There’s something incredibly comforting about the harmony between tender butternut squash and sweet, spiced apples. This Apple Butternut Squash Casserole is a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with cozy fall flavors that taste like Thanksgiving in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful side dish or a vegetarian main, this recipe delivers rustic charm and rich flavor with minimal effort.

The natural sweetness of apples blends beautifully with the creamy texture of roasted squash. Add a hint of cinnamon, a touch of maple syrup, and the crunch of a buttery pecan topping, and suddenly you have a dish that steals the show. It pairs perfectly with roast chicken, holiday ham, or even as the centerpiece of a plant-based dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

This casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a standout on any table. It’s gluten-free, easy to prep ahead, and you only need a handful of whole ingredients to make it shine. Even picky eaters find themselves going back for seconds. The pecan topping adds an irresistible crunch that keeps every bite interesting.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

You want apples that hold their shape during baking and offer the right balance of tart and sweet. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are excellent choices, offering a crisp bite and tangy contrast to the mellow squash. You can also mix and match varieties for more depth of flavor.

Ingredients for the Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

This casserole shines with fresh, seasonal ingredients and just a touch of spice. Each element plays a key role in building the warm, sweet-savory profile of the dish.

Butternut squash
Apples
Butter
Maple syrup
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt
Chopped pecans
Brown sugar
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)

How To Make the Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

Step 1: Roast the Squash and Apples

Peel and cube the butternut squash and apples, then toss them with melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spread them on a baking dish and roast at 375°F for about 25 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

In a bowl, mix chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until it forms a crumbly texture. This will create that sweet, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft base.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Once the squash and apples are roasted, drizzle with maple syrup and gently stir to coat. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crunchy.

How to Serve and Store Apple Butternut Squash Casserole

This casserole serves 6 to 8 people as a side dish and about 4 if served as a vegetarian main. It’s best enjoyed warm from the oven but holds up wonderfully for leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also make it ahead and reheat just before serving. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crisp.

What to Serve With Apple Butternut Squash Casserole?

Roast Chicken

The savory richness of roast chicken complements the sweet and nutty tones in the casserole.

Glazed Ham

A perfect holiday pairing, glazed ham enhances the maple and apple notes beautifully.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Add texture and earthiness to your plate with a fluffy wild rice side.

Kale Salad with Cranberries

A fresh salad adds brightness and balances the warmth of the casserole.

Cornbread

Slightly sweet, buttery cornbread is the ideal companion to soak up any syrupy goodness.

Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops play well with the fruity and spiced profile of the casserole.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Double up on fall flavors with a savory acorn squash stuffed with quinoa or sausage.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this cozy dish won your heart, you’ll love these other savory baked favorites:

No Peek Chicken Casserole for an effortless family classic.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole for hearty weeknight comfort.
White Chicken Enchilada Casserole with a creamy, cheesy twist.
Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole if you’re craving something kid-friendly and fun.
Mexican White Trash Casserole with a bold and cheesy flavor bomb.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments if you added a twist. Did you swap pecans for walnuts? Use agave instead of maple? I’m always curious how others make it their own.

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Conclusion

Apple Butternut Squash Casserole brings together everything we love about fall in one comforting, lightly sweetened bake. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for a holiday. Make it once, and you’ll see why it quickly becomes a seasonal staple.