Maple Butternut Squash Apple Bake | Fall Comfort Food

As the leaves begin to turn vibrant hues of gold and crimson, and there’s a crisp whisper in the air, our thoughts naturally drift to warmth, coziness, and those delightful dishes that truly embody the season. If you’re searching for Top Comfort Food Ideas for Fall , something that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening, you’ve landed in the perfect spot.

This Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash & Apple Bake with Sage Brown Butter Crumbles is a delightful symphony of sweet and savory, an absolute showstopper that’s deceptively simple to prepare and will quickly become a cherished part of your autumn table.

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Ingredients & Substitutions

• Butternut Squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed (1-inch pieces): This golden-hued squash provides a wonderful earthy sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted. For ease, you can often find pre-cut butternut squash in the produce aisle.
  • Substitution: Sweet potatoes, acorn squash, or even delicata squash (no need to peel!) make excellent alternatives.
  • Budget Tip: Buying a whole squash is usually more cost-effective than pre-cut, and it stores well for weeks.
• Granny Smith or Honeycrisp Apples (2 large), cored and cubed (1-inch pieces): We want apples that hold their shape and offer a nice tart counterpoint to the sweetness. Granny Smiths provide tartness, while Honeycrisps bring a lovely crisp texture and balanced sweetness.
  • Substitution: Pears (firm varieties like Bosc or Anjou) or other firm, tart apples like Braeburn or Fuji would work well.
  • Allergy Note: Ensure no apple allergies are present if serving to others.
• Pure Maple Syrup (1/4 cup): This is where that signature fall flavor truly shines, adding a natural, rich sweetness and a beautiful glaze. Always opt for pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
  • Substitution: Brown sugar (packed) or honey could be used, though the maple flavor is unique.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, 1 stick), divided: Used for both the glaze and the irresistible sage brown butter crumbles, butter adds richness and helps everything caramelize. Using unsalted gives you control over the overall sodium content.
  • Substitution: For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality vegan butter substitute.
• Fresh Sage Leaves (8-10 large leaves), finely chopped: The star herb of our crumbles, fresh sage provides an aromatic, savory, and distinctly autumnal note that complements the sweet squash and apples beautifully.
  • Substitution: If fresh sage is unavailable, use 1.5 teaspoons of dried rubbed sage, but fresh is highly recommended for flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): This forms the base of our crispy crumble topping.
  • Substitution: A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can be used for a gluten-free option.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (1/2 cup): These add a lovely chewy texture and rustic charm to the crumbles. Avoid instant oats.
  • Substitution: You can omit the oats and use an additional 1/2 cup of flour, or substitute with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch. For gluten-free, ensure certified gluten-free oats are used.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A classic fall spice that enhances the sweetness and warmth of the dish.
  • Substitution: Pumpkin pie spice blend works wonderfully here too.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of nutmeg adds depth and aromatic complexity.
  • Substitution: A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can be used, or simply increase cinnamon slightly.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste): Essential for balancing flavors and making everything pop.
  • Substitution: None, salt is crucial!
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground): A touch of pepper adds a subtle warmth and cuts through the richness.

Pro Tips

• Safety First with Squash: Butternut squash can be tricky to cut. For easier peeling and cubing, microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the skin. Use a sharp, heavy knife and secure your squash on a non-slip surface.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: For optimal caramelization and browning, ensure your squash and apples are in a single layer without being too tightly packed. If your baking dish is too small, use two dishes. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
• Perfect Brown Butter: When making the brown butter, stay by the stove! Melt the butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally. It will foam, then sizzle, and finally, little golden-brown bits will appear at the bottom, and it will smell nutty. Remove it from the heat immediately at this stage to prevent burning.
• Taste as You Go (Before Baking): Before tossing the squash and apples with the glaze, taste a small piece of plain squash and apple to understand their natural sweetness. This helps you adjust the maple syrup or spices if you prefer. Similarly, taste the crumble mixture!
• Even Cooking: Stir the squash and apple mixture halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and caramelization on all sides. This also helps distribute the maple glaze evenly.
• Crispy Crumble Secret: For the crispiest topping, sprinkle the crumbles evenly over the squash and apples in the last 15-20 minutes of baking. If added too early, they can absorb too much moisture and become less crispy.
• Prep Ahead: You can cube the squash and apples a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the crumble mixture and keep it chilled until ready to bake.

What to Serve With It

This Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash & Apple Bake is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a perfect comfort food idea for fall for any meal.

• Roasted Poultry: Think a succulent whole roasted chicken, turkey breast, or a simple pan-seared duck breast.
• Pork Loin or Chops: The sweet and savory notes are a natural complement to savory pork.
• Hearty Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for soaking up any delicious maple glaze left in the dish.
• Warm Cider: A mug of warm spiced apple cider enhances the autumnal mood.
• Simple Grains: Alongside quinoa or wild rice, it makes for a hearty vegetarian meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Leftovers of this delightful fall bake are just as good, if not better, the next day!

• Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating (Oven): For best results and to maintain some crispness in the crumble, reheat in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil if the topping starts to brown too much.
• Reheating (Microwave): If you’re in a hurry, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Be aware the crumble may lose some of its crisp texture.
• Freshness Tip: To revive the texture if it seems a bit soft, spread it on a baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for a minute or two (watch carefully!) after reheating.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you absolutely can freeze this Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash & Apple Bake, making it an excellent make-ahead fall comfort food option!

• To Freeze Cooked Bake: Allow the bake to cool completely. Transfer individual portions or the entire bake to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• To Thaw: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• To Reheat from Frozen: You can reheat individual portions directly from frozen in the microwave (expect longer reheating times) or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, covering with foil if needed. The crumble may not be as crispy as fresh, but the flavors will still be delicious.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash & Apple Bake vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a good quality plant-based or vegan butter alternative. Ensure your maple syrup is pure, which it typically is. All other ingredients are naturally plant-based, making this a wonderfully adaptable fall comfort food for various dietary needs.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?
While fresh sage offers the best aromatic experience, you can certainly use dried rubbed sage as a substitute. Use about 1.5 teaspoons of dried rubbed sage in place of the 8-10 fresh leaves. Stir it into the brown butter just before combining with the dry crumble ingredients. The flavor will still be delicious and very much in the spirit of autumn dishes .

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is great for make-ahead convenience! You can peel and cube the squash and apples a day in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The crumble topping can also be prepared and kept chilled in a container. Then, simply assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy this cozy fall comfort food .

How do I prevent the squash from getting mushy?
To avoid mushy squash, ensure you don’t overcrowd your baking dish. Spreading the squash and apples in a single layer allows them to roast rather than steam. Also, keep an eye on the cooking time; butternut squash can soften quickly. Stirring halfway through baking helps with even cooking and prevents one side from overcooking.

What are some other great comfort food ideas for fall?
Beyond this delicious bake, other Top Comfort Food Ideas for Fall include hearty stews like beef bourguignon, creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese, classic shepherd’s pie, rich mac and cheese, and slow-cooked pot roasts. For desserts, think apple crisp, pumpkin pie, or warm bread pudding. The key is warm, often slow-cooked, and deeply satisfying flavors!