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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the produce: Peel and cut the butternut squash into 1/2-inch cubes. Core and cube the apple. Measure out the cranberries.
- Combine ingredients in baking dish: Place the cubed butternut squash, apple, and cranberries into a baking pan and mix gently to combine.
- Mix butter and spices: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well blended.
- Pour mixture over fruit and squash: Drizzle the spiced butter mixture evenly over the contents of the baking dish, ensuring good coverage.
- 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.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered to lightly caramelize the top and thicken the juices.
- 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
