Cozy Butternut Squash Apple Bake – Your New Favorite Fall Dish!

Butternut Squash Apple Bake is more than just a side dish; it’s an edible hug, a warm embrace that perfectly captures the essence of autumn in every delightful spoonful. Imagine the comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen – sweet apples caramelizing alongside tender, earthy butternut squash, all brought together with a hint of warm spices. This dish, while not steeped in ancient history, embodies the spirit of harvest season gatherings, reminiscent of communal meals where fresh, seasonal produce was celebrated. Both butternut squash and apples have long been beloved staples in autumnal cooking across various cultures, offering both nutrition and incredible flavor.

I find myself returning to this particular recipe year after year, not just for its incredible taste, but for its sheer versatility and heartwarming appeal.

Why is Butternut Squash Apple Bake so universally adored?

It’s the harmonious balance of flavors – the natural sweetness of the squash beautifully complemented by the tartness of the apples, all enhanced by a subtle hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. The textures are equally captivating: fork-tender squash melding with soft, baked apples, creating a dish that feels both elegant and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant addition to your holiday table, a cozy weeknight side, or a nourishing vegetarian main, this Butternut Squash Apple Bake consistently delivers. It’s wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a favorite for those busy times when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Join me as we explore how to create this autumnal masterpiece!

Ingredients:

• For the Butternut Squash and Apples:
• 1 large (approximately 2.5 – 3 pounds) butternut squash, peeled, deseeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes. I usually pick one with a nice, long neck for easier cubing, as it makes the peeling and dicing process much smoother!
• 3 medium-sized firm apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith for a tarter contrast), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes. I love the balance of sweetness and firmness that Honeycrisp brings to this dish, but Granny Smith adds a lovely zing if you prefer a bit more tartness to cut through the richness!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for the baking sheet. This helps everything get beautifully caramelized and prevents sticking, contributing to those desirable crispy edges.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste. Salt really helps bring out the natural sweetness of both the squash and apples, balancing the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste. A touch of warmth and subtle spice that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• For the Maple Spice Glaze:
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted. It’s the rich and essential base for our amazing, flavorful glaze, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup (grade A dark or amber is wonderful here). Don’t skimp on the real stuff – its complex sweetness and depth make all the difference compared to pancake syrup!
• 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar. Adds a lovely molasses note and helps significantly with the caramelization process, creating a gorgeous browned surface.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. The classic warming spice for fall flavors, infusing everything with comforting aroma.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger. A gentle, zesty kick that beautifully complements the sweetness of the squash and apples without being overpowering.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Just a pinch for that comforting, aromatic depth that pairs wonderfully with apple and squash.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (optional, for extra warmth and complexity). A little goes a long way with these potent spices, adding another layer of cozy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice or apple cider (optional, for brightness). A secret ingredient to lift all the flavors, adding a subtle tang that prevents the dish from being overly sweet.
• Optional Add-ins and Garnish:
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted. For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the soft textures.
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, finely chopped, or a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Herbs add a sophisticated, savory counterpoint and a beautiful aroma.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, for serving. If you want to get truly fancy and elevate the presentation and taste with a gourmet touch!

