When it comes to cool-weather comfort food, few dishes can compare to this rich and satisfying apple butternut squash casserole.

With cubed butternut squash, apples and pecans cooked with a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, this casserole perfectly captures the essence of fall flavors – sweet, nutty, and oh-so-delicious.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this warm and comforting casserole is sure to please.

easy apple butternut squash casserole served on a white plate, with mashed potatoes, meat, gravy, peas and carrots in the background

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This recipe was originally posted on Our Zesty Life

You Are Going To Love This Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Fall flavors are at their best with this recipe. The combination of butternut squash and apples with cinnamon and pecans brings warmth and sweetness to any meal.
Butternut squash casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated, perfect for batch cooking or meal planning.
It’s perfect served at festive Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners alongside turkey or ham, but it’s just as delightful served with pork loin or baked chicken thighs.
You can easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Simply swap ingredients make this casserole your own unique dish.

butternut squash, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, flour, and butter assembled to make easy apple butternut squash casserole

What You Will Need

Butternut squash is the star of this recipe. It has a naturally sweet, nutty flavor and a velvety texture when cooked, which complements a wide array of ingredients and spices. Be sure to choose a medium-sized squash with smooth, unblemished skin.

I like to use Macintosh apples, however more firm apples like Granny Smith or Gala provide an interesting contrast in texture. Any variety will work based on your flavor preference.

Dark brown sugar adds a deep molasses flavor, but light brown sugar or even maple syrup could be used as alternatives. For a low-sugar version, swap in Swerve brown sugar or another sugar substitute.

Pecans add a delightful crunch, but feel free to substitute walnuts if preferred.

The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced with the addition of cinnamon, and provides the perfect hint of warmth. Experiment with nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or cloves to suit your tastes.

squash, apples and the sweet pecan mixture in a white casserole dish to make easy apple butternut squash casserole

squash, apples and the sweet pecan mixture, all tossed together in a white casserole dish, ready to make easy apple butternut squash casserole

How To Make Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts in a bowl. Set aside.
Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut the flesh into cubes.
Core and chop the apples, then toss with the squash in the casserole dish.
Sprinkle the nutty mixture over the squash and apples, toss gently.
Bake (as directed)

easy apple butternut squash casserole on a white plate with mashed potatoes, gravy, peas and carrots

Helpful Hints

Prep Smart: Butternut squash can be tough to peel. Wear food-safe gloves or buy pre-chopped squash for convenience.
Prevent Browning: Prep the apples last to avoid browning. If needed, toss them in a little lemon juice to keep them fresh-looking.
Let It Rest: Once cooked, allow this casserole to cool a bit before serving. This will help thicken the sauce and let the flavors meld even more.
Make Ahead: Prep the ingredients (except apples) ahead of time, toss everything together just before ready to cook. Or make it a day ahead and reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. The flavors will be even more enjoyable.

a forkful of easy apple butternut squash casserole

How To Store And Reheat Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the whole dish in the oven covered with foil. Add a touch of butter or a drizzle of maple syrup to bring back moisture and flavor.

Leftover casserole can be blended into soups or used as a savory spread for sandwiches or wraps.

More Cozy Sides To Try

Air Fryer Roasted Peppers

Pierogi Casserole Recipe

Beet Green Rice Rolls

I truly hope you enjoy this cozy apple butternut squash casserole. Please leave a comment and rating below.

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Easy Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Donnalea

Servings

Prep 30

Cook 1

Rest 15

Total 1 45

Print Pin

Make this cozy apple butternut squash casserole for your holiday dinner, or any day of the week.

Equipment

casserole dish 2 quart size, or similar
small bowl

Ingredients

1 butternut squash
2 apples
¼ cup unsalted butter plus extra to grease the casserole dish
½ cup brown sugar , or up to ¾ cup to your preference
½ teaspoon cinnamon , or more to your liking
1 Tablespoon flour
½ cup very coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325˚F. Grease casserole dish liberally with butter.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour and nuts. Set aside.
Cut butternut squash in half, and remove seeds. Peel the butternut squash, then cut into 1 inch cubes. Add to casserole dish.
Core apples and cut into 1 inch cubes. Add to the butternut squash.
Add the brown sugar mixture to the squash and apples. Mix slightly.
Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
Allow casserole to rest at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use food safe gloves when peeling the squash. You can prepare the squash ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use.
Allow the casserole to rest at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken a bit and the flavors to blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 9mgPotassium: 426mgFiber: 4gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 10171IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 67mgIron: 1mg

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