Butternut Squash Apple Bake

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that captures the essence of fall, look no further than my Butternut Squash Apple Bake. This recipe is a cherished favorite in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you! It combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash and apples, creating a warm blend that’s perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.

Every bite of this dish reminds me of crisp autumn days and hearty meals shared with loved ones. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, which is always a win in my book! Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving dinner or just want a comforting side dish on a Tuesday night, this Butternut Squash Apple Bake will surely delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of butternut squash and apples creates a naturally sweet flavor that everyone will love.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this dish comes together quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy with family.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dish early in the day and bake it right before serving, making it a fantastic option for busy occasions.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will find something to love in this comforting bake.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand! This recipe allows for plenty of substitutions to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for Butternut Squash Apple Bake are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create a delicious dish that celebrates seasonal flavors. Here’s what you 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it according to your preferences or what you have at home. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add more fruit: Toss in some chopped pears or figs for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Try different nuts: Swap pecans for almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
• Use maple syrup: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.

How to Make Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This step ensures that your Butternut Squash Apple Bake will cook evenly and get that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

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

Step 3: Season It Up

Now add the salt and black pepper into the mixture. Giving everything another good mix here helps balance out the sweetness with just the right amount of seasoning.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Pour your butternut squash mixture into a baking dish with a lid. Spread everything out evenly so each piece gets nice and tender as it bakes.

Step 5: Add Butter & Start Baking

Dot the mixture with chopped butter throughout. Cover the dish and bake it for about 15 minutes. This initial step helps soften the squash before adding other elements.

Step 6: Mix in Dried Fruits & Nuts

After 15 minutes, add in raisins, cranberries, and pecans. Toss everything gently together using tongs or a spoon—this ensures every bite has that delightful mix of flavors. Cover again and bake for another 15 minutes until everything is tender.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and give it one last stir before serving warm. The smell alone will have everyone gathering around!

Enjoy sharing this delicious Butternut Squash Apple Bake with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite at your table too!

Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Creating a delicious Butternut Squash Apple Bake is easy with a few handy tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose ripe apples: Using sweet, ripe apples like Gala or Fuji enhances the dish’s natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
• Cut squash evenly: Making sure your butternut squash cubes are uniform in size ensures they cook evenly, resulting in a perfectly tender texture throughout.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and complexity that complements the fall flavors beautifully.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spices and high-quality butter can make a significant difference in taste. Opt for organic when possible for the best flavor.
• Let it cool slightly before serving: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even more enjoyable.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Apple Bake

This delightful dish can be presented in various ways that will impress your family and friends at any table setting!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkling some fresh parsley or thyme on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup just before serving can enhance the sweetness and give it a lovely shine.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs wonderfully with the sweet notes of the bake, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, caramelized flavors of the squash and apples.
• Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch that balances out the soft textures in your bake.
• Stuffed Acorn Squash: Another seasonal favorite, stuffed acorn squash filled with grains and nuts complements the flavors while adding an elegant touch to your holiday spread.

Enjoy sharing this heartwarming dish that captures all the cozy vibes of fall!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, and enjoy it on busy days or during 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 3-5 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the dish in an oven-safe container, cover with foil to retain moisture.
• Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings until hot.

FAQs

Have questions about making this Butternut Squash Apple Bake? Here are some common inquiries!

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

Absolutely! While gala apples are sweet and flavorful, you can use any sweet apple variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!

How do I know when my Butternut Squash Apple Bake is done?

Your bake is done when the butternut squash is tender and lightly browned. A fork should easily pierce through the squash cubes, indicating they are perfectly cooked.

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

Definitely! You can customize your bake by adding nuts, seeds, or even spices like nutmeg or ginger. Just keep in mind that any additions may alter cooking times slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Butternut Squash Apple Bake a try! It’s a heartwarming dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors, making it a wonderful addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy creating this cozy recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with friends and family. Happy baking!