Baked Squash And Apple Casserole
A comforting baked casserole featuring tender butternut squash and sweet apples, topped with a crumbly cinnamon nutmeg mixture, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pare, seed, and cut the squash into small slices.
- Place the squash and apple slices in an 8 1/2 x 11-inch baking dish.
- Blend the brown sugar, margarine, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until crumbly using a fork, fingers, or pastry cutter.
- Distribute the crumb mixture over the squash and apples in the dish.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of Cottage Cheese 'Sour Cream' before the crumb mixture. You can substitute the apples with pears for a different flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar if your apples are particularly sweet. Ensure the squash is tender before serving; you can check by piercing it with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a delightful side dish for roasted meats or a vegetarian main course on its own. It pairs beautifully with Cheddar Artichoke Appetizer for a festive gathering. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad and crusty bread to balance the sweetness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but the oven will help retain the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Squash And Apple Casserole contains roughly 376 calories, with 3g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the dish. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery during baking.
What type of apples work best in this casserole?
For this recipe, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal as they provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can mix different varieties for a more complex flavor.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).