Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Baked Squash and Apple Casserole! Imagine the perfect harmony of sweet, caramelized apples and tender butternut squash, topped with a crispy, buttery oat crumble that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This isn't just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that bridges the gap between comfort food and gourmet cooking, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the squash by peeling the butternut squash, removing the seeds, and cutting it into uniform 1-inch cubes. Peel and slice the apples into similar-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed squash and sliced apples. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the fruit and vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Transfer the seasoned squash and apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with oats and chopped nuts (if using). Stir until the oats are completely coated with butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered oat and nut mixture evenly over the top of the squash and apple layer, creating a crumbly topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly.
- Serve warm as a side dish or dessert. Can be garnished with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, firm butternut squash and crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure all squash and apple pieces are cut to similar sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground ginger to the spice mixture.
- Nut Options: While optional, toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert-like experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
