Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut with Cranberries Recipe

Butternut squash takes center stage in this crispy honey-roasted delicacy that promises pure comfort.

Sweet golden cubes mingle with tart cranberries and salty feta for an unexpected flavor dance.

Pumpkin seeds add crunch and earthy richness to every vibrant bite.

Each forkful tells a story of seasonal warmth and carefully balanced ingredients.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this simple yet elegant side dish.

Layers of texture and flavor create a stunning plate that feels both rustic and refined.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this delightful autumn-inspired creation.

Crispy Butternut With Cranberries FAQs Answered

• Is butternut squash nutritious?

Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports eye health, boosts immunity, and helps maintain healthy skin and metabolism.

• Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute acorn squash, delicata, or kabocha squash. Each variety offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile while maintaining similar roasting techniques.

• How do I know when the butternut squash is perfectly roasted?

Look for golden-brown edges, a caramelized surface, and a tender interior when pierced with a fork. The squash should be soft but not mushy, with crispy, slightly charred edges.

Why Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut With Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds Is Fall On A Plate

• Tackle Tough Ingredients with Ease: Butternut squash becomes a breeze to prepare with simple cutting techniques and straightforward roasting methods.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of sweet honey, tangy feta, and tart cranberries delivers a perfect balance that appeals to diverse taste preferences.
• Nutrition Packed in One Pan: This recipe delivers a nutrient-dense meal loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from squash, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.
• Versatile Dish for Any Occasion: Perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or elegant holiday accompaniment that impresses without complicated preparation.

Everything You’ll Need For This Butternut Squash Side

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and creamy winter squash that forms the hearty base of this roasted dish.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that creates a golden caramelized glaze on the roasted squash.
• Feta Cheese: A tangy and creamy cheese that adds rich, salty notes to the roasted vegetables.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: A classic seasoning blend that enhances the natural flavors of the butternut squash.
• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Zest: Bright herbs that add a fresh, citrusy finish to the roasted dish.

• Olive Oil: A golden oil that helps roast the squash to crispy perfection and adds richness.
• Fresh Cranberries, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds: Ingredients that provide tartness, crunch, and nutty undertones to the dish.

How To Roast Crispy Honey Butternut Just Right

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F, preparing for a roasting adventure that will transform butternut squash into golden deliciousness.

Step 2: Prep The Squash

Scrub the butternut squash clean, then skillfully chop it into neat, bite-sized cubes that will roast to perfection.

Step 3: Coat With Liquid Gold

• Olive oil

Massage the oil across every single cube, ensuring a glistening, even coating.

Step 4: Season With Flavor Boosters

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Rub the seasonings into the squash, creating a fragrant flavor foundation.

Step 5: Arrange For Maximum Crispiness

Spread the seasoned cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer, guaranteeing crispy edges and preventing any steaming.

Step 6: Roast To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, rotate the pan to ensure uniform golden-brown coloring.

Step 7: Add Sweet Caramelization

During the final 5 minutes, drizzle honey over the squash, allowing it to create a glossy, sweet glaze.

Step 8: Cool And Set

Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey to slightly set and intensify its rich flavor.

Step 9: Introduce Tart Companions

Scatter fresh cranberries across the roasted squash, adding a bright, tangy contrast.

Step 10: Crumble In Creamy Goodness

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the warm dish, creating pockets of creamy, melty deliciousness.

Step 11: Add Crunchy Texture

Shower toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a delightful nutty crunch.

Step 12: Final Flavor Flourish

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon zest

Brighten the entire dish with these final touches.

Step 13: Serve Immediately

Plate and enjoy while the squash remains crisp and flavors are at their absolute peak.

Tips For Sweet, Tangy, Crispy Perfection

• Prep Like a Pro: Cut butternut squash cubes precisely and evenly to ensure uniform roasting and perfect caramelization.
• Oil Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor and better coating of seasonings on squash cubes.
• Spacing is Key: Spread squash pieces separately on baking sheet to prevent steaming and achieve crispy, golden edges.
• Honey Hack: Add honey during final roasting minutes for a beautiful caramelized glaze that transforms the dish's flavor profile.
• Texture Boost: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds just before serving to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.

Fun Twists On This Roasted Butternut Favorite

• Autumn Harvest Variation: Replace butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a different root vegetable experience, maintaining identical seasoning and roasting technique.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap thyme with za'atar spice blend, add rosemary, and substitute feta with crumbled goat cheese for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Spicy Maple Alternative: Replace honey with maple syrup, incorporate red pepper flakes, and use pecans instead of pumpkin seeds for a sweet-heat combination.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Eliminate feta cheese, add roasted chickpeas for protein, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy components.

What Goes Great With This Butternut Combo

• Elevate Roasted Honey Butternut Squash Flavor Companions
• Pair Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle fruit notes that complement the squash's sweetness and balance the honey's caramelized richness.
• Match Herbal Goat Cheese Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with fresh goat cheese, drizzled with light vinaigrette to contrast the warm, sweet roasted squash and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Blend Nutty Protein Side: Serve alongside quinoa pilaf with toasted almonds and sage, which echoes the dish's earthy thyme undertones and provides a protein-packed complement to the vegetable's soft texture.

How To Store Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut The Smart Way

• Store leftover roasted butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread squash on a baking sheet in a single layer, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, restoring some of its original crispy texture.
• Place squash in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming, typically taking 1-2 minutes total.

Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut With Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy honey-roasted butternut with cranberries, feta & pumpkin seeds celebrates seasonal comfort on a single plate. Sweet and savory notes dance together, inviting you to savor autumn’s most delightful roasted vegetable experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

seasoning:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

optional garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, ensuring a hot environment for optimal roasting and caramelization of the butternut squash.
2. Thoroughly wash the butternut squash, then carefully slice it into uniform, bite-sized cubes, maintaining consistent thickness for even cooking.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the cubed squash, ensuring each piece is generously coated and glistening with the golden liquid.
4. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried thyme across the squash, massaging the seasonings to create a flavorful, aromatic base.
5. Spread the seasoned squash cubes on a large baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer to promote crispy edges and prevent steaming.
6. Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior.
7. During the last 5 minutes of roasting, drizzle honey over the squash, allowing it to caramelize and create a lustrous, sweet glaze.
8. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey to set slightly and intensify its rich flavor.
9. Scatter fresh cranberries across the roasted squash, letting their tartness contrast with the sweet, caramelized cubes.
10. Crumble feta cheese over the warm dish, creating pockets of creamy, tangy goodness that melt slightly from the residual heat.
11. Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
12. Finish with a garnish of chopped fresh parsley and a whisper of lemon zest to brighten the entire dish.
13. Serve immediately while the squash remains crisp and the flavors are at their peak of intensity.

Notes

• Prevent soggy squash by ensuring each cube is evenly coated with oil and spread out in a single layer, allowing maximum caramelization and crispy edges.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave for different flavor profiles, perfect for those avoiding honey or seeking unique taste variations.
• Toast pumpkin seeds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and improve overall dish texture, adding depth to the roasted butternut squash experience.
• Make the recipe vegan-friendly by substituting feta with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese crumbles, maintaining the dish’s creamy and tangy elements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg