Description

This Ultimate Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a comforting, wholesome dish that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of butternut squash and apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Ideal for a cozy fall or winter side dish, it features tender roasted squash and apples glazed with butter or coconut oil, maple syrup, and a touch of salt for enhanced flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fruits

1 medium Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed
2 cups Apples, sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

Wet Ingredients

3 tablespoons Butter or Coconut Oil, melted
2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (optional)

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon Cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg
0.5 teaspoon Salt

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready to evenly roast the ingredients.
Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove seeds, and cut it into even cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
Slice the Apples: Core and slice the apples into similar-sized pieces to the squash for even roasting.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash and sliced apples. Drizzle the melted butter or coconut oil over them. Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt evenly. Add maple syrup if using, then gently toss to coat all the pieces well.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the coated squash and apple mixture evenly in a single layer in a baking dish, allowing for proper roasting and caramelization.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized, and the apples are soft but not mushy. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm as a side dish or a comforting dessert.

Notes

You can substitute coconut oil for butter to make this dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Choose firm apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness, depending on your flavor preference.
Adjust the maple syrup amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a less sweet bake.
This dish freezes well; reheat covered in the oven for best results.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans on top before baking.