Butternut Squash with Apple and Cranberries Recipe

Introduction

This Butternut Squash, Apple, and Cranberry Bake is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for the holiday table or a cozy weeknight dinner. Combining the natural sweetness of apples and cranberries with warm spices, it’s both beautiful and delicious. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 (1 to 1 3/4) pound butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium apple, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2. Step 2: In a baking pan, combine the cubed butternut squash, apple pieces, and cranberries.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the butter and spice mixture evenly over the fruit and squash, stirring gently to coat everything.
5. Step 5: Cover the pan with foil or a lid and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the top to caramelize slightly.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious and aromatic bake!

Tips & Variations

• For a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon since the apples provide natural sweetness.
• You can substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries if fresh are not available, but soak them briefly to avoid dryness.
• Adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts before baking adds a lovely crunch.
• Try mixing in a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a different spice profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn or delicata squash, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this dish suitable for a holiday table?

Absolutely! Its warm spices and festive colors make it an excellent side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Butternut Squash with Apple and Cranberries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A simple and delicious holiday-inspired bake featuring tender butternut squash, sweet apples, and tart cranberries, all infused with warm spices and a buttery glaze. This comforting side dish is perfect for festive tables or cozy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 1 medium apple, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1 (1 3/4 pound) butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Condiments

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Baking & Spices

• 2 tbsp brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Prepare the produce: Peel and cut the butternut squash into 1/2-inch cubes. Core and cube the apple. Measure out the cranberries.
2. Combine ingredients in baking dish: Place the cubed butternut squash, apple, and cranberries into a baking pan and mix gently to combine.
3. Mix butter and spices: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well blended.
4. Pour mixture over fruit and squash: Drizzle the spiced butter mixture evenly over the contents of the baking dish, ensuring good coverage.
5. Bake covered: Cover the pan with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the squash to soften.
6. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered to lightly caramelize the top and thicken the juices.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm as a beautiful, flavorful side dish perfect for holiday feasts or everyday meals.

Notes

• Cutting the butternut squash is the most challenging part; be sure to use a sharp knife and stable cutting surface.
• Consider reducing the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon if you prefer less sweetness, as the apples provide natural sweetness.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with baked pork chops and asparagus or other roasted meats and vegetables.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: butternut squash bake, holiday side dish, apple cranberry bake, autumn recipe, baked squash, fall vegetables