Sweet, savory, and bursting with autumn flavors, this Baked Squash with Apples and Cranberries is the ultimate fall-inspired side dish. Tender chunks of butternut squash are paired with juicy apple slices and tart cranberries, then caramelized in a luscious maple-butter glaze seasoned with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. A touch of lemon juice brightens the dish, while optional pecans add a delightful crunch. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make casserole is baked to golden perfection in under an hour. Serve it warm for a comforting, nutrient-packed dish that celebrates the best of seasonal produce.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes and place them in the baking dish.
Core the apples and slice them into thin wedges. Add the apple slices and fresh cranberries to the dish with the squash.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the butter is melted and everything is well blended.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Pour the butter and maple syrup mixture evenly over the squash, apples, and cranberries in the baking dish. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, stir the mixture gently, and sprinkle chopped pecans (if using) on top.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized around the edges.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a side dish or a comforting main course!
Calories |
1218 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.7 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.1 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 660 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 218.7 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 55.3 g | 198% | |
| Total Sugars | 80.8 g | ||
| Protein | 16.5 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 643 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 4199 mg | 89% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.