Sweet and Savory Acorn Squash Apple Mash
This delightful Sweet and Savory Acorn Squash Apple Mash combines the earthy sweetness of roasted acorn squash with the tartness of Granny Smith apples, creating a comforting dish that's perfect for the whole family. With just a touch of brown sugar, honey, and butter, it mimics the taste of sweet potatoes, making it an excellent stealthy way to introduce veggies to picky eaters. Enjoy a creamy, mashed vegetable dish that pairs beautifully with any main course, and the leftovers can be easily frozen for a quick meal later. Your little one won't even realize they're enjoying a nutritious veggie!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn squash
2 (cut in half and seeded)
Granny Smith apples
4 (peeled, cored, and chopped small)
Butter
4 tablespoons (divided)
Brown sugar
4 tablespoons (divided)
Honey
4 tablespoons (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Halve the acorn squashes and remove the seeds, then place them cut-side up in a casserole dish.
3
Evenly distribute one cut-up apple in the cavity of each acorn squash half.
4
Sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar and honey over each squash half, ensuring they are nicely coated.
5
Dot each squash half with one tablespoon of butter to enhance the flavor.
6
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, or until the acorn squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
8
Once baked, carefully scoop out the squash flesh and the cooked apple into a mixing bowl.
9
Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy, adjusting the texture to your liking.
10
Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy the hidden goodness of this delicious veggie mash!
11
This recipe also freezes well; simply store in an airtight container for future meals.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Savory Acorn Squash Apple Mash?
It is a comforting side dish made by roasting acorn squash and Granny Smith apples with butter, honey, and brown sugar, then mashing them together.
What type of squash should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for two acorn squashes, cut in half and seeded.
Which apples are best for this mash?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the squash and honey.
How do I prepare the acorn squash for baking?
Halve the squashes, remove the seeds, and place them cut-side up in a casserole dish before filling the cavities with apples.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake the squash?
Bake for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it is designed as a stealthy way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters by mimicking the flavor of sweet potatoes.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this recipe freezes well; store it in an airtight container for future meals.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are acorn squash, Granny Smith apples, butter, brown sugar, and honey.
How do I achieve a creamy texture?
After baking, scoop the squash and apple flesh into a bowl and mash the mixture until it reaches your desired smoothness.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during the roasting process.
How much honey is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of honey, divided among the squash halves.
Can I use a different sweetener besides brown sugar?
While the recipe calls for brown sugar, you can experiment with other sweeteners, though it may change the final flavor profile.
How many servings does this make?
The recipe uses 2 whole squashes (4 halves), typically serving 4 to 6 people as a side dish.
Should the apples be peeled?
Yes, the apples should be peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces before being placed in the squash.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the listed ingredients (squash, apples, butter, sugar, honey) are naturally gluten-free.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with any main course, such as roasted chicken, pork chops, or a holiday turkey.
Can I substitute the butter to make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative or coconut oil for a different flavor.
How do I know when the squash is fully cooked?
It is done when the flesh is soft and easily pierced with a fork.
Can I add spices like cinnamon?
Absolutely, adding cinnamon or nutmeg would complement the sweet and savory flavors of this dish.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, acorn squash and apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, making this a nutritious vegetable side.
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep involves cutting the squash and apples, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes before baking.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a great substitute for honey and pairs very well with acorn squash.
Can I use a different type of squash like Butternut?
While this recipe is for acorn squash, butternut squash would also work, though the cooking time and prep may vary.
How do I store leftovers in the fridge?
Store any leftover mash in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based oil and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Does this dish contain cholesterol?
The dish contains a small amount of cholesterol from the butter, which can be omitted if necessary.
How do I reheat the frozen mash?
Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I use red apples instead of Granny Smith?
Red apples can be used, but the dish will be much sweeter and the apples may become softer than Granny Smiths.
Is it necessary to remove the seeds?
Yes, you must remove the seeds from the center of the acorn squash before filling it with apples and baking.