Irresistible Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut Recipe With Fall Flair

Butternut squash takes center stage in this crispy honey-roasted masterpiece that blends sweet and savory flavors.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Vibrant cranberries add a tangy burst to the caramelized vegetable.

Crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy contrast against the squash’s golden edges.

Crunchy pumpkin seeds provide an unexpected nutty layer of excitement.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through autumn’s most luxurious produce.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible dish.

Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut With Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds Must-Try Reasons

• Simplify Cooking Process: Straightforward recipe with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from butternut squash, making it a healthy side dish or light meal.
• Create Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet honey, tangy feta, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and zesty thyme for a complex and exciting taste profile.
• Versatile Dish Design: Adaptable recipe that works as a side, appetizer, or vegetarian main course, suitable for various dietary preferences and meal occasions.

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

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty winter squash that provides a creamy texture and rich flavor profile for the dish.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat that helps achieve crispy edges and enhances overall roasting.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Cinnamon: Classic seasonings that add depth, warmth, and balanced flavor to the squash.

• Honey: A natural sweetener that creates a glossy caramelized glaze and adds rich sweetness.
• Dried Cranberries, Pumpkin Seeds: Ingredients that provide contrasting texture with sweet and nutty elements.
• Feta Cheese: A tangy, creamy cheese that adds a salty and rich dimension to the roasted squash.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves, Lemon Zest: Aromatic garnishes that introduce bright and herbal notes to the dish.

How To Roast Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut With Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

Step 1: Prepare Oven for Roasting

Heat the oven to 425°F to create the perfect environment for caramelizing and crisping the butternut squash.

Step 2: Cube the Squash

Cut the butternut squash into evenly sized bite-sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture.

Step 3: Season the Squash

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground cinnamon

Drizzle olive oil over the cubes and sprinkle seasonings. Massage the spices thoroughly to coat each piece completely.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned squash on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure pieces are not touching to promote maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Roast to Golden Perfection

Bake the squash for 25-30 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through cooking. Look for a golden-brown exterior and tender inside.

Step 6: Prepare Honey Glaze

Warm the honey until it becomes smooth and easily pourable.

Step 7: Add Honey Glaze

Remove squash from the oven and immediately drizzle with warm honey. The heat will help the glaze stick to each piece.

Step 8: Sprinkle Toppings

• Dried cranberries
• Pumpkin seeds

Scatter dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds over the honey-glazed squash to add crunch and bursts of flavor.

Step 9: Add Creamy Feta

Crumble feta cheese generously over the warm squash. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese.

Step 10: Finish with Herbs

Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and lemon zest to introduce bright, aromatic notes to the rich dish.

Step 11: Serve Immediately

Plate and serve the roasted squash while it’s still warm and crispy for the best taste and texture experience.

Tips To Make Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut With Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

• Prep with Precision: Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes to guarantee even roasting and consistent caramelization.
• Season Smartly: Massage oil and spices thoroughly into squash pieces, ensuring each cube is fully coated for maximum flavor absorption.
• Space Strategically: Spread squash in a single layer without overcrowding the baking sheet to achieve crispy, golden-brown edges.
• Glaze with Grace: Warm honey slightly before drizzling to create a smooth, even coating that enhances the squash's natural sweetness.
• Finish Creatively: Top with fresh thyme, lemon zest, and crumbled feta to add bright, tangy notes that complement the rich, sweet roasted squash.

Switch-Ups For Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut With Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

• Honey-Free Edition: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a natural, refined sugar-free glaze that caramelizes beautifully on roasted butternut squash.
• Vegan Friendly Remix: Substitute feta cheese with crumbled almond or cashew cheese to maintain creamy texture while keeping the dish completely plant-based.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add za'atar spice blend and swap thyme with fresh oregano, introducing a robust Middle Eastern flavor profile to the roasted squash.
• Spicy Kick Version: Incorporate ground cayenne pepper or smoked paprika alongside cinnamon for a warming, slightly fiery undertone that complements the squash's natural sweetness.

Best Matches For Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut With Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

• Elevate Honey-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash with Perfect Pairings
• Complement Crisp White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that cuts through the squash's sweetness and matches its herbal thyme notes.
• Match Hearty Protein Partner: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon, allowing the squash's honey-cinnamon flavors to beautifully enhance the protein's natural richness.
• Create Grain Bowl Base: Transform the roasted squash into a stunning grain bowl foundation by adding quinoa or farro, which will absorb the honey glaze and provide satisfying textural contrast.

How To Store Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut With Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

• Transfer roasted butternut squash to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the dish fresh and ready for quick reheating.
• Carefully pack the cooled squash in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through, restoring nearly original crispy texture.

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

• Is butternut squash healthy?

Butternut squash is packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports immune health, promotes good vision, and helps maintain healthy skin and metabolism.

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

Absolutely! Acorn squash, delicata, or kabocha squash work great as alternatives. Just adjust cooking time based on the specific squash’s density and size.

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

Look for golden-brown edges and a tender interior. When you can easily pierce the squash with a fork but it still holds its shape, it’s perfectly roasted. The exterior should have a slight crisp and caramelized appearance.

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

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• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy honey-roasted butternut squash elevates autumn’s comfort with sweet, savory notes of cranberries, tangy feta, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. Wholesome ingredients dance together, creating a delightful side dish you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Seasoning and Spices:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, ensuring a hot environment for optimal caramelization and crispy texture of the butternut squash.
2. Slice the butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes, maintaining consistent thickness to promote even roasting.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the squash cubes, then generously coat with salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon, massaging the seasonings to ensure complete coverage.
4. Spread the seasoned squash pieces on a large baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee maximum crispiness.
5. Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
6. While the squash roasts, warm the honey to create a smooth, pourable consistency that will enhance caramelization.
7. Remove the squash from the oven and immediately drizzle with warm honey, creating a glossy, sweet glaze that will cling to each piece.
8. Sprinkle dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds over the honey-glazed squash, adding texture and bursts of sweet-nutty flavor.
9. Crumble feta cheese generously across the roasted squash, allowing the warm vegetables to slightly melt the cheese.
10. Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh thyme leaves and lemon zest, which will introduce bright, aromatic notes to the rich, sweet squash.
11. Serve immediately while the squash remains warm and crispy, ensuring maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

• Slice squash uniformly to guarantee each piece roasts evenly and develops consistent caramelization.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier while maintaining crispy edges.
• Adjust honey drizzling based on dietary preferences: substitute maple syrup for vegan version or reduce amount for lower-sugar option.
• Toast pumpkin seeds separately for extra nutty flavor and crunchier texture, especially if they might soften during roasting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg