Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this heavenly dish—roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with flavors that just dance together. The sweetness of the roasted squash, the tartness of the cranberries, and the creamy feta create a symphony of taste that’s simply irresistible. I whip this up whenever I want to impress my friends or just indulge in some cozy comfort food. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients! Butternut squash is loaded with vitamins, while cranberries bring a punch of antioxidants. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll want to make it a regular on your table. It’s not just delicious; it’s a feast for your health too!
Ingredients List
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces for that creamy goodness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, to add a rich flavor and help everything roast beautifully
- 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance all those wonderful flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, for just a hint of warmth
- 1 tablespoon honey, to drizzle on top for a touch of sweetness
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, to sprinkle in that lovely herbal note
How to Prepare Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the squash roast evenly and get that delightful caramelization. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma as you cook!
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cubed butternut squash and fresh cranberries. Drizzle in the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and mix everything up until the squash is coated. I like to use my hands to give it a good toss; it’s a bit messy, but oh-so-satisfying! The colors are just stunning, don’t you think?
Roast the Mixture
Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This helps everything roast perfectly. Pop it in the oven and let it roast for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the squash is tender and golden brown—just poke it with a fork to check!
Add Finishing Touches
Once it’s out of the oven, drizzle the roasted mixture with honey for that sweet finish. Then, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh thyme leaves over the top. Gently toss everything together to combine those beautiful flavors. Wow, it looks amazing!
Serve Warm
Now for the best part—serving it up! This dish is fantastic warm, and I love to present it in a beautiful serving bowl. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats or even as a stand-alone star at your dinner table. Just make sure to savor every bite!
Tips for Success
- For an extra caramelized flavor, let the butternut squash roast for a few additional minutes until it’s beautifully golden.
- Don’t skimp on the honey! It adds a delightful sweetness that balances the tart cranberries and creamy feta.
- If you want a hint of spice, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture before roasting.
- Using a large baking sheet allows for better air circulation, which helps the squash get that perfect roasted texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage if you want to switch up the flavor profile!
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try using goat cheese instead of feta for a tangy twist that adds a different creaminess.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a delightful crunch.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg with the salt and pepper for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
- Dried Fruits: Substitute dried cranberries or add some raisins for a chewy texture and added sweetness.
- Herb Variations: Swap thyme for fresh rosemary or sage to bring a new depth of flavor to the dish.
Nutritional Information
This roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta is not just a feast for the senses but also a nutritious option for your meals! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But just think about all those vitamins and minerals you’re packing in with each delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture. Frozen squash can be a real time-saver.
What can I serve with roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and feta?
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like chicken or pork, but it’s also delicious alongside a hearty grain salad for a vegetarian option!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients and toss them together, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to roast. Just adjust the roasting time slightly if they’re cold from the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving again.
Can I use different fruits in this recipe?
Definitely! While cranberries are amazing, you can swap them for pomegranate seeds or even diced apples for a different flavor profile. Just think about balancing the sweetness with the squash!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will wow your taste buds.
- Roasting intensifies the butternut squash’s natural sweetness, while the cranberries add a pop of tartness.
- Healthy and nutritious, this dish is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Super easy to prepare—just mix and roast, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress on your dinner table!
For more information on the health benefits of butternut squash and cranberries, check out these resources!
Print
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta is a delicious and healthy side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine butternut squash, cranberries, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with honey.
- Add feta cheese and thyme, tossing gently.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of feta cheese to taste.
- You can substitute dried cranberries if fresh ones are not available.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: roasted butternut squash, cranberries, feta, side dish
