Butternut Squash Apple Bake

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Why Make This Recipe

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a fantastic dish that perfectly blends the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the tartness of apples. This recipe is not just delicious; it is also very healthy. Butternut squash is full of vitamins and minerals while apples offer a good source of fiber and antioxidants. When combined, these ingredients create a nutritious dish that can be served as a dessert or a hearty side dish. It’s an excellent way to enjoy seasonal produce, especially in the fall, when both butternut squash and apples are at their best.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to play with flavors and textures. It’s simple enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for special occasions. Plus, the warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible. Once you serve it, you can expect everyone to come back for seconds!

How to Make Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Making Butternut Squash Apple Bake is as easy as one, two, three! With just a few steps and minimal prep time, you can create a delightful dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To create this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 apples, cored and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish will bake evenly.
Prepare the squash and apples. In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and cubed butternut squash with the cored and sliced apples. Make sure the sizes are even to ensure they cook uniformly.
Mix the sweet sauce. In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter together. This mixture will be the sweet sauce that adds flavor to the squash and apples.
Combine everything. Pour the sweet mixture over the squash and apple slices. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Transfer to a baking dish. Now, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you want some crunch, sprinkle big chunks of walnuts or pecans on top, or add raisins for a sweet touch.
Bake it. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You will know it’s done when the squash is tender and the apples are soft, but not mushy.
Serve warm. Once it is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm either as a delightful dessert on its own or as a tasty side dish at dinner.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Serving Butternut Squash Apple Bake is simple. You can present it straight from the oven into individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Because it has both sweet and savory flavors, it pairs beautifully with various main courses, including roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a veggie dish.

If you’re serving it as a dessert, you might want to add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. This adds an extra creaminess that balances the sweet flavors and makes every bite even better. You could also dust some powdered sugar on top for a delightful appearance.

For gatherings, it works well as an easy-to-share dish. You can use a large spoon to serve out portions directly from your baking dish, letting people heap on as much as they like.

How to Store Butternut Squash Apple Bake

To store leftover Butternut Squash Apple Bake, allow it to cool completely first. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Just freeze in a suitable freezer-safe container or bag. Label it with the date, and it will be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Choose the right apples. Different types of apples can affect the taste of the dish. Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work well, while tart apples like Granny Smith can add a nice contrast.
Cut evenly. For the best results, make sure to cut your butternut squash and apples into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate and achieve the right tenderness.
Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also add a touch of maple syrup for a more unique flavor.
Add some spices. Feel free to experiment with additional spices. A bit of ginger or allspice could enhance the flavor further.
Nut allergies. If you have guests with nut allergies, you can skip nuts altogether or replace them with seeds, such as sunflower seeds, for that crunch.

Variation

If you want to mix things up a bit, consider the following variations for your Butternut Squash Apple Bake:

Add a Quinoa Base. Turn this dish into a wholesome meal by adding cooked quinoa to the base before baking. It adds extra protein and will fill you up more.
Make it Savory. Instead of sweetening the dish, you can skip the sugar and add garlic and diced onions instead. This version would be a delicious savory side dish.
Toppings. Instead of nuts or raisins, try topping it with some shredded coconut or even crumbled gingersnap cookies for a crunchy topping.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash. Just ensure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the dish, as frozen squash can release water during cooking.

2. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake. It might take a little longer to cook if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Is this dish suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
The dish is vegetarian. For a vegan version, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and consider using a plant-based sweetener instead of brown sugar if desired.

4. What other fruits could I add?
Other fruits such as pears or cranberries can also work well in this baking dish, adding different flavor profiles and textures.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time if necessary, checking for doneness as the baking time may increase.

In summary, Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a simple, wholesome dish with a delightful blend of flavors. Whether you serve it as a warm, comforting dessert or as a wholesome side to a savory meal, it is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy creating this delicious recipe, and relish in the joy it brings to your family and friends!