Butternut Squash Apple Bake

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the sweet earthiness of butternut squash with the crispness of apples, creating a delightful side dish that warms your heart and your home. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want something special for a busy weeknight, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

What makes this dish even more special is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a vibrant medley that everyone will love. Plus, it’s versatile enough to complement nearly any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just ten minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors in this bake.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
• Delicious Fall Flavors: The combination of cinnamon and apples gives it that warm, inviting taste we all crave during autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake is as easy as pie! You’ll find that all the ingredients are simple and wholesome—just what you want for a nourishing meal.

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 parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add More Nuts: Substitute or mix in different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
• Try Different Fruits: Swap out gala apples for pears or any other sweet fruit you love.
• Make It Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. This step ensures that your dish cooks evenly and helps develop those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. Mixing these together is where the magic begins—the scents will instantly transport you to cozy autumn days!

Step 3: Season and Mix

Add in the salt and pepper and mix everything well. These seasonings balance out the sweetness from the fruits while enhancing their natural flavors.

Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish

Pour the butternut squash mixture into a baking dish with a lid, spreading it evenly. This helps ensure everything cooks uniformly—no one wants unevenly baked vegetables!

Step 5: Add Butter and Bake

Place chopped pieces of butter throughout the mixture. Cover with a lid (or foil) and bake for 15 minutes. This initial baking helps soften the squash beautifully.

Step 6: Toss in Extras

After 15 minutes, remove from oven and add raisins, cranberries, and pecans. Toss everything together gently before covering again and returning it to bake for another 15 minutes until everything is tender and lightly browned.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once done, give it a good stir before serving warm. The combination of flavors will be irresistible! Enjoy this Butternut Squash Apple Bake as a delightful addition to your meal—your friends and family will definitely ask for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Creating the perfect Butternut Squash Apple Bake is all about a little extra care and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines at the table!

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for sweet apples like Gala or Fuji as they balance the savory squash perfectly. Their natural sweetness will enhance the overall flavor of your bake.

• Uniform Cubes: Cut your butternut squash and apples into even-sized cubes. This ensures they cook evenly, resulting in a tender texture throughout the dish.

• Don’t Skip the Raisins and Cranberries: These dried fruits add a delightful chew and burst of sweetness that complements the earthy squash. They also provide an appealing contrast in color.

• Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or even try almonds! Different nuts can bring unique flavors and textures, allowing you to customize your bake to your liking.

• Let it Rest: After baking, allow the dish to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Apple Bake

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake makes for an eye-catching centerpiece on any table. Its vibrant colors and comforting aroma are sure to draw everyone in!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary adds a lovely touch of color and freshness, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top right before serving brings out those warm spices and adds an inviting aroma.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the sweet notes of the bake while adding a nutty flavor.
• Green Beans Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with sliced almonds provide a crunchy contrast that complements the softness of the bake.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slightly bitter flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts balances out the sweetness of the butternut squash and apples, making it an ideal side dish.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes offer a comforting element that rounds out your meal beautifully, providing a satisfying texture alongside the bake.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Butternut Squash Apple Bake will not only taste amazing but look fabulous too! Enjoy this delightful dish as part of your holiday feast or any cozy family dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is not only a delicious addition to your holiday table, but it also shines as a meal prep superstar! You can prepare it in advance, making your cooking process smoother on busy days or festive gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Make sure the dish is completely cooled before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator prior to reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick heating.

FAQs

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

Can I use other types of squash for this Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

Yes! While butternut squash offers a sweet flavor, you can experiment with acorn squash or pumpkin for a different twist.

How do I make this Butternut Squash Apple Bake vegan?

To make it vegan, simply substitute the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The dish will still be delicious!

What can I serve with Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grain salads, or even as a standalone cozy comfort food!

Can I add other fruits to my Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

Absolutely! Pears or cranberries would make lovely additions and enhance the fall flavor profile of this dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Butternut Squash Apple Bake! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on your holiday table that brings everyone together. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experience. Happy cooking!