When autumn settles in, my kitchen fills with the cozy aroma of roasted squash, apples, and warming spices. This Apple & Butternut Squash Bake is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of seasonal abundance and comfort. Inspired by my grandmother’s rustic harvest casseroles, I gave it a Mediterranean twist with olive oil, fresh herbs, and a touch of honey. It’s sweet, savory, and deeply nourishing, making it perfect for Sunday family dinners or as a festive holiday side. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and naturally wholesome, highlighting the delicate sweetness of butternut squash.
Hi, I’m Chef Sofia! I grew up surrounded by fresh, wholesome flavors and believe food should be nourishing and joyful. My recipes bring together tradition, wellness, and creativity so every home cook can enjoy balanced meals.
How To Make Apple & Butternut Squash Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 3 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Peel, cube, and prepare the butternut squash; slice the apples thinly for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss squash and apples with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until well coated.
- Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until squash is tender and apples are caramelized.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with pecans and cranberries if using, and garnish with fresh thyme.
- Serve warm as a side dish or light vegetarian main.
Tips for Success
- Prep hack: Microwave butternut squash for 2 minutes before peeling to make it easier to cut.
- Sweet swap: Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Texture boost: Add roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 1 day in advance and reheat at 325°F before serving.
Cooking Notes & Background
The pairing of apples and squash is a classic in Mediterranean and fall-inspired cooking. The butternut squash brings a creamy, earthy sweetness, while apples add brightness and a touch of tartness. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg deepen the warmth, making it a naturally comforting dish. From a nutrition perspective, butternut squash is rich in vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, while apples bring antioxidants and natural sweetness—making this bake a wholesome choice for both everyday meals and festive gatherings.
Healthy Weeknight Dinner Ideas
This Apple & Butternut Squash Bake fits beautifully into a healthy weeknight menu. Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty lentil salad for a balanced plate. Since it requires minimal prep and bakes in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something cozy but don’t want to fuss.
Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort Food
In Mediterranean cooking, vegetables are the stars of the meal, not just side dishes. This bake embraces that philosophy by turning humble squash and apples into something elegant. Olive oil and herbs balance the sweetness, while nuts and dried fruit add both texture and nutrition. It’s comfort food that feels indulgent but stays aligned with the wholesome spirit of Mediterranean cuisine.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and reheat at 325°F before serving.
2. Which apples work best?
Crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work best.
3. Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely—just use maple syrup instead of honey.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out—I love hearing your kitchen stories!
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Apple & Butternut Squash Bake | Cozy Fall Side Dish Recipe
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy autumn-inspired dish with apples, butternut squash, and warm spices.
Ingredients
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
3 crisp apples, cored and sliced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp sea salt
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
2 tbsp dried cranberries (optional)
Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel, cube, and slice the squash and apples.
3. Toss with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Spread in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes until tender.
6. Sprinkle with nuts, cranberries, and thyme.
7. Serve warm.
Notes
Best with Honeycrisp or Gala apples.
Microwave squash 2 minutes to ease peeling.
Swap honey for maple syrup for vegan option.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Warm and wholesome, this Apple & Butternut Squash Bake combines sweet apples, tender butternut squash, and cozy spices for the perfect fall side dish. A nourishing, Mediterranean-inspired recipe that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Uncover the full recipe today!
