Butternut Squash and Apples Recipe

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!