Description
Butternut squash apple bake brings together sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate with delightful comfort. Roasted autumn vegetables and crisp apples create a simple side dish perfect for family dinners and seasonal gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds butternut squash
- 2 gala apples
Dried Ingredients and Nuts:
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pecans
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a lid for the squash mixture.
- Cut 680g butternut squash and 2 gala apples into even cubes, ensuring consistent bite-sized pieces for balanced cooking.
- Toss squash and apple cubes with 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper over the mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the seasoned squash and apple blend into the baking dish, spreading ingredients in a uniform layer.
- Scatter 2 tablespoons chopped butter pieces across the surface of the mixture to help enhance browning and flavor.
- Cover the dish with its lid and bake at 400°F for precisely 15 minutes, allowing squash to soften.
- Remove the dish and add ¼ cup raisins, ¼ cup dried cranberries, and ¼ cup pecans, gently mixing with tongs.
- Replace the lid and return to the oven for another 15 minutes at 400°F until squash turns tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven, give a final gentle stir, and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
Notes
- Dice the squash and apples into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Select a ripe butternut squash that feels heavy and has a deep, matte color for the sweetest flavor and best roasting results.
- For a gluten-free option, replace brown sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar, which adds natural sweetness without changing the overall profile.
- Toast the pecans briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the bake to enhance their nutty flavor and bring out a deeper, richer taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 153 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg