Looking for a delicious way to embrace the flavors of fall? Yummy Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is the perfect dish to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. This recipe combines the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash with tart cranberries and creamy feta cheese, creating a delightful medley that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Not only does this dish celebrate seasonal produce, but it also embodies vibrant colors that make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this roasted butternut squash recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Get ready to dive into a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers an incredible balance of flavors that will leave you craving more. The sweetness of the butternut squash perfectly contrasts with the tangy cranberries and salty feta, creating a harmonious taste experience. Furthermore, each bite is packed with nutrients, making it not just tasty but also healthy.
Another reason you’ll adore this dish is its simplicity. With minimal preparation and straightforward cooking techniques, even novice cooks can master this recipe in no time. Plus, it’s highly customizable; feel free to add your favorite herbs or nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Lastly, it can be served warm or cold, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep!
Key Ingredients
This roasted butternut squash recipe features a few key ingredients that contribute to its wonderful flavor profile. Below is a list of what you’ll need:
- Butternut Squash: The star ingredient, providing sweetness and creaminess when roasted.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries add tartness and chewiness, balancing the sweetness of the squash.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a creamy texture and salty flavor that enhances the dish.
- Olive Oil: Essential for roasting; it helps caramelize the squash while adding richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): Herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the aroma and flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help achieve perfectly caramelized edges on your squash.
- Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler. Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Dice the squash into approximately 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss until all pieces are well-coated with oil and seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned squash evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
- Once roasted, remove from oven and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving warm.
Expert Tips
Selecting Fresh Squash: Choose firm butternut squashes without blemishes for optimal flavor.
Tossing Ingredients: Ensure all pieces are evenly coated with oil; this aids in even roasting.
Tweaking Flavors: Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or paprika for an additional kick!
Presentation Ideas
This Yummy Roasted Butternut Squash dish can be beautifully presented by serving it in a rustic wooden bowl or arranging it on a platter garnished with fresh herbs. Consider drizzling some balsamic reduction over the top for an extra touch of elegance. Pair it with toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top to add crunch. Not only does this enhance visual appeal, but it also adds layers of texture that elevate every bite!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can use fresh cranberries; however, they are much more tart than dried ones. If you opt for fresh cranberries, consider adding some sugar during roasting to balance their acidity.
How long does leftover roasted butternut squash last?
If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover roasted butternut squash can last up to about three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving again.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
This recipe contains feta cheese; however, you can easily make it vegan by omitting cheese entirely or replacing it with dairy-free feta alternatives available at most grocery stores.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can roast the butternut squash ahead of time! Store it in your refrigerator after cooking and assemble just before serving by adding cranberries and feta right before enjoying.
What other vegetables can I add?
You could incorporate vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for added variety! Just ensure they have similar cooking times so everything roasts evenly together.
Yummy Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Embrace the flavors of fall with this delightful roasted butternut squash dish. Combining the sweet, nutty essence of roasted squash with tart cranberries and creamy feta, this recipe delivers a colorful and nutritious centerpiece for any meal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, it promises to be a comforting favorite that’s easy to prepare and customize.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional), such as thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the butternut squash by peeling it, cutting it in half lengthwise, and scooping out the seeds. Dice it into 1-inch cubes.
- Place the diced squash in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper; toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the seasoned squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden brown.
- Transfer the roasted squash to a serving dish. Top with dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg