Oh my goodness, you guys, if you haven’t tried roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta, you’re seriously missing out! This dish is like a cozy hug on a plate, blending the sweet, earthy flavor of butternut squash with the tangy burst of cranberries and the creamy goodness of feta cheese. Trust me, the first time I made it, my kitchen was filled with the most heavenly aroma, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s such a delightful combination that hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, and just a little tangy. Plus, it’s not just delicious—it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta shine! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 medium butternut squash – Make sure to peel it and cube it into bite-sized pieces for even roasting.
- 1 cup cranberries – You can use fresh or dried cranberries, depending on your preference. Dried will add a nice sweetness!
- 1 cup feta cheese – Crumbled, of course! The creaminess of the feta is what brings this dish together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin works best for that rich flavor. We’re using this to toss with the squash.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To help bring out all those lovely flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to balance the sweetness of the squash and cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon thyme – Fresh or dried, this herb adds a wonderful aroma and depth to the dish.
(Tip: Feel free to adjust the amount of feta to suit your taste! If you’re a feta fanatic like me, you might want to add a little extra.)
How to Prepare Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
Alright, let’s get this beautiful dish on your table! Follow my step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a plate of deliciousness in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get it nice and hot for roasting!
- Next, grab your peeled and cubed butternut squash and toss it in a large mixing bowl with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Make sure every piece is well-coated; this is where all the flavor starts!
- Spread the seasoned squash cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Give them some space to breathe—this helps them caramelize beautifully.
- Now, pop that baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, stirring halfway through, so they roast evenly. You’re looking for them to be tender and just a bit caramelized around the edges.
- Once they’re done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the squash cool slightly. The aroma will be irresistible, so try not to dive right in!
- Finally, toss in your cranberries and crumbled feta cheese with the roasted squash. Give it a gentle mix to combine everything—this is where the magic happens!
- Serve warm and enjoy the wonderful medley of flavors!
And there you have it! This dish truly comes together so effortlessly, making it perfect for any occasion.
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, I want to mention that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, consider this section an estimate rather than an exact science. But just to give you a ballpark, here’s what you can expect per serving of roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Remember, the goodness in this dish is not just about the numbers—it’s about the flavor and joy it brings to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—it’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
- A delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will please your taste buds.
- Healthy option packed with vitamins and fiber, thanks to the butternut squash and cranberries.
- Versatile dish that works as a side or a main vegetarian dish—great for any occasion!
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors that brighten up your table.
- Easy to customize—swap out ingredients or add your favorite herbs and spices!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate this dish:
- Choose the right squash: Look for a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a smooth, blemish-free skin. This ensures it’s fresh and sweet!
- Cut evenly: When cubing the squash, try to make the pieces uniform in size. This way, they’ll cook evenly and all be perfectly tender at the same time.
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil: It not only helps with roasting but also locks in flavor. If you want a richer taste, feel free to drizzle a little more before roasting!
- Watch your roasting time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the squash as it roasts. You want that lovely caramelization, but you don’t want them to turn mushy. A slight char is what we’re after!
- Add cranberries at the right time: To keep the cranberries plump and juicy, add them right after you take the squash out of the oven. The residual heat will warm them without overcooking.
- Experiment with herbs: If thyme isn’t your jam, try rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can add even more aroma and depth!
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while the feta is creamy and the squash is warm. If you let it sit too long, the flavors might mellow out.
With these tips in hand, I’m confident you’ll create a dish that’s not just delicious but also impressively beautiful! Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit with your roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta, I’ve got some fantastic variations to try! Here are a few ideas that will keep your taste buds dancing:
- Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped red onions or bell peppers along with the squash for added color and flavor. Brussels sprouts also roast beautifully with this dish!
- Spice it up: For a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a hint of cayenne pepper before roasting. It adds a nice warmth that balances the sweetness of the squash and cranberries.
- Herb it up: While thyme is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, sage, or even a touch of basil. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish to a whole new level!
- Sweeten the deal: If you want a sweeter profile, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the squash before roasting. It caramelizes beautifully and pairs perfectly with the feta.
- Nuts for crunch: Add some toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving for an extra crunch. They bring a delightful texture contrast and a nutty flavor that complements the dish.
- Cheese swap: While feta is fantastic, don’t hesitate to try goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar. Each cheese will lend a different taste and creaminess that can change the whole vibe of the dish.
- Citrus twist: Mix in some orange zest or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. The bright citrus notes can really enhance the overall flavor and freshness of the dish!
With these variations, you’ll never get bored of this scrumptious dish! Feel free to combine a few ideas or come up with your own unique twist. The key is to have fun and let your creativity shine through!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve prepared your stunning roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta, let’s talk about how to make this meal even more delightful by pairing it with some delicious sides or main dishes! Here are my favorite ideas that really complement the flavors of this dish:
- Grilled Chicken or Turkey: The savory notes from grilled chicken or turkey are a perfect match for the sweet and tangy squash. Plus, the protein makes it a more filling meal!
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with fresh veggies, herbs, and a zesty dressing adds a nice crunch and complements the dish’s flavors beautifully.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: If you love roasted veggies, you can’t go wrong with Brussels sprouts! Their slight bitterness balances out the sweetness of the squash, making for a harmonious plate.
- Spinach or Kale Salad: A fresh salad with baby spinach or kale, tossed with a citrus vinaigrette, offers a refreshing contrast and brightens up the meal. Toss in some nuts for extra crunch!
- Stuffed Peppers: For a heartier option, serve your squash alongside stuffed bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices. It’s a colorful, satisfying combination!
- Crusty Bread: Don’t underestimate a warm, crusty loaf of bread! It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover squash and feta—absolutely divine!
- Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous tossed with herbs and lemon juice makes for a wonderful side that soaks up the flavors from the squash dish.
These pairings not only elevate the meal but also create a beautiful, colorful spread that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with these suggestions, and feel free to mix and match to find your perfect combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this gorgeous roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta, and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy that delightful flavor again later!
First off, make sure your leftovers have cooled down to room temperature. This is important to prevent condensation, which can make everything soggy. Once cooled, transfer the squash mixture to an airtight container. It should keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just remember, the flavors might meld together even more, which can be a tasty treat!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish, but I recommend doing so before adding the feta and cranberries. Just pack the cooled squash into a freezer-safe container or bag, and it should be good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Now, for reheating! The best way to bring your leftovers back to life is to pop them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the squash mixture on a baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave—just make sure to use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
And before serving, if you’ve stored it without the feta, sprinkle some fresh feta on top after reheating for that creamy goodness! Enjoy your tasty leftovers just as much as the first time around!
For more information on the health benefits of butternut squash, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, you might enjoy this Greek salad with feta or baked cod with garlic butter.
Imprimer
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Bliss
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta is a flavorful dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy elements.
Ingrédients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried or fresh
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Add cranberries and feta cheese to the roasted squash.
- Toss gently to combine and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of feta to suit your taste.
- Use dried cranberries for a sweeter option.
- This dish can be served as a side or a main vegetarian dish.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 350mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 23g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: roasted butternut squash, cranberries, feta cheese, vegetarian dish
