If you’re looking to welcome cozy autumn vibes into your kitchen, this Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful harmony of tender butternut squash and sweet-tart apples, warmed with cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a touch of maple syrup that adds perfect sweetness. The pecans and dried cranberries add texture and bursts of flavor, making this dish a colorful, comforting side that feels like fall in every bite. Trust me, whether you serve it at a family dinner or bring it to a potluck, this recipe will become your new seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash and apples forms the base of the dish, while pecans and dried cranberries add crunch and bursts of tartness. The warm spices and maple syrup bring everything together with that unmistakable fall flavor.
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed: The star ingredient, offering a creamy texture and mild sweetness when roasted.
- 2 large apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji preferred): These add juiciness and a lively sweet-tart contrast to the squash.
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped: Adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth to balance the softness.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Their chewy texture and slight tartness brighten the overall flavor.
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup: A natural sweetener that infuses everything with rich, caramelized notes.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil: Helps everything roast beautifully with a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Essential for that warm autumn spice flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Gives a subtle earthy warmth complementing the cinnamon.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the natural flavors.
How to Make Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the squash and apples roast without sticking. This step sets the stage for even cooking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prep Your Main Ingredients
Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces for even roasting. Dice the apples with their skins on; this adds color and nutrients. Roughly chop the pecans to sprinkle throughout, offering varied texture in every forkful.
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes, diced apples, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. This colorful mix looks inviting and promises layers of flavor.
Step 4: Add Sweetness and Spice
Pour in the maple syrup and melted butter or coconut oil. Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the ingredients and toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every piece is evenly coated with these fragrant-seasonings.
Step 5: Arrange for Baking
Spread your mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. This helps the squash and apples cook uniformly, allowing each bite to be perfectly tender.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring gently halfway through. The squash should become tender, and the apples soft but still hold their shape. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is truly irresistible.
Step 7: Optional Caramelized Finish
For an extra-special touch, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking. This gives the top a beautiful golden caramelized glaze that’s slightly crispy and adds wonderful depth to the flavor.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This brief pause allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier and less messy.
How to Serve Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top just before serving for a pretty presentation and additional texture. Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs also make a lovely aromatic garnish that complements the dish’s warm flavors.
Side Dishes
This Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It adds a sweet and savory contrast that elevates any fall meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bake in individual ramekins for a charming single-portion treat, perfect for a festive dinner. You can also spoon it over creamy polenta or quinoa for a wholesome vegetarian main course that’s hearty and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead side to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this bake in advance, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Stir occasionally if microwaving to heat evenly, and consider a quick broil for a moment to revive that caramelized top.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are preferred for their balance of sweetness and tartness, Granny Smith or Gala apples would also work well. Just pick varieties that hold their shape when cooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the melted butter for coconut oil or your favorite vegan butter. The recipe already uses plant-based ingredients, so this change keeps it delicious and vegan-friendly.
Can I add other nuts besides pecans?
Sure! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all add great crunch and flavor. Just be sure to toast them lightly beforehand if you want an extra nutty aroma.
How do I make this dish less sweet?
You can reduce the maple syrup to 1 or 2 tablespoons or omit it entirely if you prefer a less sweet version. The natural sugars in the squash and apples still provide plenty of sweetness on their own.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Definitely! This Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe is festive, flavorful, and easy to make in larger batches, making it a perfect side for Thanksgiving or any cozy holiday meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the flavors in this Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and kitchen all at once, celebrating the best produce autumn has to offer. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved tradition in your seasonal cooking repertoire.
Print
Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a comforting, wholesome dish perfect for crisp fall days. Combining tender butternut squash, sweet and tart apples, crunchy pecans, and dried cranberries, all coated in warm spices and maple syrup, this baked casserole offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Ideal as a side or a light vegetarian entrée, it’s easy to prepare and brings festive seasonal goodness to your table.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruits
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
Nuts and Dried Fruit
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and cube the butternut squash. Dice the apples with the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Roughly chop the pecans.
- Combine base ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the butternut squash cubes, diced apples, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
- Add flavorings: Pour in the maple syrup and melted butter or coconut oil, then sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the syrup and spices.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the prepared mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. About halfway through, give the mixture a gentle stir to promote even cooking. Bake until the butternut squash is tender and the apples are soft.
- Optional caramelizing step: For a beautifully caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil and broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Using apples with skin adds texture and extra fiber; however, you can peel them if preferred.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- To make this dish vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter.
- This bake can be served as a side dish with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
