Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn haven with this mouthwatering recipe that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine the rich, caramelized sweetness of roasted apples mingling with the creamy, tender buttercup squash, creating a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul and impress even the pickiest eaters. This simple yet elegant dish is about to become your new favorite seasonal comfort food that's not just delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 buttercup squash, halved and seeded
- 4 apples, cored
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Carefully cut the buttercup squash in half using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center using a spoon. Discard the seeds or save for roasting later.
- Core the apples, removing the seeds and stem. Keep the apple skin intact for better texture and nutrition.
- Place the squash halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle a pinch of salt inside each squash cavity.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute evenly inside the squash halves and on top of the cored apples.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the squash and apples.
- Arrange the cored apples next to the squash halves on the baking sheet, ensuring even spacing.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and the apples are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The squash can be served directly in its skin, and the apples can be placed inside or alongside.
- Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a drizzle of honey before serving for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Use a sharp, sturdy knife when cutting the squash to ensure clean, safe cuts.
- For extra richness, consider using salted butter or adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Check the squash's tenderness by inserting a fork - it should glide in smoothly when fully cooked.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
- For a more decadent version, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
- Leftover roasted squash and apples can be pureed into a delicious soup or used as a side dish for next day's meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
