Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Introduction

When autumn rolls around, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, fragrant dish straight from the oven. This Butternut Squash Apple Bake perfectly captures the essence of the season. Sweet, tender apples meet buttery squash and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in this simple yet elegant baked side dish. Whether you serve it alongside roasted meats, at your Thanksgiving table, or as a sweet vegetable medley for any dinner, this dish delivers balanced sweetness, texture, and warmth that everyone will love.

This recipe is wholesome, easy to prepare, and a beautiful way to celebrate fall’s bounty. It brings together nutrient-rich butternut squash, fresh apples, and a touch of brown sugar to create a naturally sweet and spiced dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to squash thanks to its apple-pie-like aroma and flavor.

My Recipe Story

I first made this Butternut Squash Apple Bake on a chilly November afternoon when I was craving something sweet yet nutritious. The markets were overflowing with fresh squash and crisp apples, and I couldn’t resist bringing both home. Instead of making separate dishes, I decided to combine them into one comforting bake — and the result was pure magic.

The caramelized edges of the squash, the tender apples infused with cinnamon, and the touch of brown sugar created a side dish that instantly became a family favorite. Over the years, I’ve served it at countless dinners and potlucks. It’s always the first dish to disappear — a testament to its cozy flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Ingredient Breakdown

This dish shines because of its simplicity — just a few fresh ingredients working together to create magic. Each ingredient brings its own unique texture and flavor, complementing the others beautifully.

Butternut Squash: The star of the show! With its sweet, nutty flavor and silky texture, butternut squash bakes into tender cubes that melt in your mouth. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy base for this dish.

Apples: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Their crisp texture holds up beautifully when baked and balances the natural sweetness of the squash. The apples release juices that caramelize slightly with the sugar and spices, creating a luscious glaze.

Brown Sugar: Just a quarter cup is enough to bring out the squash’s sweetness and help caramelize the fruit. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on how deep you want the flavor to be.

Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices give the dish its signature fall aroma and cozy flavor. Cinnamon adds sweetness while nutmeg adds depth and a touch of spice.

Butter: A bit of melted butter binds the ingredients and adds richness. It helps the edges brown beautifully while keeping the texture moist and tender.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Sharp chef’s knife (for peeling and cubing the squash)
• Vegetable peeler
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish (9×13-inch or similar)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Aluminum foil (optional for covering)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature ensures the squash and apples bake evenly, caramelize slightly, and become tender without burning. While the oven preheats, grease your baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Prepare the squash and apples.
Peel and cube the butternut squash into roughly 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Then core and slice the apples into thin wedges. Combining both in similar sizes helps them bake at the same rate. Add the squash and apples to a large mixing bowl, ensuring there’s enough room to toss them with the spices.

Step 3: Season the mixture.
In the same bowl, add brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and melted butter. Toss everything until the squash and apple pieces are evenly coated. The mixture should glisten with a light sugar-butter coating that will caramelize in the oven and create a gorgeous golden color.

Step 4: Arrange in the baking dish.
Pour the coated squash and apple mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly into a single layer to allow even baking. If you want, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top for a touch of extra sweetness and shine.

Step 5: Bake until tender and golden.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, stirring once or twice. The apples should be soft but still hold shape, and the squash should be fork-tender with caramelized edges. Once baked, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for extra crunch and a nutty aroma.
• Use maple syrup or honey: Replace brown sugar with 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
• Add dried fruit: Toss in a handful of raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for bursts of chewy sweetness.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth and depth.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

To store: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

To freeze: This bake freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Make-ahead: You can prepare the squash and apple mixture up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and bake when ready. This is especially handy during holidays when oven space is limited.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian entrées. Here are a few serving ideas to make your meal complete:

• Serve alongside roast chicken, turkey, or pork tenderloin for a comforting, hearty meal.
• Pair with grilled salmon or seared tofu for a lighter, balanced dinner.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of fresh thyme to elevate the flavors.
• Serve as part of a holiday spread with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
• For a sweet twist, top leftovers with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for dessert!

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before baking to prevent excess moisture from making the dish soggy.

2. What kind of apples work best?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness beautifully.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a fully vegan-friendly dish.

4. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

5. How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or skip it altogether — the natural sweetness of apples and squash is often enough!

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is more than just a side dish — it’s a celebration of the season. Its simplicity, warmth, and naturally sweet flavor make it a versatile addition to any table. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, fall gatherings, or holiday feasts, this dish brings comfort and color to your plate. Each bite reminds you why fall flavors are so loved — earthy, sweet, spiced, and oh-so-satisfying. Try it once, and it just might become your new autumn tradition.

Butternut Squash Apple Bake

---

• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

 A cozy autumn side dish featuring tender butternut squash, crisp apples, brown sugar, and warm spices baked to golden perfection. Sweet, comforting, and perfect for any fall meal.

---

Ingredients

 • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
• 3 medium apples, cored and sliced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Pinch of salt

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. 
2. In a large bowl, combine cubed squash and sliced apples. 
3. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, and salt; toss to coat evenly. 
4. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. 
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. 
6. Remove foil, stir gently, and bake for another 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized. 
7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
   

Notes

 For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American