Autumn is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season's bounty than with a warm, comforting, and incredibly delicious butternut squash apple casserole? This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special Thanksgiving side dish. It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and boasts a flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more. This simple recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes you can easily make at home.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Simple Guide to Homemade Goodness
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Prep the Produce: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Peel, core, and dice the apples. This is a great time to put on some music and enjoy the process of preparing your ingredients.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the butternut squash, apples, oats, brown sugar, pecans (if using), maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, melted butter, and salt. Make sure everything is well coated.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the top is lightly browned. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the squash; it should easily pierce through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It's delicious served warm as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork, or turkey. It's also a great option for a vegetarian meal.
Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Apple Casserole
- Roasting the Squash: For an even deeper flavor, you can roast the butternut squash before adding it to the casserole. Simply toss the cubed squash with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices! A pinch of ginger or allspice would complement the flavors beautifully.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make this casserole gluten-free.
Variations: Adapt This Recipe to Your Taste
- Cranberry Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a burst of tartness and festive flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a warm and comforting twist.
- Coconut Flakes: Substitute the pecans with coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is a rough estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Around 5-7 grams
- Fiber: Around 5-7 grams
This butternut squash apple casserole is a perfect example of healthy meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare. It's a recipe that embodies the best of fall flavors and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas! It's truly among the best recipes you'll find for homemade cooking.