Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
This Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a warm, comforting side dish perfect for fall. It combines sweet, tender butternut squash and crisp apples with fragrant cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of brown sugar or honey. Enhanced with golden raisins, dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts, this baked dish is an ideal seasonal accompaniment, delivering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
- 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
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 1/2 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
- 2 gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Sweeteners and Fats
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 tbsp butter, cut in pieces
Nuts
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the butternut squash mixture.
- Mix 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. Add the salt and black pepper, mixing again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Prepare for 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.
- Initial Baking: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: After 15 minutes, 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.
- Continue Baking: Cover the dish again and return it to the oven. Continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and the top is lightly browned. Optionally sprinkle a tiny bit more cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Final Stir and 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
- Use either brown sugar or honey depending on your preference for sweetness and dietary needs.
- For a nuttier flavor and crunch, use chopped pecans or walnuts as per your taste.
- Make sure the baking dish is lidded to retain moisture during baking and prevent drying.
- Feel free to add a pinch of extra cinnamon at the end of baking for enhanced aroma.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main when served with grains.
Keywords: butternut squash bake, autumn side dish, baked squash and apples, fall recipe, cinnamon apple squash, holiday side dish
