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Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries

honey roasted butternut squash with cranberries - featured image

This festive side dish features caramelized butternut squash tossed with honey, tart cranberries, and creamy feta, finished with fresh herbs and orange zest. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel, halve, and seed the butternut squash. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
  3. In a large bowl, toss squash cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Spread squash in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Do not overcrowd; use two sheets if needed.
  5. Roast squash for 25 minutes, stirring gently halfway through for even browning.
  6. In a small bowl, toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon honey.
  7. After 25 minutes, scatter cranberries over the squash. Return to oven and roast for another 10-12 minutes, until cranberries are softened and squash is fork-tender.
  8. Remove pan from oven. Sprinkle with feta, parsley, and orange zest (if using). Let cool for 3-4 minutes.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with extra honey if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For dairy-free, use vegan cheese or omit feta. Maple syrup can replace honey. Dried cranberries work if fresh/frozen aren’t available (reduce honey slightly). Sweet potatoes or delicata squash can substitute for butternut. For extra crunch, add toasted nuts or seeds before serving. Prep squash ahead for convenience. Broil for 2 minutes at the end for ultra-crispy edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, honey roasted, cranberries, feta, holiday side, Thanksgiving, Christmas, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy recipe