Preparation: Setting the Stage for Our Butternut Squash Apple Bake

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: First things first, let’s get our oven ready to welcome our delicious bake! Preheat your oven to a comforting 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a large, rimmed baking sheet. For guaranteed easy cleanup and to prevent any potential sticking, I highly recommend lining it with a sheet of parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment on hand, a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray will certainly do the trick. The key here is to ensure there’s ample surface area for your squash and apples to spread out comfortably; overcrowding them will unfortunately lead to steaming instead of allowing them to roast and caramelize beautifully, and we definitely want that gorgeous, browned, and slightly crisp caramelization for maximum flavor. If you find your single baking sheet isn’t quite big enough to accommodate everything in a single layer, it’s always much better to use two sheets to ensure everything has its proper space to cook evenly and deliciously.
2. Prepare the Butternut Squash: Now for the main star of our show, our beautiful butternut squash! If you haven’t opted for the convenience of pre-cut squash (which is totally fine, no judgment here!), it’s time to tackle the peeling and dicing process. I find the safest and most efficient way to peel a butternut squash is to first carefully trim off both ends – just enough to create a flat, stable surface. Then, stand the squash upright on its widest, flat base. Using a sharp, sturdy vegetable peeler, strip away the tough outer skin, working your way around the entire squash. Once peeled, carefully slice the squash in half lengthwise. You’ll then scoop out the seeds and any stringy bits from the cavity with a spoon – a sturdy metal spoon works best for this task. Now, lay the squash halves flat side down on your cutting board and cut them into approximately 1-inch thick planks, then into 1-inch wide strips, and finally into uniform 1-inch cubes. The goal is to aim for relatively uniform pieces so that they cook evenly throughout the baking process. Place all these lovely, vibrant orange cubes into a large mixing bowl.
3. Prepare the Apples: Next up, our sweet and tangy companions, the apples! Just like with the squash, we want to carefully peel, core, and dice these. Using a clean vegetable peeler, gently remove the skin from each apple. Then, using an apple corer or a small, sharp knife, carefully remove the central core. Once cored, dice the apples into approximately 1-inch cubes, making an effort to match the size of your butternut squash cubes as closely as possible. This uniformity in size is incredibly key, not just for aesthetics, but also for ensuring even cooking and a consistent, delightful texture in every single bite. Add the apple cubes to the large mixing bowl with your prepared butternut squash. Pro tip: If you’re using a variety like Granny Smith for a tarter flavor profile, ensure they are quite firm to the touch; this will help them hold their shape well and prevent them from turning too mushy during the baking process.
4. Toss with Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: To our generously sized bowl of perfectly cubed squash and apples, drizzle in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Now, sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper evenly over everything. This is where we start building those foundational layers of flavor. Using your clean hands (which I find is the most effective way) or a large, sturdy spoon, gently toss the squash and apple cubes together until they are thoroughly and evenly coated. You want every single piece to have a light, glossy sheen of oil, salt, and pepper. This initial seasoning is absolutely crucial for bringing out the natural deliciousness and building complex flavors right from the very beginning of our cooking journey.
5. Spread onto the Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the well-seasoned squash and apple mixture onto your prepared baking sheet(s). Take a moment to ensure that you spread them out in a single layer. This step is incredibly important for the success of our bake! If the pieces are piled on top of each other or too crowded, they will inevitably steam rather than roast, and we won’t achieve those wonderfully tender interiors with beautifully browned, slightly crispy, and caramelized edges that make this dish so utterly irresistible. Give them plenty of space to breathe, brown, and develop those incredible roasted flavors!

Crafting the Flavorful Glaze for Our Butternut Squash Apple Bake

6. Melt the Butter: While your seasoned squash and apples are getting cozy and ready on the baking sheet, let’s turn our attention to creating the incredible maple spice glaze that will truly transform them. In a small microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over very low heat on the stovetop, melt the ¼ cup of unsalted butter. You want the butter to be fully liquid and clear, but make sure it doesn’t brown – just perfectly melted. This forms the rich, smooth foundation of our glaze.
7. Combine Glaze Ingredients: To the melted butter, add the ¼ cup of pure maple syrup, the 1 tablespoon of packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and the optional ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice. If you’re incorporating it for that extra brightness, now is also the perfect time to add your 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice or apple cider. Using a small whisk, thoroughly combine all these ingredients together until they are well emulsified and the brown sugar has completely dissolved, creating a smooth, luscious glaze. Take a moment to inhale the fragrant aroma that wafts up from the bowl – it’s truly wonderful, instantly evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and anticipation for the deliciousness to come!

First Bake: Letting Flavors Mingle and Caramelize

8. Initial Roast: Carefully slide your baking sheet(s) into the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Let the butternut squash and apples roast undisturbed for an initial period of 15 minutes. During this first critical roast, the natural moisture within the vegetables and fruit will begin to evaporate, they will start to soften gently, and some of their inherent sugars will gradually begin to caramelize on the surfaces, building a foundational layer of deep, complex flavor that is essential to this dish. This initial burst of heat sets the stage for the glorious textures and tastes we’re aiming for.
9. Stir and Glaze (First Application): After the initial 15 minutes have passed, carefully remove the baking sheet(s) from the oven. Using a heat-resistant spatula or tongs, gently stir the squash and apple mixture. This ensures that all the pieces have an opportunity to cook evenly and develop that beautiful roasted character on all sides. Now, evenly drizzle approximately half of your wonderfully prepared maple spice glaze directly over the mixture spread across the baking sheet. Toss everything gently once again to ensure that all the individual pieces are beautifully coated with this luscious, aromatic glaze. The aroma at this stage, with the warming spices meeting the roasted produce, is absolutely heavenly and utterly intoxicating! Return the baking sheet(s) to the oven for another 15 minutes.
10. Second Stir and Glaze (Second Application): After the second 15-minute baking interval, indicating a total of 30 minutes in the oven, carefully remove the baking sheet(s) from the oven once more. Give everything another gentle but thorough stir with your spatula or tongs to redistribute the pieces and ensure even cooking and browning. Now, it’s time for the final touch of sweetness and spice: drizzle the remaining half of the maple spice glaze generously over the mixture. If you’re planning to add chopped pecans or walnuts for that delightful crunch and nutty flavor, this is the perfect moment to sprinkle them evenly over the top of the squash and apples. They’ll get beautifully toasted and fragrant during the final baking phase. Before returning to the oven, just double-check that everything is still spread in a relatively single layer for optimal roasting and caramelization results.

