Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta! It’s one of those dishes that just warms your heart and fills your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma. The sweet, nutty flavor of the butternut squash paired with the tart burst of cranberries and the creamy, tangy feta creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. I remember the first time I made this for a cozy fall dinner; everyone went back for seconds! It’s such a simple dish to prepare, yet it feels so special. Perfect as a side for holiday meals or even just a weeknight dinner, it never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
How to Prepare Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven helps the squash roast perfectly, caramelizing those natural sugars and bringing out that delightful sweetness.
Prepare the Butternut Squash
In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme until everything is evenly coated. I like to really get my hands in there—trust me, it makes a difference! Taste as you go to adjust the seasoning just right; you want those flavors to sing.
Roast the Squash
Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s tender and beautifully caramelized. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily pierce it with a fork and see those lovely golden edges starting to form!
Combine with Cranberries and Feta
Once the squash is out of the oven and has cooled slightly, it’s time to toss in those cranberries and crumbled feta. Mix everything together gently so the feta doesn’t crumble too much. Serve it warm or at room temperature; it’s fantastic either way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously balanced flavors of sweet butternut squash, tart cranberries, and creamy feta.
- Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free side dish.
- Versatile enough to pair with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes.
- Beautifully colorful presentation that adds a festive touch to any meal.
Tips for Success
To elevate your roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta, here are my go-to tips! First, choose a ripe butternut squash with smooth skin for the best flavor. When mixing the ingredients, don’t be shy—get your hands in there to ensure everything is well-coated! If you’re using dried cranberries, consider soaking them in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up. And remember, you can always adjust the seasoning; a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely warmth to the dish. Happy cooking!
Variations of Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
There are so many fun ways to mix things up with my roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta! For a nutty crunch, try adding some toasted walnuts or pecans—yum! If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of maple syrup before roasting can enhance the sweetness beautifully. Swap out the dried thyme for fresh rosemary or sage for a fragrant twist. You could even throw in some diced apples for an extra layer of flavor! The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a general breakdown for one serving of roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture. This will help achieve that perfect roasted texture.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese works wonderfully too! It has a similar creaminess and tang that pairs nicely with the butternut squash and cranberries.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep everything—chop the squash and mix the ingredients—earlier in the day. Just roast it right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
What main dishes pair well with this side?
This roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta complements roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty grain salad. It’s super versatile!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats nicely in the oven or microwave!
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A savory and sweet dish featuring roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and feta cheese.
Składniki
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed butternut squash 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 until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Toss with cranberries and feta cheese before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- This dish is great served warm or at room temperature.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Side Dish
- Sposób: Roasting
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 220
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 25g
- Włókno: 5g
- Białko: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: roasted butternut squash, cranberries, feta, side dish
