Description
Honey-roasted butternut squash dazzles taste buds with its golden caramelized edges and festive cranberry sparkle. Crumbled feta and crunchy pumpkin seeds complete this Mediterranean-inspired side dish that brings warmth and elegance to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a high temperature of 425°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for transforming butternut squash into a crispy, caramelized delicacy.
- Cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Massage the cubed squash with olive oil, seasoning generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural sweetness.
- Arrange the seasoned squash pieces on a spacious baking sheet, spreading them out to allow each morsel to crisp and caramelize.
- Roast the squash for approximately 25-30 minutes, carefully flipping the pieces midway to guarantee golden, crispy edges and consistent browning.
- Once the squash reaches a rich golden color, remove from the oven and drizzle with honey, creating a glossy, sweet coating.
- Scatter cranberries across the honeyed squash, returning the pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the honey to caramelize and the cranberries to soften.
- Transfer the roasted squash and cranberries to a beautiful serving dish, creating an inviting presentation.
- Generously crumble feta cheese over the warm mixture, adding a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweet and crispy squash.
- Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a delightful nutty crunch and additional textural complexity.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
- Serve immediately while the squash remains warm and crispy, allowing guests to enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Select firm, unblemished butternut squash for the best texture and caramelization during roasting.
- Cut squash cubes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness across the baking sheet.
- Use high-quality honey for better caramelization and deeper flavor profile when drizzling over roasted squash.
- Customize for different dietary needs by substituting feta with dairy-free cheese alternatives or omitting cheese for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg