Autumn Harvest Butternut Squash and Apple Medley
Experience the vibrant flavors of fall with this delightful Autumn Harvest Butternut Squash and Apple Medley. This effortless crockpot dish combines tender butternut squash with juicy apples and sweet pineapple, all enhanced by a touch of apple cider and orange marmalade. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, it's a comforting side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, making it ideal for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. The optional dried cranberries add a tart contrast, elevating the dish's depth and making it truly unforgettable. Best enjoyed warm—this recipe can be prepped in the morning and lets you enjoy the day while it cooks to perfection!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
5 lbs (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices)
apples
4 (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch slices)
pineapple tidbits
1 1/2 cups (canned)
apple cider
2 tablespoons (none)
orange marmalade
2 tablespoons (none)
butter
1/2 cup (melted (can substitute with margarine))
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
flour
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried cranberries
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the butternut squash: cut it in half, remove seeds and fibers, then peel the skin. Place the squash cut side down, slice it lengthwise, and then cut into 1/2-inch thick slices.
2
Next, peel and core the apples, slicing them into 1/2-inch pieces.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, orange marmalade, melted butter (or margarine), brown sugar, flour, salt, and the spices until well blended.
4
Layer half of the sliced butternut squash in the bottom of your crockpot. Follow with half of the apple slices, half of the pineapple tidbits, and half of the sugar and spice mixture. Repeat these layers once more.
5
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on HIGH for 1 hour. After that, switch the setting to LOW and allow it to cook for an additional 4 hours or until the squash is tender.
6
Once finished, gently stir in the dried cranberries, if using. Turn off the crockpot and let the dish cool for about 45 minutes.
7
Serve warm with optional whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for added texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Harvest Butternut Squash and Apple Medley?
It is a vibrant fall-flavored side dish made in a crockpot combining squash, apples, and pineapple with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
How do I prepare the butternut squash for this recipe?
Cut the squash in half, remove seeds and fibers, peel the skin, and then slice it lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
How thick should I slice the butternut squash and apples?
Both the butternut squash and the peeled, cored apples should be cut into 1/2-inch thick slices or pieces.
What type of apples should I use?
While any baking apple works, the recipe requires 4 apples that are peeled, cored, and sliced.
What is the main cooking appliance needed?
This recipe is specifically designed to be prepared in a crockpot or slow cooker.
What ingredients are included in the spice and liquid mixture?
The mixture consists of apple cider, orange marmalade, melted butter (or margarine), brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
How do I layer the ingredients in the crockpot?
Layer half of the squash, then half of the apples, half of the pineapple, and half of the spice mixture; repeat these layers once more.
What is the initial cooking setting and time?
Set the crockpot to cook on HIGH for the first 1 hour.
What is the secondary cooking setting and time?
After the first hour on HIGH, switch the setting to LOW and cook for an additional 4 hours.
How do I know when the medley is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the butternut squash is tender.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the substitution of 1/2 cup of melted margarine instead of butter.
Is there a vegan option for this dish?
Yes, by using a vegan margarine or butter substitute, the recipe can be made vegan-friendly.
What spices give this dish its autumn flavor?
The autumn flavors come from 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Are dried cranberries required for the recipe?
Dried cranberries are optional, used to add a tart contrast to the dish.
When should the dried cranberries be added?
Gently stir in the dried cranberries after the cooking process is complete and the heat is turned off.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
The medley should cool for about 45 minutes after the crockpot is turned off.
What are the recommended serving toppings?
It is recommended to serve the dish warm with optional whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.
How much butternut squash is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of butternut squash.
How many apples are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 apples.
What type of pineapple is best for this medley?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of canned pineapple tidbits.
Is this dish appropriate for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is described as an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving or any festive holiday gathering.
How much brown sugar should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
Does the recipe use flour?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of flour are used in the spice and sugar mixture to help thicken the sauce.
What does the orange marmalade add to the dish?
Orange marmalade provides a sweet citrus depth that enhances the overall flavor of the squash and apples.
How much apple cider is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of apple cider.
Can this recipe be prepped ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in the morning and let them cook throughout the day.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, its sweet and spiced profile makes it a popular choice for families and children.
What is the purpose of the chopped walnuts?
Chopped walnuts are an optional topping used to add a crunchy texture to the finished dish.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Should the pineapple be fresh or canned?
The recipe specifically lists canned pineapple tidbits as the ingredient.