The Finishing Touches: Achieving Perfection in Our Butternut Squash Apple Bake

11. Final Bake: Return the baking sheet(s) to the oven for a final baking period of 10-15 minutes. During this crucial last phase, the butternut squash and apples will become exquisitely tender, yielding easily to the prick of a fork. Simultaneously, the glaze will thicken beautifully, intensifying in flavor and caramelizing further, creating a gorgeous, sticky sheen and a rich, deep, golden-brown crust on the edges of the pieces. The pecans or walnuts, if you added them, will toast to a perfect golden-brown, releasing their fragrant oils and adding an irresistible crunch. It’s important to keep a close eye on your bake during these last few minutes, as the sugars in the glaze can brown and even burn quite quickly. You’re looking for fork-tender squash and apples with delightfully caramelized edges and a sticky, glistening glaze.
12. Check for Doneness and Rest: Once the squash and apples appear wonderfully tender and boast those gorgeous caramelized edges, carefully remove the baking sheet(s) from the oven. To be absolutely certain of perfection, it’s always a good idea to perform a quick test: carefully select a piece of squash and an apple cube, and test them for tenderness with a fork. If they’re not quite as soft and yielding as you’d like, don’t hesitate to pop them back into the oven for an additional few minutes, checking frequently. Once satisfied, let the Butternut Squash Apple Bake rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before you transfer it to your chosen serving dish. This brief but important resting period allows the intense flavors to meld and deepen further, and it also permits the caramelized glaze to set slightly, enhancing the overall texture and making it easier to serve without everything sticking together.
13. Garnish and Serve: Just before you bring this culinary masterpiece to the table, if you opted for the fresh herbs, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh sage leaves or delicate fresh thyme sprigs generously over the warm bake. The vibrant, aromatic herbs provide a lovely fresh, earthy counterpoint to the sweet and savory baked flavors, adding both visual appeal and a sophisticated aromatic lift. For an extra touch of gourmet elegance and a slight acidic tang that beautifully cuts through the sweetness, a light drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze or a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the dish even further, creating a truly memorable experience. Serve this delightful Butternut Squash Apple Bake warm as an incredibly versatile and flavorful side dish to roasted meats, poultry, or as a comforting, satisfying vegetarian main course that will surely impress.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations for Your Butternut Squash Apple Bake

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to almost any meal, especially during the glorious autumn and cozy winter months. Its comforting warmth, vibrant colors, and harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes ensure it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Here are some of my favorite ideas for how to enjoy it and how to customize it further to suit your taste or occasion:

