Caramelized Butternut Squash with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
Mediterranean Style
This Caramelized Butternut Squash dish is a stunning Mediterranean-inspired side that balances sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty flavors beautifully. Tender roasted squash is lightly spiced and caramelized in the oven, then finished with a glossy cranberry-honey glaze, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts. It’s elegant enough for holidays yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, and it works perfectly as a vegetarian main or flavorful side.
🥕 Ingredients
Roasted Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Cranberry-Honey Glaze
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Toppings
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
🧑🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Roast the squash
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the cubed butternut squash on a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss well to coat evenly. Spread into a single layer and roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and beautifully caramelized around the edges.
2️⃣ Prepare the glaze
While the squash roasts, add dried cranberries, honey, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, and orange zest to a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries plump up and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
3️⃣ Assemble
Transfer the roasted squash to a serving platter. Drizzle the warm cranberry-honey glaze evenly over the squash.
4️⃣ Finish
Sprinkle with crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and fresh herbs just before serving.
5️⃣ Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Mediterranean Tips
- Sweet-savory balance with citrus and herbs
- Heart-healthy olive oil and walnuts
- Naturally gluten-free
- Perfect as a side dish or vegetarian main
🔄 Variations
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and omit feta
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or a touch of harissa
- Extra protein: Top with roasted chickpeas
A vibrant, comforting dish that brings Mediterranean warmth to any table 🍊🌿