Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a delightful and comforting side dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This recipe combines sweet butternut squash with juicy apples, creating a warm, flavorful harmony. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish stands out with its rich aroma and vibrant colors. Serve it alongside your main courses, and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this dish can be made by anyone, even beginner cooks.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweetness of butternut squash and apples melds beautifully with cinnamon, creating a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion, it complements various main dishes while standing out on its own.
• Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with vitamins and fiber from the squash and fruits, this bake is a healthy choice for your table.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your Butternut Squash Apple Bake, gather the essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish with lid
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or tongs for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish with lid: Keeps moisture in while baking, ensuring tender squash.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient measurements for perfect results.

Ingredients

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a the perfect side dish for your holiday table. It is sweet, warm and full of fall flavors.

For the Base

• 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 tablespoon butter (chopped into sections)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Add-Ins

• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup pecans {or walnuts}
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

How to Make Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Butternut squash
2. Apples
3. Cinnamon
4. Vanilla
5. Brown sugar

Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Seasoning

Add in:
– Salt
– Black pepper

Mix again thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the butternut squash mixture into a baking dish that has a lid. Spread it out evenly across the bottom.

Step 5: Add Butter

Distribute chopped pieces of butter throughout the mixture. Cover the dish with its lid and place in the oven.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Bake for 15 minutes. This will help soften the vegetables before adding other ingredients.

Step 7: Add Dried Fruits and Nuts

After 15 minutes, carefully remove from the oven. Add:
– Raisins
– Dried cranberries
– Pecans

Use tongs or a spoon to toss everything together gently. Cover again and return to the oven.

Step 8: Final Baking

Bake for another 15 minutes or until butternut squash is tender and lightly browned.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Remove from oven one last time and give it a good stir before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Butternut Squash Apple Bake!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a delightful dish that can elevate any meal. Its sweet and savory flavors make it versatile for various occasions, especially during the holiday season. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy this delicious bake.

As a Holiday Side Dish

• Pair with roasted turkey or chicken for a comforting holiday feast.
• Serve alongside a green salad to balance the sweetness with fresh greens.

With Grains

• Spoon over cooked quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nutrition.
• Use as a topping for creamy polenta, creating a warm and hearty meal.

For Breakfast

• Enjoy warmed as a unique breakfast option, perhaps with a dollop of yogurt on top.
• Incorporate into a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs for a flavorful start to your day.

As a Snack

• Serve cold or warm as an afternoon snack for a healthy treat.
• Top with additional nuts or seeds for crunch along with your favorite fruit spread.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Achieving the perfect Butternut Squash Apple Bake involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out just right.

• Choose ripe apples – Opt for sweet varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for enhanced flavor.
• Uniformly cube squash – Cut butternut squash into even cubes to ensure even cooking throughout.
• Monitor baking time – Keep an eye on the bake; cook until the squash is tender and caramelized but not mushy.
• Experiment with spices – Add nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and depth if desired.
• Adjust sweetness – Feel free to modify the sugar or honey amount based on your preference for sweetness.
• Let it rest – Allowing the dish to sit briefly before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Complementing your Butternut Squash Apple Bake with other side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes add richness to your plate.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These crispy sprouts bring a delightful crunch and balance the sweetness of the bake.
3. Herb-Infused Rice Pilaf – A fragrant rice pilaf with herbs enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.
4. Maple Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots caramelized in maple syrup complement the autumnal flavors of the bake.
5. Spinach Salad with Apples – Fresh spinach tossed with sliced apples and nuts offers a refreshing contrast.
6. Stuffed Acorn Squash – A similar squash dish filled with grains adds variety while keeping in theme with fall flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat can lead to uneven cooking. Always set your oven to 400 degrees before starting.
• Skipping the Mixing Step: Not mixing ingredients well can result in uneven flavor. Ensure everything is combined thoroughly for the best taste.
• Using Unripe Apples: Unripe apples can be too tart and spoil the dish. Choose sweet, ripe apples like Gala for optimal sweetness.
• Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Packing too many ingredients into one dish can lead to longer cooking times. Use a larger baking dish if necessary.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Baking for too long or too short affects texture. Keep an eye on your butternut squash until it’s tender and lightly browned.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3-5 days for best flavor and freshness.

Freezing Butternut Squash Apple Bake

• Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2-3 months.

Reheating Butternut Squash Apple Bake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Butternut Squash Apple Bake.

What is Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a delightful side dish that combines the sweetness of apples with the earthy flavor of butternut squash, seasoned with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Can I use other types of squash?

Absolutely! While butternut squash works wonderfully, you can also try acorn or delicata squash for different flavors and textures.

How can I customize Butternut Squash Apple Bake?

Feel free to add other fruits like pears or spices such as nutmeg. You could also substitute nuts based on your preference or dietary needs.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Butternut Squash Apple Bake stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it an excellent choice for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is not only a delicious addition to any holiday table but also versatile enough for everyday meals. With its warm flavors and sweet aroma, this recipe invites customization to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try; you’ll love how easy it is!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Butternut Squash Apple Bake

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is the perfect side dish to celebrate the flavors of fall. This comforting recipe blends sweet butternut squash with juicy apples, enhanced by cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a warm, inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish not only complements various main courses but also stands out on its own. Packed with nutrients and fiber, it’s a wholesome addition to your table while being easy to prepare. Customize it with your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make it uniquely yours!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
• 2 gala apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
• 2 tablespoons butter (cut into pieces)
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup pecans (or walnuts)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• Salt and black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together butternut squash, apples, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Season with salt and black pepper; mix thoroughly.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish with a lid and distribute butter pieces evenly on top.
5. Bake covered for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, add raisins, dried cranberries, and pecans; toss gently.
7. Cover again and bake for another 15 minutes or until squash is tender and lightly browned.
8. Stir before serving warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg