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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently tumble the butternut squash cubes into the seasoned mixture, meticulously coating each piece to create a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes.
- Arrange the seasoned squash in a single, uniform layer across the prepared baking sheet, allowing each cube ample space for caramelization and even roasting.
- 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.
- During the final 5 minutes of roasting, introduce chopped pecans to the tray, allowing them to toast and develop a rich, nutty complexity.
- Once removed from the oven, immediately scatter dried cranberries over the hot squash, letting their tartness mingle with the caramelized vegetables.
- 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.
- 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