Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut with Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both cozy and elegant, this Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut with Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds has it all. The combination of caramelized butternut squash, sweet cranberries, salty feta, and crunchy pumpkin seeds is pure perfection! Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will impress with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. First off, it’s easy to make, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor. You’ll get crispy edges from the butternut squash, the natural sweetness of honey, and the tartness of cranberries. It’s wholesome yet indulgent with the creamy crumbled feta and the satisfying crunch of pumpkin seeds. Not to mention, the honey-roasted butternut smells amazing as it roasts—trust me, your kitchen will be filled with the most delicious aromas!

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

The honey gives the squash a beautiful glaze, while the feta adds a tangy contrast. Meanwhile, the cranberries contribute a burst of sweetness and color, and the toasted pumpkin seeds bring in that perfect crunchy texture. It’s a delightful mix that feels light, yet comforting. Plus, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top, you get a lovely, fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor to tie it all together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this gorgeous dish:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Baking sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or tongs
• Sharp knife (for peeling and cubing the squash)
• Oven

How to Make Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut with Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

Ready to get started? Let’s walk through this recipe step by step!

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet—make sure not to overcrowd them, as this will help achieve that crispy texture!

Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is golden and crispy on the edges. The key to a perfect roast is letting the edges brown, which brings out the natural sweetness of the squash.

Step 2: Add Honey and Cranberries

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the honey over the squash. Add the cranberries and gently toss everything together. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just enough time for the honey to caramelize and the cranberries to soften slightly.

Step 3: Finish with Feta and Pumpkin Seeds

Once the squash is roasted to crispy perfection, transfer everything to a serving dish. Top with the crumbled feta and toasted pumpkin seeds. The combination of salty feta and crunchy seeds adds so much texture and flavor!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of green. The parsley not only looks beautiful but also adds a fresh, bright flavor to balance the richness of the dish.

Tips for the Best Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash

• Choose the right butternut squash: Look for a squash that’s firm, with a smooth and even skin. A ripe squash will be heavy for its size.
• Cut evenly: When cubing your squash, try to cut the pieces as uniformly as possible. This ensures that they cook evenly and you don’t end up with some pieces undercooked while others are burnt.
• Flip halfway through roasting: Don’t forget to flip the squash halfway through the roasting process. This will help both sides get crispy and golden.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Looking to mix things up or cater to specific tastes? Here are some ingredient swaps and add-ons that work beautifully with this recipe:

• Swap cranberries with dried cherries for a slightly more tart flavor.
• Substitute feta with goat cheese if you prefer a creamier, tangier cheese.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• For a vegan version, simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.

What to Serve with Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash

This dish can stand alone as a vibrant vegetarian main or serve as a perfect side for roasted meats, such as chicken or turkey. Pair it with a simple green salad, or a grain like quinoa or farro, for a complete meal.

If you’re planning for the holidays, this recipe makes an excellent side dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners—its festive flavors fit right into any celebratory spread!

Storing Leftovers

This honey-roasted butternut squash stores well, making it great for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:

• Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the squash crispy.
• Freezer: While freezing might soften the texture a little, you can freeze the squash in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can! However, keep in mind that frozen squash tends to have more moisture, which can make it harder to achieve crispy edges. You may want to increase the roasting time slightly and spread the squash out on the baking sheet to avoid overcrowding.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the butternut squash ahead of time and add the honey, cranberries, feta, and pumpkin seeds just before serving. Reheat the squash in the oven to keep it crispy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure any add-ons or substitutions you use are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut with Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds is not only beautiful to serve but also packed with flavor and texture. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy, making it ideal for a cozy fall dinner or a show-stopping holiday side dish. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

Try More Delicious Recipes!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out some of these other flavorful options:

• Fig, Honey, and Goat Cheese Galette – A delicious sweet and savory tart that’s perfect for brunch or dessert.
• Buttermilk Chicken Tenders – Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these tenders are sure to be a hit.
• Honey Sesame Chicken (Air Fryer) – A healthier take on a takeout favorite, made easy in the air fryer.

Don’t Forget to Share!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest, or leave a review in the comments below. Let’s keep the cooking fun and the flavors delicious!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 5g

Enjoy this sweet and savory dish!

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