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A delicious Butternut Apple Bake is featured in this image, showcasing a tasty fall dessert.

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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.