Butternut Squash Apple Bake

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that captures the essence of fall, let me introduce you to my beloved Butternut Squash Apple Bake. This delightful recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the earthy richness of butternut squash, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will warm your heart and home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, making it an all-star addition to your dinner table.

Every time I make this dish, it reminds me of cozy family dinners and the joyful spirit of the season. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible! Whether you’re serving it as a side at Thanksgiving or enjoying it on a chilly evening, this Butternut Squash Apple Bake is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With its sweet flavors and colorful presentation, even picky eaters will enjoy this dish.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and seasonal fruits creates a warm, comforting taste that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find that they are simple, wholesome, and perfect for creating this delicious bake.

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

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Some Spice: Consider mixing in nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or even sunflower seeds to change up the texture.
• Mix in Other Fruits: Toss in some sliced pears or dried apricots for added sweetness.
• Make It Vegan: Replace 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

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your bake cooks evenly and comes out perfectly tender.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. Mixing these ingredients together helps to distribute the flavors evenly across the dish.

Step 3: Season It Up

Add in the salt and pepper next. These little touches really enhance the natural sweetness of the squash and apples.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Pour your butternut squash mixture into a baking dish with a lid. Spreading everything evenly allows for uniform cooking.

Step 5: Add Butter and Start Baking

Dot the mixture with chopped butter before covering it up. Bake for 15 minutes—this initial step softens the squash beautifully.

Step 6: Mix In The Extras

After 15 minutes, add raisins, cranberries, and pecans into your dish. Gently toss everything together using tongs or a spoon. Cover again and bake for another 15 minutes until everything is tender and lightly browned.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once it’s done baking, give it a good stir before serving warm. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Enjoy sharing this Butternut Squash Apple Bake with family and friends—it’s bound to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Making the perfect Butternut Squash Apple Bake is all about attention to detail and a few clever tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time!

• Choose ripe apples: Using sweet, ripe apples like Gala or Honeycrisp not only enhances the flavor but also adds natural sweetness that balances the earthy taste of butternut squash.

• Cut evenly: Cubing your butternut squash and apples into similar sizes ensures even cooking, so you won’t end up with some pieces overcooked while others remain crunchy.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth and depth in flavor.

• Add a splash of citrus: A little lemon or orange juice can brighten the flavors and prevent the apples from browning too quickly. Just a teaspoon mixed in with your other ingredients can make a big difference!

• Make it ahead: For stress-free entertaining, prepare the dish a day in advance! Assemble everything in the baking dish and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven – easy peasy!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Apple Bake

When it comes to serving your Butternut Squash Apple Bake, presentation is key! This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a standout at any meal. Here are some ideas on how to showcase it nicely.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or sage on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle can enhance the sweetness and complement the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A hearty quinoa salad with roasted vegetables brings a nutty flavor and complements the sweetness of the bake.
• Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds provide a crunchy contrast and add a lovely green touch to your plate.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The crispy texture and slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts balance out the sweet notes from your bake perfectly.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce is not only traditional for holiday meals but also adds brightness that pairs well with both the squash and apples.

With these serving suggestions, your Butternut Squash Apple Bake will not only taste amazing but look fantastic on your table too! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the fantastic things about Butternut Squash Apple Bake is how well it lends itself to meal prep. You can easily make this dish ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how you can store and enjoy your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Butternut Squash Apple Bake to cool completely.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• When ready to eat, you can reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

• Let the bake cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
• You can also microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Butternut Squash Apple Bake that may help you as you prepare this delicious dish.

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

Yes! While butternut squash gives a lovely sweetness and texture, you can experiment with other squashes like acorn or kabocha. Just adjust cooking times as needed since different squashes have varying densities.

What can I substitute for brown sugar in Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

You can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead of brown sugar. Both options will add delightful flavor while keeping your dish sweet and satisfying.

How long does Butternut Squash Apple Bake last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Butternut Squash Apple Bake will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for future meals.

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

Absolutely! Pears, cranberries, or even dried figs would complement the flavors beautifully. Feel free to get creative with your fruit choices!

Final Thoughts

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. The combination of sweet apples and earthy squash makes it an absolute favorite among family and friends during the holiday season—or any time you crave something cozy. I hope you enjoy making this delightful side dish as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations; I’d love to hear your thoughts!