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    Home ▸ Vegan Main Dishes

    Apple Burgers with Butternut Squash

    Last modified: August 24, 2023. Originally posted: August 24, 2023 By Sophia DeSantis

    This post may contain paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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    A collage of a rice based burger on a pretzel bun, the burgers on a baking sheet and being built on a bun with toppings.
    Two burgers with butternut squash and rice in a pretzel bun on a plate with toppings.

    These apple burgers with butternut squash are a unique twist on a classic meal. Seven simple ingredients make the ultimate flavor bomb!

    Fall flavors in a burger is something you wouldn't expect, but the result is unreal! There is little prep needed, the oven does most of the work.

    Front view of butternut squash burger on a pretzel roll with ranch, caramelized onions and lettuce.
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    This post was originally published on July 2, 201.

    Burgers are a great meal for the family, but can get boring. Switching them up with flavors helps keep them exciting. We love this butternut squash apple burger topped with caramelized onion aioli!

    Ingredients

    I usually keep my burgers pretty simple, just roast some veggies or cook rice if needed, pulse in a food processor, shape, and cook! The patties all freeze well or can be kept in the fridge so you can prep them before for a fast and easy dinner.

    These butternut squash burgers are no different! Here's is what you need to make the patties:

    • Cooked rice
    • Butternut squash 
    • Shallots
    • Granny smith apples 
    • Sea salt 
    • Fresh thyme
    • Pumpkin seeds 
    Top view of a baking sheet with parchment and half chopped butternut squash and have chopped apples.
    A white bowl with cooked wild rice in it on a wooden surface.

    How to Make Apple Burgers with Butternut Squash

    Although there is some cooking time involved here, the active prep part doesn't take long.

    1. Roast the veggies and cook the rice. 
    2. Pulse the veggies and then the rice in the food processor. 
    3. Mix together using your hands and shape into patties. 
    4. Cook and top with all the things! 
    Top view of a food processor with pulsed butternut squash inside.
    Top view of a food processor with wild rice mixture in it.
    Raw butternut squash and wild rice burger patties on a wooden surface.
    Top view of open faced butternut squash burger on a while plate.
    Hand holding a butternut squash burger on a pretzel bun with onions, lettuce and ranch.

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    Topping suggestions

    This butternut squash burger is customizable and so flavorful on it's own, you don't even need much. You can eat it in a bun, or even with a lettuce wrap or on a salad.

    However you enjoy them, load these apple burgers up with all kinds of toppings like:

    • Caramelized Onion Sage Aioli
    • Vegan Ranch Dressing
    • Caramelized onions
    • Lettuce or arugula
    • Tomato
    • Avocado
    • Zucchini

    What to Serve with Butternut Squash Burgers

    Pair these burgers with any of the following sides for a whole well rounded meal!

    • Kale and butternut squash salad
    • Easy maple roasted carrots
    • Vegan butternut squash soup
    • Oven fries
    • Baked eggplant fries
    • Crispy kale chips

    Meal Prep and Storage Tips

    • To prepare ahead of time:
      • Roast the veggies and fruit
      • Make the rice and sauces.
      • You can also make the patties and store in the fridge until the next day.
    • Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
    • You can also freeze the patties by sealing them in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

    More Vegan Burger Recipes

    Once you're finished enjoying these apple burgers with butternut squash, try out these recipes:

    • Black bean burger topped with lettuce, ranch dressing, red onions, tomato and avocado
      Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Black Bean Burgers
    • A Mexican nacho burger with vegan cheese sauce sitting on a plate
      The Ultimate Mexican Nacho Burger
    • two vegan barbecue burgers stacked on top of each other
      Vegan BBQ Black Bean Burger
    • Buffalo chickpea burgers on a bun with onion rings and sauce on a white plate
      Buffalo Chickpea Burgers
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    Two burgers with pretzel buns and rice based burgers topped with white sauce and lettuce.

    Apple Burgers with Butternut Squash

    Sophia DeSantis
    These apple burgers with butternut squash are a unique twist on a classic meal. Seven simple ingredients make the ultimate flavor bomb!
    4.67 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 250 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups cooked rice (I use brown or a wild blend) , about 1 cup dry (cook according to package directions)
    • 1 ½ cups diced butternut squash , about half of one small sized squash
    • ½ cup chopped shallots
    • 1 cup diced granny smith apples , about one small apple
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt , divided
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
    • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds , unsalted or adjust salt

    Serving suggestions:

    • Caramelized Onion Sage Aioli
    • Vegan Ranch Dressing
    • Caramelized onions
    • lettuce or arugula
    • burger buns , I used pretzel rolls

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400F/ 205 C. 
    • Place diced squash on a parchment lined cookie sheet, sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon salt and bake for 15 minutes. 
    • At the 15 minute mark, add apples and shallots to the cookie sheet and sprinkle with the other ⅛ teaspoon salt. Bake another 30 minutes. Set aside to cool while you assemble everything else.
    • Put the veggie mix in a food processor with the thyme and pulse until chunky. Do not puree into a mush or paste. Add to a large bowl.
    • Next add the cooked rice and pumpkin seeds to the food processor and pulse until chopped a bit but still chunky. Add to the bowl.
    • Mix everything well. Add more salt if preferred. 
    • Shape into 4 patties, then cook on stove top in a pan over medium heat for 7-9 minutes on each side or until browned. Keep pan covered to help the burger cook throughout and not dry out. If you're mixture was on the wetter side, then leave uncovered. Let sit for a few minutes after cooking to help the burger get more stable before eating.
    • Serve with toppings of choice!

    Notes

    • You can use any rice you prefer, just make sure it's hearty and not too mushy.
    • If you want to roast the squash/apples/shallots with a drizzle of oil you can, however I did not and it turned out great.
    • I like these with both the aioli or the ranch with caramelized onions on top. Mix it up however you choose!
    • If your mixture seems dry, you make not have cooked the rice enough. If it is too wet, you probably overcooked the rice or used too much water to cook it. 
    Tips to prep ahead:
    • Roast the veggies/fruit, make the rice and/or sauces ahead of time.  You can also make the patties and store in the fridge until the next day.
    Baby/Kid Food Ideas:
    • Form these into small nugget sized pieces or even balls. Serve ranch as a dip.

    Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 133mgPotassium: 269mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5680IUVitamin C: 15.3mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1.1mg

    Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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    1. Inaz

      May 19, 2023 at 12:19 pm

      Hi, haven't made these yet so no stars yet. Was wondering if these can be baked in the oven rather than on stovetop. My "non stick" pans aren't very non stick so I would have to add butter or oil and I'd like to avoid that if at all possible.

      Reply
      • Sophia DeSantis

        May 19, 2023 at 10:32 pm

        Hi! Yes, they can be baked. I would start with 350 for about 15 minutes on each side and see how it goes!

        Reply
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