Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta: A Sweet-Savory Side Dish

Introduction

Delight your taste buds with this Honey Roasted Butternut Squash – a vibrant autumnal dish that perfectly balances sweet caramelized squash, tart cranberries, and salty feta. Imagine golden cubes of butternut squash roasted with honey until caramelized, then tossed with jewel-like cranberries and creamy feta crumbles. This easy yet elegant side dish brings beautiful colors, textures, and flavors to your holiday table or weeknight dinner in just 40 minutes.

Why This Dish Will Become Your New Favorite

Perfect sweet-savory balance – satisfies all cravings
Stunning presentation with vibrant colors
Meal-prep friendly – reheats beautifully
Versatile – pairs with poultry, pork, or as a salad topper

The magic happens when the honey caramelizes the squash edges while the cranberries burst with tartness, creating a symphony of flavors that the feta perfectly complements.

Ingredients for Flavor Harmony

Main Components

• 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, ¾” cubes)
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta

Roasting Mixture

• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Finishing Touches

• 2 tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Chef’s Tip: Use pre-cubed squash to save time

Step-by-Step Roasting Guide

1. Prep the Squash

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Peel and cube squash (discard seeds)
3. Toss with oil, honey, and spices

2. First Roast

1. Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet
2. Roast 20 minutes undisturbed

3. Add Cranberries

1. Scatter cranberries over squash
2. Roast 10 more minutes

4. Finish and Serve

1. Transfer to serving dish
2. Top with feta, pepitas, and thyme
3. Drizzle with extra honey if desired

Professional Tips for Best Results

High heat roasting ensures caramelization
Warm honey slightly for easier mixing
Uniform cubes cook evenly
Add fresh herbs last for maximum aroma

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Presentation:

• Serve in rustic wooden bowl
• Garnish with edible flowers
• Accompany with sprigs of rosemary

Everyday Pairings:

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Pork tenderloin
• Wild rice pilaf

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan (steams instead of roasts)
Using dried cranberries (too sweet)
Adding feta before roasting (melts away)
Underseasoning (squash needs ample salt)

Creative Variations

Seasonal Twists:

• Winter: Add roasted Brussels sprouts
• Thanksgiving: Mix in pecans
• Spring: Substitute cherries for cranberries

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash?
A: Yes, but pat dry and reduce initial roast time.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate 4 days – reheat gently.

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Use maple syrup and omit feta.

Q: What if my squash isn’t caramelizing?
A: Increase oven temp to 425°F last 10 minutes.

Conclusion

This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is autumn on a plate – a beautiful balance of sweet, tart, and savory that complements any meal. Whether serving at holidays or enjoying as a meatless main, it’s guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.

Final Chef’s Secret: For extra crunch, toast the pepitas in a dry skillet first! The combination of caramelized squash, burst cranberries, and salty feta creates a side dish that’s anything but ordinary.

Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta: A Sweet-Savory Side Dish

---

• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 45 MINS

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta! This delightful dish combines sweet and savory elements, making it a perfect side for any autumn meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

 

Prepare the squash: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, honey, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

 

Roast the squash: Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.

 

Add cranberries: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the dried cranberries over the roasted squash. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to warm the cranberries.

 

Finish and serve: Transfer the roasted squash and cranberries to a serving dish. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm.

 

This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is a beautiful and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any fall feast.

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Notes

This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any meal. It’s an easy-to-make, nutritious side dish that’s perfect for the holiday season or any autumn gathering.