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Here’s a FULL DETAILED RECIPE for Caramelized Butternut Squash with Feta, Walnuts, and Cranberry-Honey Glaze — a sweet, savory, and festive side dish perfect for fall or holiday meals.
🍂 Caramelized Butternut Squash with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
⭐ Ingredients
Butternut Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs / 900 g), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for warm flavor)
Glaze
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce (or cranberry jelly)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp orange zest (optional)
Toppings
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup toasted walnuts (chopped or halved)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare Butternut Squash
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using).
- Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Roast the Squash
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until squash is tender and lightly caramelized at the edges.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry-Honey Glaze
- While squash is roasting, combine honey, cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, and orange zest in a small saucepan.
- Heat over low-medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Glaze the Squash
- Remove the roasted squash from the oven.
- Drizzle the cranberry-honey glaze evenly over the squash.
- Toss gently to coat and return to oven for 5 more minutes to let glaze caramelize slightly.
Step 6: Add Toppings & Serve
- Remove squash from oven.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted walnuts over the top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish or light vegetarian main.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or pork.
- Add cooked quinoa or couscous for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or fall dinner parties.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Vegan option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and skip feta or use vegan cheese.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the squash before roasting.
- Nutty crunch: Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Roast squash and prep glaze ahead; combine just before serving.
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