Home » Side Dishes » Sweet Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Sweet Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Sweet Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! This Sweet Apple Butternut Squash Casserole is not just a recipe – it's a warm, comforting embrace of autumn flavors that combines the creamy richness of butternut squash with the sweet, tangy notes of fresh apples. Imagine a dish so delectable, it bridges the gap between healthy eating and indulgent comfort food, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  2. 2 apples, peeled and diced
  3. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  5. 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  6. 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Carefully peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and cube the flesh into approximately 1-inch pieces.
  3. Peel and core the apples, then dice them into similar-sized pieces as the squash cubes to ensure even cooking.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash and diced apples. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture.
  5. Sprinkle brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the squash and apple mixture. Gently toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the sweet seasonings.
  6. Transfer the seasoned squash and apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
  7. Chop the pecans into small, rough pieces and scatter them evenly across the top of the casserole.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and place in the preheated oven.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and crisp.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly.
  11. Serve warm as a delightful side dish that combines the sweetness of apples with the rich, creamy texture of butternut squash.

Tips

  1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a deep, uniform color. For apples, opt for varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during baking.
  2. Uniform Cutting Matters: Cut your squash and apples into similarly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for 1-inch cubes for the best texture.
  3. Don't Skip the Foil: Covering the casserole initially prevents burning and helps the vegetables cook evenly. Removing the foil in the last 5-10 minutes creates a beautiful golden top.
  4. Enhance the Flavor: For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the brown sugar mixture.
  5. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
  6. Customize Your Nuts: While pecans are delicious, feel free to experiment with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 180kcal

Carbohydrates: 25g

Protein: 2g

Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 10mg

Pin Recipe Share Email

Share this:

Leave a Comment