14. As a Holiday Side Dish: This bake truly shines its brightest on your holiday table, whether it’s the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast, a delightful addition to your Christmas dinner, or a festive family gathering. Its vibrant hues, comforting sweet and savory notes, and the irresistible aroma make it an absolutely perfect companion to classic roasted turkey, succulent spiral-cut ham, or a majestic prime rib. The deep maple and warming spice flavors complement rich meats beautifully, offering a refreshing, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious contrast that lightens the palate. Imagine it nestled alongside a traditional stuffing and a tangy cranberry sauce – it adds a touch of elegance, warmth, and a unique flavor profile that guests will absolutely adore and remember. I often find myself making a double batch for larger gatherings because, without fail, it disappears so quickly!
15. Pairing with Weeknight Meals: Please, don’t reserve this deliciousness just for special occasions! It’s wonderfully easy and relatively quick to whip up on a busy weeknight. Serve it alongside simple pan-seared chicken breasts for a balanced meal, accompany it with juicy grilled pork chops, or even pair it with a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf for a comforting plant-based option. The natural sweetness of the squash and apples, combined with the aromatic glaze, can truly elevate a simple protein, transforming an ordinary weeknight meal into something truly special and memorable with minimal effort. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so any leftovers are a welcome and highly anticipated treat for lunch the next day, often tasting even better as the flavors have had more time to meld.
16. A Light Vegetarian Main: For those evenings when you’re craving a lighter yet deeply satisfying meal, this bake can absolutely stand alone as a flavorful vegetarian main course. The combination of starchy butternut squash and fibrous apples provides a wonderfully satisfying and wholesome base. If you wish to make it heartier and more substantial, consider adding some crumbled goat cheese or tangy feta cheese during the last few minutes of baking, or sprinkle it generously on top just before serving. The creamy, tangy cheese provides a fantastic savory counterpoint to the inherent sweetness of the dish. Alternatively, you could toss in some pre-cooked chickpeas or white beans during the last roasting stage for added plant-based protein and extra substance, transforming it into a truly complete and wholesome vegetarian meal.
17. Spice Profile Adjustments: One of the joys of cooking is customizing to your personal preference, so feel absolutely free to adjust the spice blend to your liking. Love a bit more warmth or a gentle kick? Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes to the maple spice glaze for an exhilarating surprise. Want to lean more into a traditional savory, autumnal profile? Consider slightly increasing the ground ginger and perhaps even adding a hint of dried thyme or a touch of finely crumbled dried rosemary to the initial seasoning, rather than solely relying on the fresh sage later. For a more pronounced and comforting autumnal feel, a dash more nutmeg or allspice can really make those cozy flavors pop and envelop your senses. Remember, your kitchen is your canvas, and your taste buds are your guide!
18. Herb Variations: While fresh sage and fresh thyme are my absolute go-to choices for their quintessential fall flavors, other fresh herbs can also work wonderfully, offering different aromatic dimensions. Fresh rosemary, finely chopped, adds a wonderfully pungent, piney, and earthy note that pairs exquisitely with the sweetness of squash. If you prefer a milder, slightly sweeter herbal note, a touch of fresh marjoram could be an interesting and delightful addition. Always remember to add fresh herbs towards the very end of the cooking process or as a vibrant garnish; this preserves their delicate flavor and aromatic oils, preventing them from becoming bitter or losing their vibrancy under prolonged heat.
19. Nutty Additions: Beyond the classic pecans and walnuts, which offer a delightful crunch and rich, buttery flavor, toasted slivered almonds or even crunchy pumpkin seeds (pepitas) can provide a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of nutty goodness. I highly recommend toasting any nuts or seeds beforehand (you can do this quickly in a dry pan on the stovetop over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, or even alongside the first bake of the squash and apples on a separate corner of the sheet). Toasting significantly enhances their flavor and aroma, bringing out their best qualities and truly making that extra step worthwhile.
20. Sweetness Level: The recipe as written provides a lovely, balanced harmony of sweet and savory notes, designed to appeal to most palates. However, you are always the chef, and you can certainly adjust the sweetness level to your personal preference or to accommodate the specific ingredients you’re using. If your apples are particularly tart (like a very green Granny Smith), you might want to consider adding another half tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the glaze to balance it out. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet dish, you can easily reduce the amount of brown sugar or even omit it entirely, relying solely on the maple syrup and the natural sugars present in the butternut squash and apples for sweetness.
21. Citrus Zest for Brightness: For an even brighter, more aromatic, and refreshingly complex finish, consider adding a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest or lemon zest to the maple spice glaze. The fragrant essential oils from the zest will infuse the entire dish with a lovely, fresh citrus note that miraculously lifts all the other flavors, making the dish feel more vibrant and multi-dimensional without making it taste overtly citrusy. It’s a small touch, but I find it makes a significant difference in brightening the overall flavor profile. I often do this when I want to ensure the dish feels particularly lively and fresh.
22. Make Ahead Tips: While this dish is undeniably best served warm and fresh directly from the oven for optimal texture and aroma, you can certainly do some crucial prep work in advance to make your cooking day less hectic. You can peel and cube both the butternut squash and the apples up to a full day ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. If you’re particularly concerned about the apples browning (though this recipe includes them in a roast quickly, which usually prevents significant discoloration), you can toss them with a tiny splash of lemon juice before storing. The delicious maple spice glaze can also be whisked together ahead of time and kept in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine and roast as directed! Reheating any precious leftovers is a total breeze; a quick warm-up in the oven or a gentle microwave session works perfectly, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors again.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps and delightful possibilities of what I truly believe is one of the most heartwarming and utterly irresistible dishes you can create in your kitchen. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s an experience, a gentle hug for your taste buds, and a vibrant celebration of seasonal produce. I can confidently say that this particular Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a must-try for so many reasons, it’s almost impossible to list them all without gushing! First and foremost, the flavor profile is simply unparalleled. We’re talking about that perfect marriage of sweet, caramelized apples and earthy, tender butternut squash, all brought together with a whisper of cinnamon and perhaps a touch of brown sugar that transforms into a comforting, golden masterpiece. The natural sugars from the fruits and vegetables become concentrated and deeply flavorful during baking, creating a symphony of tastes that dances on your palate. It’s the kind of dish that smells incredible as it cooks, filling your home with an aroma that promises warmth and contentment long before the first spoonful.

