Butternut Squash Bake – Easy Holiday Side Recipe

Fall isn’t just a season. It’s a feeling — the rustle of crisp leaves underfoot, the scent of cinnamon in the air, the warm glow of the oven filling your home. And there’s no better way to embrace all of that autumn magic than with a cozy, oven-baked dish like this Apple Butternut Squash Bake.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, planning a fall potluck, or just craving a simple weeknight side that smells like cinnamon and nostalgia, this is the recipe you need. Tender chunks of butternut squash and diced Gala apples are tossed with warm spices, dotted with butter, and baked until they caramelize into golden perfection. A handful of raisins adds sweetness, while toasted pecans bring crunch and richness.

This butternut squash bake is more than just a recipe — it’s a celebration of the season. And once you try it, it might just become your new go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

The Magic Behind This Dish

Here’s why this Apple Butternut Squash Bake will become a permanent part of your fall table:

• Simple ingredients, big flavor – You probably have everything you need already.
• Fall in a dish – Cinnamon, apples, squash — all the autumn vibes.
• Perfect for holidays – Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Friendsgiving.
• Naturally sweet – The apples and raisins do most of the sweetening!
• Kid-friendly & picky-eater approved – It’s like dessert for dinner.
• Great for meal prep – Make it ahead, reheat beautifully.
• Customizable – Gluten-free, nut-free, or low-sugar versions are easy.

Whether you’re serving turkey, chicken, or just want a warm veggie side, this easy butternut squash bake recipe fits right in.

Ingredients for Apple Butternut Squash Bake

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 Gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, chopped into small pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup pecans, chopped

🥄 Optional Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Topping

For an extra layer of flavor and texture:

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
  Mix and sprinkle on top before baking uncovered.

How to Make Apple Butternut Squash Bake – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or oil.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash and diced apples. Sprinkle in cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 3: Add Raisins and Pecans

Gently stir in the raisins and chopped pecans. Be careful not to crush the apples.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with chopped butter pieces.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 6: Uncover and Caramelize

Remove foil, give everything a gentle stir, and return to oven. Bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and apples are golden.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Let cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite main dish.

Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets

1. Chop evenly – Uniform cubes of squash and apples ensure even cooking.
2. Don’t skip the vanilla – It adds depth and warmth.
3. Try different apples – Honeycrisp or Fuji add a stronger sweet-tart contrast.
4. Make ahead – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
5. Double the batch – This dish disappears fast at potlucks and family dinners.
6. Roast uncovered longer – For crispy caramelized edges, roast 10 minutes more.
7. Add orange zest – Brightens the sweetness with a citrusy twist.
8. Use maple syrup – Swap brown sugar with maple for added fall flavor.
9. Make it savory – Add thyme, rosemary, or a dash of cayenne for a savory twist.
10. Top with granola – Adds crunch and sweetness for brunch-style serving.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-free? ✅ This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Nut allergy? ❌ Leave out pecans or sub with sunflower seeds.
• Lower sugar? 🍎 Use sweet apples only and skip brown sugar entirely.
• Vegan? 🌱 Use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
• No raisins? Try chopped dried cranberries, apricots, or dates.

This dish is very flexible — make it your own!

Best Ways to Serve Apple Butternut Squash Bake

Whether it’s the star or a side, here’s how to serve it:

• Thanksgiving table – A colorful and sweet complement to turkey and gravy.
• With roast chicken or pork – Adds a warm, spiced contrast to savory meats.
• For brunch – Serve warm with eggs, quiche, or breakfast sausage.
• Holiday buffet – A crowd-pleaser with wide appeal.
• Weeknight dinner – Pair with grains or a green salad for a lighter plate.
• With yogurt or ice cream – A sweet-and-savory side-turned-dessert.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Serving size: 1 cup

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 12g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate.

Storage & Reheating Guide

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.
• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate uncooked; bake when ready.

Common Questions Answered

✅ 1. Can I make butternut squash bake ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the butternut squash bake up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready to serve.

✅ 2. What’s the best apple to use in butternut squash bake?

Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best in butternut squash bake because they’re sweet, hold their shape, and pair well with cinnamon.

✅ 3. Is butternut squash bake a healthy side dish?

Yes! Butternut squash bake is naturally high in fiber and vitamins. You can make it even healthier by reducing added sugar and butter.

✅ 4. How do I reheat leftover butternut squash bake?

Reheat butternut squash bake in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

✅ 5. Can I freeze apple butternut squash bake?

Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Let it cool, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

More Tasty Ideas to Explore

• Halloween Fudge Recipe – Easy Holiday Dessert Ideas
• Halloween Dracula Dark Cherry Fudges
• Pumpkin Cookies Recipe | Easy Fall Dessert
• Gingerbread Cake with Cinnamon Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting

Savor the Ending

There’s something so comforting about a recipe that’s simple, cozy, and full of seasonal flavor. This Apple Butternut Squash Bake is exactly that — a dish that brings warmth to your table, color to your plate, and smiles to everyone who tries it.

Whether you’re planning a holiday menu or just looking for a new way to enjoy fall produce, this is the butternut squash bake you’ll make again and again.

🍁 Now it’s your turn in the kitchen!
What’s your favorite twist on butternut squash bakes? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your fall-loving friends.

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