Butternut Squash Apple Bake

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish to bring warmth to your table, look no further than this Butternut Squash Apple Bake! This recipe has become one of my favorites, especially during the chilly months when everything seems to slow down and we crave something hearty. The combination of sweet butternut squash and apples creates a delightful medley that’s perfect for family gatherings or even a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma—who doesn’t love that?

Not only is Butternut Squash Apple Bake delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare. You can whip it up in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal addition to your holiday feast or any moment when you want something wholesome and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this beautiful dish baking in the oven.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors that come together beautifully.
• Healthy Ingredients: This bake is packed with nutritious ingredients like squash and apples, making it a guilt-free side dish.
• Versatile Dish: Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a casual dinner at home, this recipe fits any occasion perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Butternut Squash Apple Bake is that it uses simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have on hand. Let’s gather everything 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 joys of cooking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to get creative with this Butternut Squash Apple Bake by trying out these variations:

• Add More Spice: Sprinkle in some nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
• Nut Alternatives: Use slivered almonds or sunflower seeds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
• More Fruits: Toss in some chopped pears or figs for additional sweetness.
• Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.

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 gets that lovely golden-brown finish.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the butternut squash cubes, diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. Mixing these ingredients well helps distribute all those wonderful flavors throughout the dish.

Step 3: Season It Up

Add in the salt and black pepper; give everything another good stir. These seasonings 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. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that delicious flavor.

Step 5: Add Butter & Initial Bake

Dot your chopped butter over the top of the mixture. Cover the dish with its lid and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This step helps soften the squash while allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Mix In Dried Fruits & Nuts

After 15 minutes, take out your dish and add raisins, cranberries, and pecans. Use tongs or a spoon to gently toss everything together before covering again and returning it to the oven for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once finished baking until tender and lightly browned, remove from the oven. Give it one last stir before serving warm! It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a light dessert.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Butternut Squash Apple Bake—it’s truly comfort food at its best!

Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Creating the perfect Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a breeze with just a few extra tips!

• Choose the right apples: Opting for sweet varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp not only enhances the flavor but also balances the earthiness of the butternut squash, creating a harmonious dish.

• Uniform cubing: Cutting your butternut squash and apples into even pieces ensures they cook at the same rate, resulting in perfectly tender bites throughout.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth. These spices complement the sweetness and seasonal flavors beautifully.

• Add texture: Incorporating toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts not only adds a delightful crunch but also boosts the nutritional profile of your dish, making it more satisfying.

• Serve warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. The heat enhances all those lovely flavors and aromas, making it a cozy addition to any meal.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Presenting your Butternut Squash Apple Bake can turn this simple dish into a showstopper! Here are some creative ways to serve it up:

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on top adds a pop of color and an aromatic finish that brightens the dish.
• Coconut whipped cream: For a sweet twist, serve with coconut whipped cream on top. It adds richness and complements the fall flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs, lemon, and vegetables pairs wonderfully, adding protein and freshness that balances the sweetness of the bake.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt offer a savory contrast that rounds out your holiday table.
• Green Bean Almondine: The crunch of almonds against tender green beans creates a delightful textural contrast, while their vibrant color complements the warm tones of your bake.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

With these serving ideas, you’ll have an enticing spread that makes your Butternut Squash Apple Bake shine! Enjoy this comforting dish as part of your holiday feast or any cozy gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is not only a delightful dish for your holiday table, but it also makes for excellent meal prep. You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time and enjoy the comforting flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Butternut Squash Apple Bake to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• For freezing, portion out the Butternut Squash Apple Bake into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space in containers as the dish may expand when frozen.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To ensure quality, consider wrapping the container in foil before sealing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 30-40 minutes).
• For leftovers stored in the fridge, microwave on medium power until heated evenly or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Butternut Squash Apple Bake that might help you out!

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

Yes! While gala apples are sweet and delicious, feel free to experiment with any of your favorite varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. Each will bring its unique flavor profile to this delightful dish.

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

Your Butternut Squash Apple Bake is ready when the butternut squash is tender and lightly browned. A fork should easily pierce through the squash, indicating it’s cooked through.

Can I add nuts other than pecans to my Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

Absolutely! Walnuts work wonderfully, but you can also try almonds or even skip nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free option. Just adjust according to your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try this Butternut Squash Apple Bake! It’s a heartwarming addition to any table and brings together the lovely flavors of fall in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with family during a festive gathering or enjoying it quietly at home, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions—I’d love to hear how yours turns out!