Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a cozy and flavorful side dish perfect for fall. Sweet apples and tender squash combine with warm cinnamon and nuts to create a comforting, naturally sweet treat. It’s simple to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
• 2 gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 2 tbsp butter, cut in pieces
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the butternut squash mixture.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, diced gala apples, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar or honey. Stir everything together until the squash and apples are well coated. Add salt and black pepper, mixing again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
3. Step 3: Transfer the seasoned mixture into a lidded baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place small pieces of butter over the top. Cover the dish with its lid and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the dish from the oven and uncover. Add golden raisins, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans or walnuts. Gently toss everything together to distribute. Cover the dish again and bake for another 15 minutes, until the squash is tender and the top is lightly browned.
5. Step 5: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Stir the bake gently to mix melted butter and juices. Serve warm directly from the dish for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier texture, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the bake.
• Substitute maple syrup for honey or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for more warming spice depth.
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to balance flavor complexity.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be served cold or at room temperature if preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mixture in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add nuts and dried fruits before the final baking step as instructed.

Can I use other types of squash?

Butternut squash works best for its sweetness and texture, but you can try acorn or kabocha squash. Adjust cooking time as needed since different squashes vary in firmness.

Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 93 reviews

This Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a warm and comforting dish that perfectly combines tender butternut squash with sweet gala apples, accented by cinnamon, vanilla, and a medley of dried fruits and nuts. Baked until tender and caramelized, it’s a delightful side or vegetarian main for fall and holiday meals.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Squash Mixture

• 1 1/2 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
• 2 gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 2 tbsp butter, cut in pieces
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

To Add Later

• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the butternut squash mixture.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, diced gala apples, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar or honey. Stir everything together until the squash and apples are well coated with the spices and sweetener. Then add the salt and black pepper, mixing again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
3. Initial Baking: Transfer the seasoned butternut squash and apple mixture into a lidded baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place small pieces of butter over the top of the mixture to help it brown and become flavorful while baking. Cover the dish with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. Add Fruits and Nuts: After 15 minutes of baking, remove the dish from the oven. Uncover and add the golden raisins, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans or walnuts. Gently toss everything together with tongs or a spoon so the fruits and nuts are well distributed. Cover the dish again and return it to the oven.
5. Finish Baking: Continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and the top is lightly browned. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit more cinnamon at this point if desired.
6. Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Stir the baked mixture gently to ensure the melted butter and released juices are evenly distributed. Serve the warm butternut squash and apple medley straight from the dish for best flavor.

Notes

• Choose gala apples for their sweetness and ability to hold shape during baking.
• You can substitute pecans or walnuts based on preference or availability.
• For a vegan version, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey if used.
• If you like a softer texture, you can cover the dish for the entire baking time instead of uncovering halfway.
• Sprinkling extra cinnamon at the end enhances aroma and warmth, but it’s optional.

Keywords: butternut squash bake, autumn recipes, baked squash and apples, fall side dish, vegetarian fall recipe