Description

This delightful Caramelized Butternut Squash recipe features tender roasted squash cubes glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry-honey sauce, topped with creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and chewy dried cranberries. It’s a perfect side dish that balances savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, ideal for holiday meals or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash (about 900g / 2 lb), peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp dried thyme or fresh rosemary (optional)
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 tbsp dried cranberries

Cranberry-Honey Glaze

2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp cranberry sauce or jam

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Prepare the Squash: Peel the butternut squash and cut it into approximately ¾-inch cubes to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
Toss with Seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the cubed squash with olive oil, maple syrup or honey, salt, black pepper, and your choice of ½ tsp dried thyme or fresh rosemary for enhanced flavor.
Roast the Squash: Spread the seasoned squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even caramelization and a golden brown crust.
Toast Walnuts: While the squash roasts, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly browned, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, balsamic vinegar, and cranberry sauce or jam. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens into a glaze.
Assemble the Dish: Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a serving platter. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries evenly over the top.
Drizzle Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the warm cranberry-honey glaze over the assembled dish and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

You can substitute maple syrup with honey for a different natural sweetness.
Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant touch, but dried thyme works just as well.
To toast walnuts evenly, keep stirring them in the skillet and watch carefully to prevent burning.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the cranberry-honey sauce a bit longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Keywords: butternut squash, caramelized squash, feta cheese, walnuts, cranberry honey glaze, roasted vegetables, vegetarian side dish, holiday recipe