Imagine a dish that captures the essence of autumn in every single bite - a magical combination of sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible flavors that will transform your dinner table! This Maple Butternut Squash Apple Casserole is not just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that bridges the gap between comfort food and gourmet cooking. With its perfect balance of caramelized butternut squash, tender apples, and crunchy walnuts, this recipe promises to become your new seasonal obsession that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash and peel the butternut squash. Cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Core and slice the apples into thin, even slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash and apple slices. Drizzle maple syrup evenly over the mixture.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt over the squash and apple mixture. Gently toss to ensure all pieces are well-coated.
- Transfer the seasoned squash and apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Roughly chop the walnuts and scatter them evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the top to caramelize and the walnuts to become golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a side dish, garnishing with additional chopped walnuts or a light drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Produce: Select firm butternut squash without soft spots and crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure all squash cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking and consistent tenderness.
- Maple Syrup Matters: Use pure, high-quality maple syrup for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Foil Technique: Cover the casserole initially to prevent over-browning, then uncover to allow beautiful caramelization.
- Don't Rush the Cooling: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set properly.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish partially in advance and finish baking just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
