If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness and savoriness while bringing a burst of color and texture to your table, this Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender roasted butternut squash, caramelized with honey and cinnamon, pairs beautifully with the tartness of dried cranberries, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the creamy salty touch of feta cheese. It is a crowd-pleaser that feels both cozy and elegant, perfect for a family dinner or holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet flavorful ingredients is all it takes to create magic. Each element plays a crucial role in building the distinctive layers of taste and contrasting textures that make this dish unforgettable.
- Medium butternut squash (~3 lbs): Provides the hearty, naturally sweet base that roasts to tender perfection.
- Coconut or olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps roast the squash evenly while adding a subtle richness.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Add a tangy, fruity burst that contrasts beautifully with the sweet squash.
- Raw pecans (1/2 cup): Deliver an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): The key sweet element that caramelizes during roasting and ties the flavors together.
- Minced garlic (1 clove): Adds a subtle savory depth to balance the sweeter ingredients.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/4 cup): Brings a creamy, salty finish that heightens flavor complexity.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm spice notes that complement the autumnal theme of the dish.
- Fresh thyme (2 tablespoons): Used as a garnish to add a refreshing herbal aroma and brighten the flavors.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into balance.
How to Make Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prep your butternut squash
Begin by peeling, seeding, and chopping the butternut squash into roughly 1-inch cubes. Uniform pieces ensure they roast evenly and develop that perfect tender yet slightly caramelized texture.
Step 2: Toss with seasonings and oil
In a large bowl, combine the chopped squash with coconut or olive oil, minced garlic, cinnamon, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. The oil will help the seasonings adhere while promoting a beautiful golden roast.
Step 3: Roast the squash
Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting. The edges should crisp while the interior becomes tender and sweet.
Step 4: Add honey, cranberries, and pecans
Remove the squash from the oven and immediately drizzle with honey, tossing to coat. Sprinkle in the dried cranberries and raw pecans then return to the oven for 5 more minutes. This step enhances the sticky-sweet glaze and lightly roasts the nuts for extra crunch.
Step 5: Sprinkle with feta and fresh thyme
Once out of the oven, transfer the squash to a serving dish and scatter with crumbled feta cheese and fresh thyme leaves. The creamy feta melts slightly into the warm squash, and the fragrant thyme brightens each bite.
How to Serve Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and texture, fresh thyme sprigs are ideal. You can also add extra pecans or a light drizzle of honey on top before serving to make it look as vibrant and tempting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken or pork for a wholesome meal. Alternatively, toss it into a leafy green salad or serve alongside quinoa or wild rice to keep things light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the honey roasted butternut squash in individual ceramic bowls or atop crisp crostini as a warm appetizer. You could also use edible flowers and microgreens to amplify the visual appeal at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, though the pecans may soften slightly, making the dish even more comforting when reheated gently.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a touch of olive oil when reheating can refresh the dish’s moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes and each offers a unique crunch and flavor profile that complements the sweetness and saltiness of this dish.
Is it okay to use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can use fresh cranberries, but they are much tarter and less sweet. Consider adding a little extra honey or sugar if you prefer that sweeter touch.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the honey with maple syrup and omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly while still delicious.
What can I serve this dish with for a vegetarian meal?
Pair with grains like couscous, farro, or a leafy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to keep the meal balanced and satisfying for vegetarians.
How do I store leftovers to maintain crispness in the pecans?
Keep pecans separate and add them fresh when serving leftovers to maintain maximum crunch, or lightly toast them again before using.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that brighten up any meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for guests, making it a dependable go-to for a cozy, delicious dish worth making again and again. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash recipe combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the tartness of dried cranberries, the crunch of pecans, and the creaminess of feta cheese. Roasted to perfection with a hint of cinnamon and garnished with fresh thyme, it’s a delicious and elegant side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 medium butternut squash (~3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, for garnish
Oils and Sweeteners
- 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
Nuts and Cheese
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the squash.
- Prepare Butternut Squash: Peel, seed, and chop the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Toss Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped butternut squash, minced garlic, coconut or olive oil, honey, cinnamon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Add Pecans and Cranberries: Mix in the raw pecans and dried cranberries with the squash mixture gently to spread them throughout.
- Roast: Spread the mixture out on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and golden brown, and the pecans are toasted.
- Add Feta and Thyme: Remove the roasted squash from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve warm as a delicious side dish to complement your main course.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Use olive oil if you want a more traditional flavor, or coconut oil for a subtle sweetness.
- If you want a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.
- The roasting time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the squash cubes.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
