Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Bliss Recipe

Introduction

This Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Bliss is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Perfect for a cozy side dish, it’s easy to prepare and packed with seasonal goodness.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes, cranberries, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Step 5: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the honey over the warm squash and cranberries.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh thyme leaves on top, then toss gently to combine.
7. Step 7: Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or light main.

Tips & Variations

• Swap fresh cranberries with dried cranberries if fresh ones are not available, but reduce the honey slightly as dried cranberries are sweeter.
• Add a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture.
• For extra herb flavor, sprinkle some rosemary or sage along with the thyme before roasting.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain the roasted texture and flavor. Adding feta fresh after reheating is recommended for best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the squash and cranberry mixture ahead of time and roast it just before serving. Add the honey, feta, and thyme right after roasting for the best taste.

Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe contains feta cheese, which is not vegan. You can substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it altogether to make the dish vegan-friendly.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Bliss Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

This Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Bliss is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash while fresh cranberries add a vibrant tartness. Drizzled with honey and sprinkled with tangy feta and fragrant thyme, this dish makes a perfect warm side or a light vegetarian meal, combining seasonal ingredients for a comforting yet elegant flavor experience.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Fruits

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

Dairy

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Oils and Condiments

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Herbs and Spices

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the peeled and cubed butternut squash, fresh cranberries, olive oil, salt, and black pepper ensuring all pieces are evenly coated for balanced flavor and roasting.
3. Arrange for roasting: Spread the squash and cranberry mixture evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer to promote even cooking.
4. Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until the butternut squash is tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
5. Add honey: Remove the tray from the oven and immediately drizzle the roasted mixture with honey to add a sweet glaze that complements the tart cranberries.
6. Incorporate feta and herbs: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh thyme leaves over the warm mixture and gently toss to combine the flavors without breaking up the cheese too much.
7. Serve warm: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy this vibrant, sweet-savory dish warm as a side or light vegetarian entrée.

Notes

• If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen cranberries can be used without thawing for roasting.
• For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based feta alternative.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure all ingredients, especially honey and feta, are certified gluten-free if necessary.
• Roasting time may vary depending on oven performance and the size of the squash cubes; test doneness with a fork.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme (use about 1 teaspoon) if fresh is unavailable.

Keywords: roasted butternut squash, cranberries, feta cheese, fall recipes, vegetarian side dish, honey, thyme