Butternut Squash Apple Bake

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for the fall season, look no further than this Butternut Squash Apple Bake. This delightful recipe combines the sweet flavors of roasted butternut squash and apples, creating a warm side dish that will charm your family and friends alike. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this dish brings that special touch to any table.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare while still delivering on taste. The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and the natural sweetness from the squash and apples creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious side dish in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavors, making it a great way to sneak in some veggies!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prepare this ahead of time and reheat it for quick meals throughout the week.
• Fall Flavors Galore: The blend of butternut squash and apples makes this dish a true celebration of autumn.
• Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with various main courses, from roasted chicken to vegetarian entrees.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Butternut Squash Apple Bake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry! Each one plays a vital role in enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

For the Bake

• 1 1/2 pounds peeled (seeded, and small cubed butternut squash {about 2 cups})
• 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 Butternut Squash Apple Bake is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand!

• Add More Nuts: Consider including almonds or pistachios for an extra crunch.
• Incorporate Other Fruits: Try adding pears or cranberries for additional sweetness and texture.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a plant-based version.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warm spices.

How to Make Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. This step is crucial because it ensures your bake cooks evenly and develops that lovely golden color as it roasts.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. Mix everything well until all pieces are coated. This blend not only enhances flavor but also sets up a beautiful base for roasting.

Step 3: Season It Right

Add in the salt and black pepper, giving everything another good mix. The seasoning balances out the sweetness from the fruits while enhancing their natural flavors.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Pour the butternut squash mixture into a baking dish with a lid. Spread it evenly so that every piece has room to roast nicely. A good even spread allows everything to cook uniformly.

Step 5: Bake with Butter

Place chopped butter throughout the mixture. Cover with the lid and bake for 15 minutes. This initial baking step helps soften the vegetables while infusing them with buttery goodness.

Step 6: Add Extra Goodies

After 15 minutes, take out your dish and add in raisins, cranberries, and pecans. Toss everything together gently using tongs or a spoon before covering again. Bake for another 15 minutes until everything is tender and lightly browned.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once done baking, remove from the oven and give it a good stir before serving warm. This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when those sweet aromas are at their peak!

This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home; I can’t wait for you to try it!

Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Creating the perfect Butternut Squash Apple Bake is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen. Here are some handy tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose the right apples: Opt for sweet varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp, which balance the earthiness of butternut squash beautifully and add a delightful tartness.

• Uniformly cube the squash: Cutting the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes ensures it cooks uniformly, resulting in a tender texture throughout.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the brown sugar or honey. This allows you to customize the dish to your family’s liking.

• Add spices for depth: Don’t hesitate to sprinkle in additional spices such as nutmeg or ginger. These warm spices can enhance the fall flavors and make your bake even more aromatic.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together, making each bite more satisfying and delicious.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Presenting your Butternut Squash Apple Bake beautifully can make it an enchanting centerpiece on your holiday table. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle a handful of fresh parsley or sage on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Toasted nuts: Add a few extra toasted pecans or walnuts on top. This not only enhances texture but also adds an inviting crunch.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced vegetables and a citrus dressing pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bake, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts complements this dish well, offering another layer of flavor with crispy edges.
• Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds introduce crunch and brightness, balancing out the richness of the squash bake.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds a zesty kick that beautifully contrasts with the sweet notes of the bake, making every bite delightful.

Enjoy your heartwarming Butternut Squash Apple Bake! It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is not only a delightful addition to your holiday table but also an excellent choice for meal prep. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and store it, making your mealtime stress-free.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish thoroughly before freezing.
• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or oven at 350 degrees until warmed through.
• Add a splash of water or vegetable broth if it seems dry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

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

Absolutely! While gala apples work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for different flavors.

How can I modify the Butternut Squash Apple Bake for a vegan option?

To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly!

Can I add other fruits or nuts to the Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

Yes! You can mix in additional dried fruits like apricots or different nuts such as almonds for extra texture and flavor.

Is there a way to reduce sugar in the Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

Certainly! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey by half, or opt for a sugar alternative like maple syrup that provides sweetness without excess calories.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is truly a special dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its sweet aroma and delightful flavors are sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Feel free to share your experiences and variations, and let’s celebrate these wonderful flavors together!