Butternut Squash Apple Bake

If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that captures the essence of fall, the Butternut Squash Apple Bake is your answer! This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the earthy flavor of butternut squash, creating a warm and inviting dish that will brighten up any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, this bake adds a touch of seasonal charm to your table.

What makes this dish so special is its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. You can have it ready in just 35 minutes! Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on Thanksgiving or as part of your everyday dinner rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s perfect for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavors of apples and squash, making it a hit at any family meal.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep this dish in advance, saving you time when guests arrive.
• Nutrient-Packed: Butternut squash is rich in vitamins and fiber, making this bake not only tasty but healthy too.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it as a side or even as a light dessert—it’s that good!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Butternut Squash Apple Bake. This dish is all about fresh flavors coming together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 the Butternut Squash Apple Bake is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have in your pantry or personal taste preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add More Spice: Incorporate nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Include Other Fruits: Try adding pears or dried apricots for more fruity goodness!
• Make It Nut-Free: Swap out nuts for pumpkin seeds if you’re avoiding nuts altogether.
• Go Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version.

How to Make Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and develops that lovely golden brown color.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. Mixing these ingredients well helps them absorb all those delicious flavors before they hit the oven!

Step 3: Season to Taste

Add salt and black pepper to the mixture. These seasonings bring balance to the natural sweetness of the fruits and squash.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Pour the mixture into a baking dish with a lid and spread it out evenly. The lid will help steam the squash, making it tender while baking.

Step 5: Add Butter & Bake

Dot chopped butter over the top of your mixture. Cover and bake for 15 minutes to allow those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Add Dried Fruits & Nuts

After 15 minutes, add in raisins, cranberries, and pecans. Toss everything gently together using tongs or a spoon—it’s important to combine these so every bite is packed with flavor! Cover again and return to bake for another 15 minutes until everything is tender.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and give it a good stir before serving. Enjoy this warm comfort food straight from your oven!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this wonderful Butternut Squash Apple Bake! It’s sure to become one of your favorites as it has mine!

Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Creating the perfect Butternut Squash Apple Bake is all about the little details that make a big difference. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish is a hit!

• Choose ripe apples: Using sweet, ripe apples like Gala or Honeycrisp will enhance the natural sweetness and flavor of your bake, making it even more delightful.

• Uniform cubing: Cutting your butternut squash and apples into evenly sized pieces ensures they cook at the same rate, resulting in a perfectly tender texture throughout the dish.

• Don’t skip the raisins and cranberries: These dried fruits add a burst of flavor and chewiness that complements the softness of the squash and apples, creating a well-rounded taste experience.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warm, fall flavors. Just a pinch can elevate your dish from good to spectacular!

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your bake to sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Apple Bake

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful when presented. Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh sage or thyme can bring a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving enhances its warm spice aroma.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the richness of the bake.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nice crunchy texture that complements the softness of the butternut squash.
• Green Bean Almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds offer a delightful crunch and bright color contrast to your dish.
• Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots drizzled with maple syrup create a harmonious blend of flavors that pairs beautifully with this bake.

With these serving suggestions, your Butternut Squash Apple Bake will shine on any table, making it not just a side dish but a centerpiece of warmth and comfort! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about Butternut Squash Apple Bake is how perfect it is for meal prep! You can easily whip this dish up ahead of time, making your holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the baked dish cool completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Butternut Squash Apple Bake:

Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?

Absolutely! While butternut squash is a favorite, you can substitute it with acorn squash or even pumpkin for a different flavor profile.

How can I make Butternut Squash Apple Bake vegan?

To make this dish vegan, simply replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. It will still be delicious!

What should I serve with Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

This bake pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian dish. It’s perfect for holiday feasts!

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

Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding pears or dried figs. They will complement the flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is not just a side dish—it’s a celebration of fall flavors that will warm your heart and home. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! It’s simple yet delightful, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Try it out and share your experiences; I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!