Beyond its incredible taste, its ease of preparation is another huge selling point. You don’t need a culinary degree or a vast array of specialized equipment to achieve perfection here. With straightforward ingredients and a minimal amount of hands-on time, you can whip up something truly spectacular, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and satisfying, yet don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. But don’t let its simplicity fool you; this dish also shines brightly on more festive occasions. Imagine the vibrant colors and inviting aroma gracing your holiday table – it’s a showstopper without being overly complicated. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to be dairy-free or vegan with simple substitutions, making it wonderfully inclusive for various dietary needs, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy its deliciousness.

Elevate Your Plate: Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

Now that you’re convinced this Butternut Squash Apple Bake needs to make an appearance in your kitchen ASAP, let’s talk about how to serve it and how you can unleash your inner culinary artist with some delightful variations. As a side dish, it’s an absolute dream partner for almost any main course. Picture it alongside a perfectly roasted chicken, complementing the savory notes with its gentle sweetness. It’s also fantastic with a juicy pork loin, pan-seared scallops, or even a hearty lentil loaf for a vegetarian main. For Thanksgiving or Christmas, it brings a fresh, vibrant, and much-needed counterpoint to richer dishes, becoming a memorable part of the feast. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, serve a generous portion alongside a simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette – it’s surprisingly filling and incredibly satisfying as a light lunch or dinner.

But why stop there? The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Want to make it even more autumnal? A pinch of ground ginger or allspice alongside the cinnamon will deepen those warm, cozy flavors. For an extra layer of texture and richness, consider sprinkling a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts over the top during the last 15-20 minutes of baking; they’ll toast beautifully and add a delightful crunch. A touch of fresh rosemary or sage, finely chopped and mixed in, can lean the dish towards a more savory profile, creating an intriguing herbaceous contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and squash. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different apple varieties – Granny Smith will offer a tart counterpoint, while Honeycrisp will melt into sweet, tender perfection. You could even swirl in a tablespoon of pure maple syrup or a drizzle of honey before baking for an extra touch of natural sweetness and gloss. For a truly decadent twist, a streusel topping made with oats, brown sugar, flour, and cold butter could transform it into a dessert-like treat, perfect for brunch or a comforting after-dinner indulgence. Think outside the box: perhaps a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese for a savory-sweet tang, or a dash of chili flakes for a subtle, surprising kick.

Your Turn: Share Your Butternut Squash Apple Bake Experience!

This is where you come in! I’ve shared my passion for this fantastic recipe, and now it’s your turn to experience the magic for yourself. I genuinely believe that once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire. So, please, don’t hesitate! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and deliciousness of this wonderful Butternut Squash Apple Bake. I am so incredibly excited for you to discover the joy it brings. After you’ve whipped up your own batch, I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience. Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you venture into some creative variations? What did your family and friends think? Did it become an instant hit at your dinner table? Share your stories, your triumphs, and even your questions in the comments below. Your feedback and personal touches inspire me and countless other home cooks who visit this page looking for delicious, reliable recipes. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious journey!

Butternut Squash Apple Bake

A cozy, comforting bake featuring tender butternut squash and sweet apples, seasoned with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar, and finished with dried fruits and nuts. Perfect for fall gatherings or a warm weeknight side.

Prep Time
25 Minutes

Cook Time
45 Minutes

Total Time
10 Minutes

Servings
4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, small cubed
• 2 Gala apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
• 2 tablespoon butter, chopped into sections
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup pecans (or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2
   Peel, seed, and cut the 1 1/2 pounds of butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Peel, core, and dice the 2 Gala apples into 1-inch cubes, matching the squash size. Place both in a large mixing bowl.
3. Step 3
   To the squash and apples, add 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated.
4. Step 4
   Dot the mixture with 2 tablespoons of chopped butter. Spread the seasoned squash and apples onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring no overcrowding. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Step 5
   Remove the baking sheet from the oven and stir gently. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup pecans (or walnuts), and 1/4 cup dried cranberries. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender, apples are soft, and edges are lightly caramelized.
6. Step 6
   Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Butternut Squash Apple Bake rest for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a serving dish. Serve warm.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.