Savory Butternut Apple Bake
Experience the essence of autumn with this Savory Butternut Apple Bake, a delightful and harmonious side dish that beautifully combines the earthiness of butternut squash with the tart sweetness of juicy apples. Perfectly seasoned with cinnamon and balanced with a hint of brown sugar, this casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted pork or turkey, making it an ideal choice for your holiday feasts or cozy family dinners. For a unique twist, feel free to substitute the apples with ripe pears for an equally delicious flavor profile. Warm, comforting, and easy to prepare, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut squash
1 (peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks)
Apples
3 medium (cored, peeled, and sliced (recommended: Granny Smith))
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon (ground)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon
Apple juice
1/2 cup ((preferably no sugar added))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 1-quart casserole dish by coating the inside with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash chunks and the sliced apples. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Toss the mixture until all the pieces are well-coated with the seasoning.
4
Transfer the squash and apple mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top, ensuring an even distribution for a hint of sweetness.
6
Gently pour the apple juice over the entire mixture with care to avoid disturbing the layers.
7
Cover the casserole with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the butternut squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Butternut Apple Bake?
It is a flavorful autumn side dish that combines the earthiness of butternut squash with the tart sweetness of apples, seasoned with cinnamon and brown sugar.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What oven temperature is needed?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the dish need to bake?
The bake takes approximately 1 hour in the oven.
What type of apples should I use?
Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and ability to hold shape during baking.
Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with ripe pears for a unique and delicious flavor profile.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 1-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
What main dishes pair well with this bake?
It pairs wonderfully with roasted pork or turkey, making it great for holiday feasts.
Do I need to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, the squash should be peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks before preparation.
Should I cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture during the baking process.
How do I know when the butternut squash is done?
The squash is done when it is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
What kind of apple juice is best?
Preferably use apple juice with no sugar added.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Is there any lemon juice in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to drizzle over the squash and apples.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, coat the inside of the dish with cooking spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
What spices are used?
This recipe uses ground cinnamon as the primary spice.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen butternut squash chunks can be used, though baking times may vary slightly.
How much brown sugar is added?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of brown sugar sprinkled over the top.
What is the ingredient count?
There are 6 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Should the apples be peeled?
Yes, the apples should be cored, peeled, and sliced.
Can I use apple cider instead of juice?
Yes, apple cider is an excellent substitute for apple juice in this recipe.
Is this a good dish for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for Thanksgiving or other holiday family dinners.
How do I add the apple juice?
Gently pour the 1/2 cup of apple juice over the entire mixture with care to avoid disturbing the layers.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, adding chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prepare the squash?
Peel it, remove the seeds, and cut it into manageable chunks.
Does the recipe use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
How many apples are needed?
You will need 3 medium-sized apples.
What makes the dish savory?
The natural earthiness of the butternut squash combined with the tart apples and cinnamon creates a savory-sweet balance.