Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta

If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate autumn, this Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta is the perfect dish! It’s not only packed with flavor but also brings a beautiful pop of color to your table. This recipe combines tender butternut squash with the sweetness of honey, the tartness of cranberries, and the creaminess of feta – all roasted to crispy perfection. It’s one of those dishes that make you feel warm and cozy, ideal for family gatherings or busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish is special because it showcases simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it as a side at Thanksgiving or enjoying it during a casual dinner, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the squash ahead of time and simply roast it before serving.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from butternut squash and antioxidants from cranberries, it’s a healthy addition to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta! You’ll love how easy they are to find at your local grocery store.

For the Squash

• 1 medium butternut squash (2.5-3 lbs)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh, chopped)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 minced fresh clove)
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Toppings

• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley or mint, chopped

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced sweet potatoes or red onions for added texture and flavor.
• Change Up the Cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Use Maple Syrup: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweet twist.

How to Make Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help achieve those crispy edges we’re looking for. While the oven heats up, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy!

Step 2: Prepare the Squash

Peel the butternut squash carefully—its tough skin can be tricky! Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands inside. Next, chop the squash into uniform ¾-inch cubes. Keeping them even in size ensures they cook evenly.

Step 3: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, honey, dried thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. This mixture will coat the squash perfectly and infuse it with delicious flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Squash

Add those lovely cubed pieces of butternut squash to your bowl. Toss everything together until each piece is coated in that flavorful mixture. Make sure every cube gets its fair share; this step is key for maximum flavor!

Step 5: Arrange for Roasting

Spread the coated squash onto your prepared baking sheets in a single layer. It’s important that the pieces don’t touch; otherwise, they won’t roast properly and won’t get that nice crispy finish we crave.

Step 6: Roast Away!

Pop your baking sheets into the oven and roast for about 15 minutes. Then flip those cubes over so they brown evenly. Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender and beautifully caramelized.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Once out of the oven, sprinkle dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds evenly over the hot squash. The residual heat will soften them just enough while adding delightful pops of sweetness and crunch.

Step 8: Final Touches

Gently toss everything together—this helps incorporate those toppings nicely! Now sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top; its creamy texture complements everything perfectly.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Give everything a taste! Adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or mint if desired before serving warm. Enjoy every bite of this stunning side dish!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta

Creating the perfect crispy honey roasted butternut squash is easier than you think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time.

• Uniform Cubes for Even Cooking: Cutting your butternut squash into ¾-inch cubes ensures they cook evenly and achieve that desired crispy texture. If the pieces are different sizes, some might cook faster than others.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheets: Spreading the squash out in a single layer allows hot air to circulate around each piece, resulting in maximum crispiness. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast, which can lead to sogginess.

• Adjust Your Sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences and the natural sweetness of your squash, feel free to adjust the honey amount. A little more can enhance caramelization, while less will keep it more savory.

• Opt for Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme works well, using fresh herbs like parsley or mint not only adds a burst of flavor but also a pop of color. Fresh herbs can elevate your dish’s presentation and taste!

• Serve Immediately for Best Texture: This dish is best enjoyed right after it’s made. The crispy edges may soften over time, so if you’re serving a crowd, try to time it so everything comes out of the oven just before serving.

How to Serve Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta

This vibrant dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing! When presenting your crispy honey roasted butternut squash, consider how you want to showcase its beautiful colors and textures.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or mint on top for an added layer of flavor and freshness.
• Extra Crumbled Feta: A little more feta can enhance richness and provide creaminess that balances the sweet notes of the dish.
• Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: A drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving adds acidity that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the sweet flavors of the squash while adding protein and fiber.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the butternut squash, creating a balanced meal.
• Cinnamon-Spiced Lentils: These hearty lentils add a warm spice element that complements both sweet and savory notes in this dish.
• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans steamed until tender-crisp offer a fresh crunch that rounds out the richness of the roasted squash.

With these ideas in mind, your crispy honey roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta will not only be delicious but also a stunning centerpiece at any table. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time, making it a fantastic addition to your weekly meals or holiday gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover butternut squash in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For best results, separate the feta and cranberries if possible to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Allow the roasted squash to cool completely before freezing.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread the butternut squash on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it on a microwave-safe plate for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful dish!

How do I make Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and omit the feta cheese, or use a plant-based feta alternative.

Can I use other types of squash for Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta?

Absolutely! While butternut squash works beautifully, you can also try acorn squash or delicata squash for a different flavor profile and texture.

What dishes pair well with Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or as part of a hearty grain bowl. It also makes an excellent side for Thanksgiving dinners!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta! The combination of flavors makes this dish not just a treat for the taste buds but also a beautiful centerpiece. Enjoy bringing autumn’s bounty to your table—happy cooking!