Caramelized Butternut Squash with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

Description

This Caramelized Butternut Squash with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze is a vibrant sweet-savory dish featuring tender roasted squash glazed with honey and cranberries, then finished with salty feta and crunchy walnuts. It’s a perfect fall or holiday side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can stand alone as a vegetarian entrée.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

🍽 Servings

4 servings

🧾 Ingredients

For the Roasted Squash

1 medium butternut squash (about 900 g / 2 lb), peeled and cubed
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup or honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp dried thyme or fresh rosemary (optional)

Toppings & Glaze

⅓ cup (50 g) crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
⅓ cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season the Squash:
In a large bowl, toss squash cubes with olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), salt, pepper, and herbs.
Roast:
Spread squash in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and caramelized.
Prepare the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine dried cranberries and honey. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until cranberries plump and glaze thickens. Stir in balsamic vinegar if using.
Assemble:
Transfer roasted squash to a serving dish. Drizzle with cranberry-honey glaze.
Finish:
Sprinkle with feta cheese and walnuts. Serve warm.

⭐ Notes & Tips

Extra Caramelization: Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Nut Substitutes: Pecans or almonds work well.
Vegan Option: Replace feta with vegan feta or omit.
Make Ahead: Roast squash in advance and reheat before serving.
Add Greens: Toss with arugula or spinach before serving.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 310 mg

💪 Health Benefits

Butternut Squash: High in vitamin A, potassium, and fiber
Walnuts: Provide omega-3 fatty acids for heart health
Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants
Feta Cheese: Adds calcium and protein with bold flavor

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash?
A: Yes, but roast directly from frozen and extend cooking time slightly.

Q: Is this dish sweet or savory?
A: A perfect balance—sweet glaze with salty feta and earthy squash.

Q: Can I serve this cold?
A: It’s best warm but works well at room temperature.

Q: What dishes pair well with this?
A: Roast chicken, turkey, pork, or as part of a vegetarian spread.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.