Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Bliss Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- 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.
- Arrange for roasting: Spread the squash and cranberry mixture evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer to promote even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
