Honey-Kissed Butternut Squash & Cranberry Pecan Feta Recipe

Autumn’s golden hues inspire this delightful honey roasted butternut squash that combines sweet and savory flavors in a spectacular side dish.

Crisp seasonal ingredients mingle beautifully on your plate, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Soft squash cubes caramelize with rich honey, turning golden and inviting.

Bright cranberries burst with tangy brightness against creamy feta cheese crumbles.

Crunchy pecans add a delightful nutty dimension that complements the squash’s natural sweetness.

Clusters of herbs scattered throughout enhance the dish’s rustic charm and aromatic appeal.

Warm comfort awaits you in every single bite of this irresistible seasonal celebration.

Butternut Squash That Roasts Sweet with Cranberry Crunch

• Quick and Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet honey, warm spices, tangy feta, and crunchy pecans creates a mouthwatering taste experience that delights the palate.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Butternut squash packed with vitamins and minerals, combined with antioxidant-rich cranberries and heart-healthy pecans, delivers a super-nutritious side dish.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potluck events, this dish impresses guests while being incredibly simple to prepare.

Butternut Squash with Cranberries & Feta Ingredients

• Butternut Squash: Sweet and hearty winter squash perfect for roasting.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that helps caramelize the squash.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and richness.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy cheese that provides a creamy contrast.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart and sweet dried fruit that adds bursts of flavor.

• Olive Oil, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the squash's natural sweetness.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance the dish's flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh, green touch to the roasted dish.

Roasting Butternut Squash with Honey, Cranberries, and Feta

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Dress the Squash

• Cubed butternut squash
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Toss everything together until the squash is completely coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 3: Spread and Roast

Arrange the squash cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Flip the cubes halfway through to ensure even caramelization and tenderness.

Step 4: Toast the Nuts

During the final 5 minutes of roasting, add chopped pecans to the baking sheet. Let them get golden and fragrant.

Step 5: Add Fruity Burst

Pull the baking sheet out of the oven and immediately toss the roasted squash with dried cranberries. The residual heat will plump up the berries slightly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Transfer the squash mixture to a beautiful serving dish. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve while warm and enjoy the symphony of flavors.

Butternut Squash Roast Tips with Sweet and Savory Notes

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the butternut squash cubes don't stick and caramelize beautifully without burning.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Combine honey with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and create a complex, rich taste profile.
• Toast Nuts Perfectly: Add pecans during the last 5 minutes of roasting to prevent burning while developing a deep, nutty flavor that complements the sweet squash.
• Balance Textures Expertly: Sprinkle fresh feta cheese after roasting to add a creamy, tangy element that contrasts with the soft, caramelized squash and crunchy pecans.
• Quick Meal Prep: Chop squash and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and make this side dish a stress-free addition to any meal.

Store Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the feta and pecans separate to maintain crispness.
• Transfer cooled squash mixture to a freezer-safe container, excluding feta and pecans, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Place squash in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm, stirring halfway through.
• Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh pecans and feta before serving.

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Side Matches

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio with bright acidity to complement the sweet honey and roasted squash flavors.
• Match with Autumn-Inspired Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich roasted squash.
• Serve Alongside Herb-Roasted Chicken: Prepare a simple roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme to provide a savory protein counterpoint to the sweet squash dish.
• Create Comforting Side of Quinoa Pilaf: Cook quinoa with vegetable broth, add sautéed onions and garlic, creating a hearty grain base that enhances the squash's nutty and sweet profile.

Honey Roasted Butternut Veggie Mixes

• Vegan Maple Squash Delight: Replace honey with maple syrup, use dairy-free feta or omit cheese, swap pecans with pumpkin seeds for nut-free option.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Version: Add rosemary and thyme to oil mixture, use goat cheese instead of feta, substitute almonds for pecans.
• Spicy Autumn Roast: Incorporate cayenne pepper or chili flakes, replace cranberries with pomegranate seeds, use smoked paprika for deeper flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Reduce honey quantity, use monk fruit sweetener, add extra virgin olive oil, include more nuts for healthy fat content.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right butternut squash for this recipe?

Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size, has a matte, not shiny skin, and has minimal blemishes. The skin should be firm without soft spots, and the color should be a deep tan or light orange.

• Can I use other types of squash instead of butternut?

Yes, acorn squash or kabocha squash work well as alternatives. They have similar textures and will roast similarly to butternut squash, though cooking times might vary slightly.

• Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Replace the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative or use nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.

• How do I know when the butternut squash is perfectly roasted?

The squash is done when it’s fork-tender and has golden-brown edges with slight caramelization. The cubes should be soft but not mushy, with a slightly crisp exterior.

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash With Cranberries, Pecans, And Feta Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Honey roasted butternut squash combines sweet and savory flavors in a delightful autumn dish. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a perfect balance of textures and tastes you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into 1-inch cubes (approximately 680 grams)

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings and Garnish:

• 1/3 cup (50 grams) dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup (35 grams) crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare an oven-safe tray by lining it with parchment paper and heating the oven to a robust 400°F (200°C), ensuring an optimal roasting environment.
2. Craft a flavor-infused mixture by combining olive oil, golden honey, warming cinnamon, aromatic nutmeg, delicate salt, and freshly ground pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Gently tumble the butternut squash cubes into the seasoned mixture, meticulously coating each piece to create a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes.
4. Arrange the seasoned squash in a single, uniform layer across the prepared baking sheet, allowing each cube ample space for caramelization and even roasting.
5. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning the squash midway to ensure a golden, tender exterior with a slightly crisp edge.
6. During the final 5 minutes of roasting, introduce chopped pecans to the tray, allowing them to toast and develop a rich, nutty complexity.
7. Once removed from the oven, immediately scatter dried cranberries over the hot squash, letting their tartness mingle with the caramelized vegetables.
8. Transfer the aromatic mixture to an elegant serving dish, generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese across the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
9. Present the dish warm, inviting guests to savor the multifaceted flavors and textures of this sophisticated side dish.

Notes

• Optimize caramelization by cutting squash into uniform 1-inch cubes for even roasting and golden-brown edges.
• Select raw honey for deeper flavor complexity and enhanced natural sweetness compared to processed varieties.
• Prevent burning by stirring squash midway and watching pecans closely during final toasting minutes to achieve perfect golden-brown color.
• Accommodate dietary needs by substituting feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles for plant-based versions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg