Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut with Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
This Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut with Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds is a delightful autumn-inspired side dish featuring tender roasted butternut squash drizzled with honey and topped with sweet-tart cranberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. The warm spices and contrasting textures make it perfect for cozy dinners or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-32 minutes
- Total Time: 40-47 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Other
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (for added crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Toss Butternut Squash: In a large bowl, combine the chopped butternut squash with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Roast Squash: Spread the coated squash pieces evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the squash is tender and develops a golden-brown color.
- Prepare Cranberry Mixture: While the squash roasts, mix the fresh cranberries with honey and cinnamon in a small bowl to coat the berries and add a warming sweetness.
- Add Cranberries to Squash: After the initial roasting time, remove the baking sheet from the oven and scatter the honey-coated cranberries over the roasted squash. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cranberries soften but retain some texture.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the roasted squash and cranberries to a serving dish. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and pumpkin seeds on top to add creaminess and crunch. Optionally, drizzle a little extra honey over everything before serving warm.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pumpkin seeds lightly before sprinkling them on top.
- Adjust the honey quantity to make the dish sweeter or more savory according to your taste.
- You can substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries soaked briefly in warm water if fresh are unavailable.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main when served with grains like quinoa.
- Make sure to peel the butternut squash well for the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: butternut squash, honey roasted squash, cranberry side dish, feta pumpkin seeds, autumn recipe, roasted vegetables, healthy side dish
