Butternut Squash and Apples is a super easy side to prepare. This delicious dish is versatile and it goes great with any meal!
I am fully aware that this recipe is not entirely matching the current season, but do you blame me? I mean..
The massive piles of snow outside are confusing. And depressing. So I keep telling myself that it’s January. Because these things are expected in January. So here you go…here’s a yummy and easy side dish for you to enjoy with your next January or anytime meal! It really doesn’t get any easier than this and the flavor will blow your mind. The apples and butternut squash marriage is a delicious one.
And I beg of you, do not let the delicious butternut squash intimidate you. It is easier to peel and cut than you might think! If you fall in love with the flavor in this recipe, consider trying this Butternut Squash Soup, as well.
HOW TO MAKE BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLES
STEP 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet or baking dish with foil and coat with cooking spray. Add the squash and apples in a single layer. Drizzle the butter over the top and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the cinnamon.
STEP 2
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, stirring once or twice throughout, until squash is tender. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon, if desired, and serve immediately!
RECIPE NOTES
- For even extra sweetness, sprinkle a little bit of light brown sugar over the squash and apples before baking.
- Feel free to replace the butter with olive oil and the cinnamon with salt for a more savory side, but I personally love the touch of sweetness.
- For a more thorough coating, place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well and THEN spread into a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
WATCH THIS VIDEO TO LEARN HOW TO PEEL AND CUT A BUTTERNUT SQUASH
IS BUTTERNUT SQUASH A FRUIT OR VEGETABLE
Butternut Squash grows on a vine and is known as a winter squash. People enjoy it because of its nutty, slightly sweet taste flavor. Although squash is technically labeled a fruit, most people consider squash a vegetable that is starchy.
WHAT TYPES OF APPLES ARE GOOD FOR ROASTING?
I recommend using a variety of apples and at the very least, use two kinds: one sweet and one tart. My favorite combo is Granny Smith apples and Honeycrisp apples.
Sweet/Softer Apple Brands
- Fuji
- Honeycrisp
- Red Delicious
- Golden Delicious
- Cortland
- Gala
Tart (or a little Sour) Apple Brands
- Granny Smith
- McIntosh
- Ida Red
- Braeburn
- Empire
- Jonathan
KEEP APPLES FROM BROWNING
When chopping and peeling the apples, fill a large bowl about half with cool water and squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into it. The lemon juice will keep your apples from getting brown while you get them prepped for the recipe.
Use an apple corer/peeler if you have one because they will make this process go super fast. If you don’t have one, use a potato peeler and a knife to get the job done. You’ll need to peel, core and chop the apples. Place them into the water-lemon juice mixture as you work.
VEGETABLE SIDE DISHES
Putting together a vegetable side for your meal should be easy and delicious. Mix up your go-to vegetable with one of these flavorful options!
- Roasted Vegetables is super easy and it results in a deliciously crispy, flavorful side dish. This recipe will turn veggie haters into veggie lovers! Swap out vegetables in this recipe for any you might have on hand, such as cauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms or onions.
- Sauteed Cabbage is the perfect quick and delicious side dish for any meal. Using only a few ingredients and taking 10 minutes of your time, you can’t go wrong with this super flavorful and affordable recipe!
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate Seeds is perfect as a solo party appetizer or a side dish to any meal. The sweet and savory flavors are complementary and so delicious!
Butternut Squash and Apples Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 in cubes
- 3 medium apples peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 in cubes
- 4 tbsp salted butter melted
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray. Add the squash and apples in a single layer. Drizzle the butter over the top and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the cinnamon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, stirring once or twice throughout. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon, if desired, and serve immediately!
Notes
- For even extra sweetness, sprinkle a little bit of light brown sugar over the squash and apples before baking.
- Feel free to replace the butter with olive oil and the cinnamon with salt for a more savory side, but I personally love the touch of sweetness.
- For a more thorough coating, place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well and THEN spread into a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
Do you think this would freeze well, either before, after baking or at all?
This would work well if you bake them and reheat them in an air fryer or convection oven. I am not sure that they would do well to freeze and then bake. But if you try it, let us know!
I actually tried this combo before finding your online most. Yes, it is quite amazing. I would never have imagined butternut squash and apple would pair up so tantalizingly well! I used olive oil for coating and honeycrisp was my apple of choice. For spice, I used not only cinnamon, but turmeric and a pinch of cayenne and paprika. I hope to do this again now that autumn is on its way. What really wowed me was the sweetness. This could actually be used for dessert!
Thanks for sharing the spice recommendations. I’m sure more people will enjoy trying that version too! You’re right, it’s sweet like a dessert. Thanks for sharing!
Can this dish made several days ahead of time?
I’m doing several dishes than have to transport them to my brother’s house
Thank you
You can make this ahead if you have time to reheat them. Ideally you would do so on a stone or air fryer but broiling them quickly would work too. You don’t want them to get mushy so that’s why I say broil vs bake.
That photo is amazing. ? We swapped the snow for green grass here in Indy but it poured snow all day yesterday so I’m with you on it being January 94th. This recipe looks perfect for it!
Thank you! I think we’re missing spring all together – here’s to hoping for a long indian summer.