Savory Spiced Butternut Squash and Apple Oven Fries
Elevate your snacking experience with these Savory Spiced Butternut Squash and Apple Oven Fries. This delightful recipe combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash and the tartness of fresh apples, all enhanced with a fragrant blend of warm spices. The natural sugars from the apples and squash caramelize beautifully during baking, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a nutritious side dish, these fries are easy to prepare and a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you choose to add a touch of olive oil or enjoy them oil-free, this dish promises to bring warmth and comfort to your table. Enjoy the amazing taste of fall all year round!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut squash
1 (medium size, peeled, seeds removed and cut into fry chips, approx 1/2-inch thick pieces by 3-4 inches long)
Apples
2 (peeled, cored and cut into quarters)
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon (optional))
Cinnamon
1/2 (teaspoon)
Clove
1/4 (teaspoon)
Nutmeg
1/8 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a pizza stone or cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to create your spice blend.
3
Transfer the spice mixture into a large resealable plastic bag.
4
Add the butternut squash sticks to the bag. If using, drizzle in the olive oil. Seal the bag and shake it vigorously until the squash is evenly coated with the spices.
5
Cut the apples into quarters, removing the cores, and add them to the bag, giving it another gentle shake to coat them lightly with the spice mixture.
6
Spread the spiced butternut squash fries and apple quarters in a single layer on the prepared parchment-lined baking surface.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip the squash fries and apple quarters to allow even cooking.
8
Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the fries are tender and slightly caramelized, and the apples are soft.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful oven fries!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Spiced Butternut Squash and Apple Oven Fries?
They are a healthy snack or side dish that combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash and the tartness of apples with a blend of warm spices.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are butternut squash, apples, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and optional olive oil.
How should the butternut squash be prepared?
The squash should be peeled, seeds removed, and cut into fry chips approximately 1/2-inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
What type of apples should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 apples that are peeled, cored, and cut into quarters.
What spices are used in the spice blend?
The blend consists of 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon clove, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg.
Is olive oil necessary for this recipe?
No, the one tablespoon of olive oil is optional for coating the squash fries.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 25 minutes: 15 minutes before flipping and 10 minutes after.
How do I ensure the squash is evenly spiced?
Transfer the spice mixture to a large resealable plastic bag, add the squash, and shake it vigorously.
When should I add the apples to the spice mixture?
Add the apple quarters to the bag after the squash is already coated, then give it another gentle shake.
Do I need to line my baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to line a pizza stone or cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Should I flip the fries during baking?
Yes, flip the squash fries and apple quarters after the first 15 minutes to allow for even cooking.
How do I know when the fries are done?
The fries are done when they are tender and slightly caramelized, and the apples are soft.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses vegetables, fruit, and spices.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Absolutely, these fries work perfectly as a nutritious side dish or a cozy snack.
What causes the fries to caramelize?
The natural sugars from the butternut squash and apples caramelize beautifully during the baking process.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a healthy, sweet and savory crowd-pleaser that kids often enjoy.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Yes, the recipe can be prepared without olive oil for an oil-free snack.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The squash fries become tender and slightly caramelized while the apples become soft.
Can I use a pizza stone for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a pizza stone or a standard cookie sheet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients in total: butternut squash, apples, olive oil, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify that the apples should be peeled.
What kind of flavor profile does this dish have?
It features a mix of earthy sweetness, tartness from the apples, and warmth from aromatic fall spices.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, for the best taste and texture, serve the oven fries immediately after baking.
Is this a good recipe for the fall season?
Yes, it is designed as a fall recipe, though it can be enjoyed all year round.
What is the purpose of the plastic bag?
The bag is used to easily and evenly coat the squash and apples with the spice blend.
How thick should the squash fries be cut?
The squash should be cut into approximately 1/2-inch thick pieces.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list, this plant-based recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I use different squash?
This specific recipe is formulated for butternut squash, which provides a unique earthy sweetness.
How many apples are needed?
The recipe requires 2 medium-sized apples.