Butternut Squash Recipe
A delicious and wholesome baked butternut squash recipe combined with sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a mix of fruits and nuts. This comforting dish is perfect as a side or a healthy dessert, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a tender, lightly browned texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 1/2 pounds peeled, seeded, and small cubed butternut squash (about 2 cups, evenly cubed)
- 2 gala apples (peeled, cored, and diced, or use a sweet apple of your choice)
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Sweeteners
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter (chopped into sections)
Dried Fruits and Nuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the squash mixture evenly.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and cubed butternut squash, peeled and diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar (or honey). Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Season the Mixture: Add the salt and black pepper to the bowl and mix well again to season the entire mixture uniformly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the butternut squash and apple mixture into a baking dish that has a lid, spreading it evenly across the dish for consistent cooking.
- Add Butter and Bake Initially: Dot the mixture with chopped butter pieces evenly throughout. Cover the baking dish with the lid and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to start softening the squash and apples.
- Add Fruits and Nuts, Continue Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and add the raisins, dried cranberries, and pecans. Use tongs or a spoon to gently toss everything together for even distribution. Cover again and return to the oven for another 15 minutes, baking until the butternut squash is tender and lightly browned.
- Final Stir and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven, stir the mixture once more to combine all ingredients, and serve warm for a comforting side dish or dessert.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or your preferred nuts for a different texture and flavor.
- Using honey instead of brown sugar will create a slightly different sweetness and is a great natural sweetener alternative.
- Make sure to cut the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
- This dish can be served as a side for fall and winter meals or as a healthy dessert option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
Keywords: butternut squash, baked butternut squash, fall side dish, healthy side, roasted vegetables, apple cinnamon, holiday side dish
Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/butternut-squash-recipe-2/
