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Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe

Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 29 reviews

A comforting and naturally sweet side dish featuring tender butternut squash and apples baked with warm cinnamon, vanilla, and a medley of dried fruits and nuts. This Butternut Squash Apple Bake combines flavors and textures for a perfect autumnal treat or holiday side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds peeled, seeded, and small cubed butternut squash (about 2 cups, cubed evenly)
  • 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 small sections)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Dried Fruits and Nuts

  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup pecans (or walnuts)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the squash and apples evenly.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash, diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
  3. Season Mixture: Add salt and black pepper to the bowl and mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings throughout the fruit and squash.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish with a lid, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  5. Add Butter and Bake: Dot the mixture with the chopped butter pieces, cover the dish with its lid, and bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to start softening the squash and apples.
  6. Add Dried Fruits and Nuts: Remove the baking dish from the oven, add raisins, dried cranberries, and pecans on top, then gently toss everything together using tongs or a spoon. Cover again and bake for another 15 minutes until the squash is tender and the dish is lightly browned.
  7. Serve: Take the dish out of the oven, stir one final time to combine flavors, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

  • For sweeter flavor, replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts depending on preference or availability.
  • Use a sweet apple variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for best results.
  • If you prefer a nuttier texture, toast the nuts lightly before adding them.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, apple bake, baked squash, fall side dish, cinnamon squash, holiday side, autumn recipe

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/butternut-squash-apple-bake-recipe/