Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the butternut squash mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
