Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta: Elevate Your Family Dinner with this sweet and savory side dish perfect for the holidays!
The Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is a delightful addition to your Fall/Winter menu.
This butternut squash recipe brings together the best of Fall flavors in a dish that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate.
It’s a simple side that can be the star of both your weeknight dinner and holiday meal.
With its mix of sweet butternut squash, tangy cranberries, and creamy feta, this dish is a culinary revelation, bringing a delightful twist to family dinners.
Whether you’re planning a festive holiday meal or looking for a budget-friendly and healthy side dish for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to impress.
Plus, with its advance prep and make-ahead options, it’s perfect for those with packed schedules.
Why is Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta a “Must-Try”
This dish isn’t just another butternut squash recipe; it’s a fusion of flavors that make it an essential part of your meal prep repertoire.
Here’s why you need to try it:
- Fall Flavors: This dish perfectly captures the essence of Fall with its combination of butternut squash, cranberries, and feta.
- Perfect for the Holidays: Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a festive addition to any holiday meal.
- Budget-Friendly: A delicious yet economical choice for family dinners.
- Advance Prep & Make Ahead: Ideal for those looking to prepare dishes in advance, ensuring more time to enjoy with family.
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Ingredients
(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)
- Butternut Squash: The star of this dish, roasted to perfection.
- Olive Oil: For roasting and bringing out the flavors.
- Fresh Cranberries: Adding a tangy contrast.
- Honey: Giving the dish its signature sweetness.
- Feta: Creamy and salty, balancing the dish’s flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon & Garlic Powder: Enhancing the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and Cube the Squash: Using a sharp knife, peel the butternut squash and then cut it into even-sized cubes.
- Preparing the Squash: Toss the cubed butternut squash in olive oil, honey, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roasting: Spread the seasoned butternut squash on a baking tray and roast until slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Adding Cranberries: Sprinkle fresh cranberries over the squash and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve: Once out of the oven, give it a gentle toss, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, drizzle with a touch more honey, and serve immediately.
Enjoy this perfect blend of sweet and savory as a part of your Fall/Winter menu.
A Healthy Side Dish for All Occasions
The Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is not just a treat for the holidays but also a healthy side dish suitable for any occasion.
Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a standout dish, whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering.
Simplified Storage and Reheating
Storage:
- Fridge: Seal in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating Options:
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), bake in an oven-safe dish for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2 minutes.
FAQ Section
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! This dish offers the convenience of advance prep. You can roast the squash a day ahead and then, before serving, warm it up, adding the cranberries and feta for a fresh touch.
I’m not a fan of feta. Can I use another type of cheese?
Certainly! While feta offers a salty contrast to the dish, you can substitute it with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even parmesan for a different flavor profile.
What main dishes pair well with this side?
This sweet and savory side dish pairs well with any main course with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a vegetarian main. Its versatility makes it a favorite for any meal.
Is this dish budget-friendly for larger gatherings?
Yes, the ingredients, especially butternut squash and cranberries, are often economical, especially in season. This makes the dish a budget-friendly option for family dinners, busy weeknights, and larger holiday gatherings.
Other Side Dishes to Try!
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes and Apples Maple Cinnamon
Scalloped Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamed Corn au Gratin
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta combines the warmth of autumnal flavors with a delightful sweet and savory mix, making it an ideal accompaniment for festive family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt, pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and Cube the Squash: Using a sharp knife, peel the butternut squash and then cut it into even-sized cubes.
- Preparing the Squash: Toss the cubed butternut squash in olive oil, honey, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roasting: Spread the seasoned butternut squash on a baking tray and roast until slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Adding Cranberries: Sprinkle fresh cranberries over the squash and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve: Once out of the oven, give it a gentle toss, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, drizzle with a touch more honey, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 101Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 6mgSodium 157mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 2gSugar 7gProtein 1g
