Name: Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional); 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Introduction

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is a deliciously flavorful and healthy fall recipe that perfectly blends sweet and savory elements. It is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal side dish for the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. Packed with seasonal ingredients, it is not only a treat for the taste buds but also provides great nutritional benefits, making it a smart choice for anyone looking for a health-conscious meal.

The main ingredients in this dish include butternut squash, which brings a rich, creamy texture; cranberries, offering a burst of tartness; feta cheese, providing a salty contrast; and honey, which adds a touch of natural sweetness. Together, they create a beautiful harmony of flavors that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is the perfect balance between its sweet and savory components. The buttery squash pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cranberries and the saltiness of the feta, all tied together with a light drizzle of honey. The dish is both visually appealing and aromatic, filling your kitchen with a cozy, fall-inspired fragrance. For more details on the health benefits of cranberries, check out Cranberries: A Superfood for Health.

Furthermore, olive oil, which is used to roast the squash, adds not just flavor but also offers numerous health benefits. Learn more about the health benefits of olive oil in this informative article Health Benefits of Olive Oil. This recipe is versatile and easy to make, ensuring that anyone can recreate it, whether it's for a holiday dinner or a simple weekday meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Prepping the Butternut Squash

The first step to making Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is preparing the butternut squash. Start by peeling the squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Butternut squash has a tough outer skin, so it’s important to use a sturdy tool. After peeling, carefully slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Then, chop the squash into even, bite-sized cubes to ensure it roasts evenly.

For optimal roasting, aim for 1-inch cubes. This size allows the squash to cook through while developing a crispy exterior. Once chopped, spread the pieces evenly on a large baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. This is crucial for even cooking. To enhance flavor and prevent sticking, drizzle the squash with extra virgin olive oil. Using olive oil adds not only a rich flavor but also numerous health benefits. Learn more about the health benefits of olive oil here. After drizzling the oil, sprinkle the squash with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to taste.

Roasting Techniques

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The high temperature helps create a crispy outside while keeping the inside tender and creamy. Place the baking sheet with the squash in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes. To ensure even cooking, you may want to flip the pieces halfway through the roasting time.

The goal is to achieve a beautiful caramelization on the edges, adding a slight crispiness. The combination of high heat and olive oil helps the squash brown nicely without burning, resulting in the perfect texture.

Adding Cranberries Midway

Once the squash has been roasting for 25 minutes, it’s time to add the cranberries. Adding the cranberries midway through cooking ensures they don’t overcook or become too soft. Spread the cranberries across the baking sheet, mixing them gently with the squash. The cranberries will roast for about 10-15 minutes, just long enough for them to soften and release their tart juices, creating a beautiful contrast to the sweet squash.

Final Touches: Feta and Honey

After removing the squash and cranberries from the oven, it’s time for the finishing touches. Sprinkle feta cheese over the warm mixture, allowing it to slightly melt and integrate with the other flavors. Drizzle honey generously on top. Adding honey at this stage ensures it maintains its natural sweetness without losing its properties in the oven. For more information on butternut squash nutrition, visit Nutritional Value of Butternut Squash.

Variations and Substitutions

Ingredient Swaps

This recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is highly adaptable, allowing for various ingredient swaps to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

Replace feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture and milder flavor.
Swap honey with maple syrup for a richer, earthier sweetness. Maple syrup also pairs beautifully with the butternut squash and cranberries.
Use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones if you prefer a sweeter, less tart flavor. Just remember to adjust the honey or syrup accordingly to balance the sweetness.

Flavor Enhancements

For added texture and flavor, you can enhance this dish with:

Toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for an extra nutty taste.
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to add an aromatic touch.

Customization Tips

Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tartness of the dish based on personal preferences. For a sweeter dish, add more honey or use dried cranberries. For a tangier bite, use fresh cranberries and reduce the sweeteners. Play around with these elements to achieve the perfect balance for your palate.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Holiday Serving Ideas

This dish is perfect for the holiday table, especially alongside festive main courses like roasted turkey or glazed ham. Its combination of sweet and savory flavors complements rich, hearty meats, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast to your holiday feast.

Everyday Serving Options

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta also works well for everyday meals. You can:

Incorporate it into salads for added texture and flavor.
Use it as a filling in a sandwich with roasted meats or greens.
Serve it as a flavorful side with a simple weeknight meal like grilled chicken or fish.

Nutritional Information

Health Benefits of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients help support eye health, boost the immune system, and promote digestive health. The addition of cranberries provides antioxidants, while feta cheese adds a good source of calcium and protein.

Calories and Macronutrient Breakdown

For a typical serving of this dish, you can expect:

Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries in place of fresh ones. The main difference is in the flavor—dried cranberries are sweeter and less tart than fresh cranberries. If you opt for dried cranberries, you may want to reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup used in the recipe to avoid making the dish overly sweet. Dried cranberries also add a slightly chewier texture, whereas fresh ones provide a juicy burst of tartness.

What’s a good substitute for feta cheese?

If you're looking for a substitute for feta cheese, two great alternatives are goat cheese and ricotta. Goat cheese has a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the roasted butternut squash, offering a similar saltiness to feta. If you prefer a milder flavor, ricotta is a good option—it’s soft, subtle, and adds a creamy texture to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.

Can this dish be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. To do so, roast the butternut squash for the recommended time and let it cool. Before serving, reheat the squash in the oven for about 10 minutes, then add the cranberries and roast them for an additional 10-15 minutes until they burst and soften. After reheating, sprinkle the feta and drizzle with honey or maple syrup just before serving to maintain freshness.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. To preserve the texture, avoid storing the honey and feta with the roasted vegetables. Reheat the squash and cranberries in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F. Once warmed, add the feta and honey again for the best flavor and texture. Properly stored, leftovers should last for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, omit the feta cheese and replace the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for sweetness. You can also try adding a vegan cheese alternative like cashew cheese or a plant-based feta substitute for a similar salty and tangy flavor.

Conclusion

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is a simple yet versatile recipe that is perfect for both holiday gatherings and everyday meals. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a dish that anyone can make. Its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it a standout side dish that pairs well with many main courses.