish and add in those raisins, cranberries, and pecans (or walnuts). Use tongs or a spoon to gently toss everything together before covering again. Return it to the oven for another 15 minutes until that butternut squash is tender and lightly browned.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, give everything a good stir. Serve warm as a delightful side dish that perfectly complements any meal!

Now you have an irresistible Butternut Squash Apple Bake that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Creating the perfect Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a breeze with a few simple tips!

• Cut uniform pieces: Ensuring your butternut squash and apples are cut into similar sizes helps them cook evenly, resulting in a perfectly tender texture throughout.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon adds a lovely warmth, feel free to add nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and squash.

• Choose ripe fruit: Selecting sweet, ripe apples will enhance the overall flavor of the bake. Gala or Honeycrisp apples work beautifully for their natural sweetness.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar or honey. You can always taste and adjust based on your preference before baking!

• Let it rest before serving: After baking, allow the dish to sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Serving Butternut Squash Apple Bake can be as delightful as preparing it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish on your table.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme adds a beautiful touch and enhances the aroma.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: For those who love extra sweetness, a light drizzle of maple syrup on top just before serving elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their earthy flavor contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the bake, adding depth to your meal.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance and adds protein to your plate.
• Green beans almondine: The crispness of sautéed green beans with toasted almonds brings both texture and nutrition to complement your dish.
• Cranberry sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce pairs beautifully, enhancing the fall flavors while adding a vibrant color to your table.

With these serving suggestions, your Butternut Squash Apple Bake will shine as a highlight on any holiday or family dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily prepare it in advance, allowing you to enjoy its warm, comforting flavors without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the leftovers to cool completely at room temperature.
• Transfer them into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For frozen leftovers, it’s best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Butternut Squash Apple Bake.

Can I use different types of apples in Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

Absolutely! While I recommend Gala apples for their sweetness, feel free to use any sweet variety you prefer. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples would work wonderfully too!

How can I make my Butternut Squash Apple Bake sweeter?

If you’d like a sweeter dish, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or honey. Alternatively, adding a bit more dried fruit like raisins or cranberries will enhance the sweetness naturally.

Is Butternut Squash Apple Bake healthy?

Yes! This dish is packed with nutritious ingredients like butternut squash and apples, providing vitamins and fiber while still being a comforting side option.

Can I make Butternut Squash Apple Bake vegan?

Certainly! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and replace honey with maple syrup for added sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Butternut Squash Apple Bake as much as I do! Its blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether it’s gracing your holiday table or served on a cozy weeknight, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy making it and sharing it with those you love—happy baking!