Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries + Feta – Easy Recipe

Looking for a vibrant, flavorful side dish to elevate your holiday meals? Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is the answer! This sweet and savory dish is bursting with fall flavors and perfect for any gathering. With the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the tart burst of cranberries, and the creamy saltiness of feta, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Simple to make, delicious to eat, and visually stunning—this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is a standout side dish that checks all the boxes. It’s quick, easy, and packed with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re preparing a festive dinner or just craving a cozy meal at home, this recipe delivers in both taste and simplicity. It’s also highly customizable—adjust the sweetness or tanginess based on your preferences, and add in or swap out ingredients as you see fit.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious side dish:

• Butternut Squash: A rich, creamy texture that absorbs the honey and spices beautifully.

• Olive Oil: Used to coat the squash, enhancing its roasted flavor and giving it a crispy finish.

• Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that balance out the sweetness of the squash and complement the rest of the ingredients.

• Fresh Cranberries: These burst as they roast, adding a vibrant tartness that contrasts with the sweetness of the squash.

• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and glaze to the dish. Drizzle it after roasting to preserve its flavor and health benefits.

• Feta Cheese: The creamy, salty feta contrasts the sweetness of the squash and adds a delightful tang.

• Ground Cinnamon: A warm spice that adds depth to the roasted squash and enhances the fall flavors.

• Parsley: Fresh or dried parsley can be sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make a few adjustments based on dietary preferences or what you have available, here are some swaps:

• Goat Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try replacing it with creamy goat cheese for a smoother texture and different flavor profile.

• Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are hard to find, dried cranberries work well too. They’re sweeter and will give a slightly different texture but still add the needed contrast.

• Maple Syrup: If you’re out of honey, maple syrup is an excellent alternative. It has a similar sweetness and a touch of warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this scrumptious Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps achieve that perfectly roasted texture.
2. Prepare the Squash: Peel and chop the butternut squash into cubes. Spread them out on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring the pieces are well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
3. Roast the Squash: Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The squash should be soft and starting to brown around the edges.
4. Add the Cranberries: After 25 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and scatter fresh cranberries over the squash. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to burst and soften.
5. Finish the Dish: Once the squash is tender and the cranberries are bursting, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey to taste. Add the crumbled feta cheese on top.
6. Garnish and Serve: For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors!

Tips & Tricks

To make sure your Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta comes out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Watch the Cranberries: Cranberries can burst and burn quickly, so check them often to make sure they soften but don’t overcook.

• Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference and the tartness of the cranberries, you may want to adjust the amount of honey. If you like it sweeter, feel free to drizzle more on top.

• Pre-Roasting Option: If you’re making this dish ahead of time, you can pre-roast the squash for 25 minutes and store it. Reheat in the oven with cranberries for about 10 minutes before adding honey and feta.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to complement the flavors:

• Grilled Chicken: The sweetness of the squash balances well with the smoky flavors of grilled chicken.

• Roasted Pork: The savory undertones of roasted pork work wonderfully with the sweet and tart elements of the squash.

• Quinoa or Rice: Serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or rice for a more substantial meal.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the sweet squash.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish can easily be prepared in advance. If you’re planning to make it ahead, you can roast the squash and cranberries the day before, then simply reheat them before serving. Just be sure to add the honey and feta after reheating, to preserve their freshness and flavor.

Health Benefits of Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Butternut squash is a great source of vitamins A and C, both essential for immune health, while cranberries provide antioxidants that help fight inflammation. The honey adds a natural sweetener with some health benefits, including antibacterial properties when consumed raw, though it still offers a lovely flavor when baked. Feta cheese provides protein and calcium, making this dish not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing addition to your meal.

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is the ultimate fall side dish—sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

Conclusion

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is a delightful combination of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this side dish will elevate your meal with its balance of sweetness, tartness, and creaminess. The simplicity of the ingredients, along with the flexibility to adjust the sweetness or swap out ingredients based on personal taste, makes it a versatile recipe that can suit any occasion. With its ease of preparation and fantastic flavor profile, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the taste of autumn in every bite!

FAQs

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding: This indulgent dessert brings together the rich flavors of pumpkin, praline, and a soft bread base, making it a perfect fall treat to pair with Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta for a comforting meal.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A light yet filling salad featuring chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing. Its Mediterranean flavors make it a refreshing and healthy complement to the sweet and savory elements of the roasted squash and feta dish.
• Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta: A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring crisp cucumbers and feta cheese, seasoned with fresh herbs. This dish offers a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the roasted sweetness of the butternut squash and cranberries.

Print