BUTTERNUT APPLE BAKE AMAZING

I’ll never forget the crisp autumn air, the scent of cinnamon wafting from the kitchen, and my grandmother’s gentle hands guiding mine as we prepared our annual Thanksgiving feast; it always felt like magic, and at the heart of it was her famous Butternut Apple Bake. This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a delightful blend of sweet and savory that will have everyone reaching for seconds, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this little bit of autumnal bliss in your own kitchen.  

The Magic of Butternut Apple Bake: Why You’ll Love It

Okay, my friend, let’s talk about why this Butternut Apple Bake is about to become your new go-to dish. Forget those complicated recipes that require a culinary degree to decipher! This is all about simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and maximum flavor. Think of it as comfort food elevated – the sweetness of apples and maple syrup perfectly complements the earthy butternut squash, creating a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate.

But that’s not all! This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even enjoy it as a light and satisfying vegetarian main course. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Butternut Apple Bake

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to create your own masterpiece:

• Butternut Squash: About 2 pounds, peeled, seeded, and cubed. Fresh is best, but you can use pre-cut if you’re short on time.
• Apples: I prefer Honeycrisp or Gala for their sweetness and crispness, but any firm apple will work. About 2-3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cubed.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced.
• Maple Syrup: ¼ cup (use the real stuff for the best flavor!).
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
• Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Toppings: Chopped pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese.

Pro Tip: If you’re using pre-cut butternut squash, make sure it’s not too dry. If it is, toss it with a little olive oil before adding it to the recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Butternut Apple Bake Perfection

Alright, now for the fun part! Let’s get cooking. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your delicious Butternut Apple Bake in no time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, take a moment to prep your ingredients. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Peel, core, and cube the apples. Dice the onion. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process so much smoother.

Step 2: Combine and Season

In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, apples, and diced onion. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated. Make sure every piece gets a little love!

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Give it a good stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown and the apples are soft and fragrant.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the apples start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the baking sheet with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 4: Add Your Finishing Touches (Optional)

Once the Butternut Apple Bake is out of the oven, you can add your favorite toppings. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, dried cranberries bring a burst of tartness, and crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy element. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!

Variations and Adaptations for Your Butternut Apple Bake

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so easily adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger for a little extra warmth.
• Get nutty: Use different types of nuts, like walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios.
• Add some greens: Toss in some chopped kale or spinach for a boost of nutrients.
• Sweeten it up: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more maple syrup or a drizzle of honey.
• Savory twist: Try adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a more savory flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Make sure to use maple syrup (not honey) and omit any dairy-based toppings.

This recipe is also great with other winter squash varieties, like acorn squash or kabocha squash. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what you like best!

Serving Suggestions for Your Butternut Apple Bake

This Butternut Apple Bake is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

• Side Dish: Perfect alongside roasted chicken, turkey, pork, or ham. It’s a natural pairing for any Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
• Main Course: Serve it as a light and satisfying vegetarian main course. Add a side of quinoa or couscous for a more complete meal.
• Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy it as a warm and comforting breakfast or brunch dish. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of granola.
• Dessert: Believe it or not, this can even be served as a light dessert! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to the next level.

Consider serving it alongside other delightful fall dishes, like Sweet Potato Casserole or even a refreshing Honeycrisp Apple Salad. The combination of flavors will be a hit!

Making Butternut Apple Bake Ahead of Time

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can easily make it ahead of time. Prepare the Butternut Apple Bake according to the instructions, but don’t bake it. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the mixture is very cold.

You can also bake the Butternut Apple Bake ahead of time and reheat it later. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it in individual portions.

Pairing Butternut Apple Bake with Other Dishes

The flavors in this Butternut Apple Bake play well with a variety of other dishes. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider pairing it with:

• Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The sweetness of the apples and butternut squash complements the savory flavors of poultry perfectly.
• Pork Tenderloin: A lean and flavorful pork tenderloin is a great match for this side dish.
• Quinoa or Couscous: These grains provide a hearty and nutritious base for a vegetarian meal.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing element to the meal.

And for a truly decadent experience, why not serve it alongside a Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake for dessert? The contrasting flavors will be a delightful surprise!

Tips for the Best Butternut Apple Bake

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Butternut Apple Bake turns out perfectly every time:

• Choose the right apples: Use firm apples that will hold their shape during baking. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are all good choices.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: If you overcrowd the baking sheet, the vegetables will steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
• Stir occasionally: Stirring the mixture halfway through baking ensures even cooking and prevents the edges from burning.
• Taste and adjust seasonings: Before baking, taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, cinnamon, or nutmeg to suit your taste.
• Let it rest: After baking, let the Butternut Apple Bake rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly.

Consider trying it alongside Honey Glazed Veggies for a truly impressive and colorful spread!

Storing Leftover Butternut Apple Bake

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It’s just as delicious the next day!

You can also freeze leftover Butternut Apple Bake for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

If you’re looking for a smaller-portion treat featuring similar flavors, you might also enjoy Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites!

Conclusion: Your Butternut Apple Bake Adventure Awaits!

So there you have it, my friend! Everything you need to create a truly amazing Butternut Apple Bake. Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is all about simple ingredients, easy steps, and delicious results. Get creative, experiment with different variations, and most importantly, have fun! I can’t wait to hear about your Homemade Apple Crisp experience and hope you share the love with family and friends. Happy baking!

Butternut Apple Bake

This Butternut Apple Bake is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main course. It combines butternut squash, apples, and aromatic spices for a warm and comforting autumnal dish that’s easy to make and naturally gluten-free.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2-3 medium apples Honeycrisp or Gala
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped pecans or walnuts
• Optional toppings: dried cranberries
• Optional toppings: crumbled goat cheese

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Large bowl
• Peeler
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the ingredients: Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Peel, core, and cube the apples. Dice the onion.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, apples, and diced onion.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss everything together until well coated.
7. Spread the mixture evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
9. If the apples start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the baking sheet with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
10. Remove from oven and add optional toppings like chopped pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries, or crumbled goat cheese.
11. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger. Get nutty with different types of nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. Add some greens like chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrients. For a sweeter dish, add more maple syrup or honey. For a savory twist, add fresh rosemary or thyme. Vegan option: Use maple syrup and omit dairy toppings. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.