Description

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a delightful and wholesome dish that combines the natural sweetness of apples and butternut squash with warm spices and a subtle caramelized finish. Perfect as a comforting side or a healthy dessert, this recipe is easy to prepare and bakes to tender, flavorful perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
3 medium apples, cored and sliced (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
1/4 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredients

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the dish evenly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and to help with easy cleanup.
Mix the Squash and Apples: In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash and sliced apples, tossing them thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Add the Sweetener: Pour the melted butter over the squash and apples, then sprinkle with brown sugar (or maple syrup if using) to add sweetness and moisture.
Season the Mixture: Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the bowl, mixing thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with aromatic spices and seasoning.
Incorporate Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts and raisins or dried cranberries to add texture and bursts of additional flavor to the bake.
Transfer to Bake: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the squash and apples to steam and cook through gently.
Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step helps the top caramelize lightly and ensures the squash becomes tender.
Cool and Serve: After removing from the oven, let the bake cool for a few minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it ready to serve warm.

Notes

For a healthier option, substitute brown sugar with maple syrup but reduce the amount slightly to avoid excess sweetness.
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples such as Fuji and Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
Covering with foil during initial baking helps steam the ingredients, preventing dryness.
If you desire a crunchier topping, sprinkle extra chopped nuts before the final uncovered baking step.
This dish can be served as a side dish for fall meals or as a warm dessert alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Butternut squash bake, apple and squash casserole, autumn side dish, baked apple and squash, healthy baked dish, vegetarian fall recipe