Oh, let me tell you about the sheer joy of roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly fall day, and trust me, it’s a flavor explosion. The sweet, nutty squash perfectly contrasts with the tartness of the cranberries and the creamy, salty feta—it’s just heavenly! I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; the whole house smelled like autumn, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it. It’s become a staple on my holiday table since then, and I love how it brings everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a big feast or just looking for a cozy side dish to enjoy on a quiet night, this recipe never fails to delight. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to create this delightful dish. Trust me, each one plays a vital role in bringing out the flavor!
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Prepare Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious dish! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, warm side ready to impress.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial because a hot oven helps the squash caramelize beautifully, bringing out its natural sweetness. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Butternut Squash
Next, take your peeled and diced butternut squash and toss it in a large bowl with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Make sure to coat every piece thoroughly! This step is super important; it ensures the squash is packed with flavor and will roast evenly. I like to use my hands to really get in there and mix everything up—it’s messy but so worth it!
Roast the Squash
Now, spread the seasoned squash out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure there’s space between the pieces; this helps them roast instead of steam. Pop it in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender and beautifully caramelized. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Combine with Cranberries and Feta
Once your squash is done roasting, take it out of the oven and gently mix in the cranberries. The warmth from the squash will plump them up just a bit! Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. The combination of the sweet squash, tart cranberries, and creamy feta is not just delicious; it’s visually stunning, too! You’ll want to dig in right away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly simple to make—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- The flavor combination of sweet butternut squash, tart cranberries, and creamy feta is absolutely irresistible.
- This dish is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying side option.
- It’s a vibrant addition to any table, bringing gorgeous autumn colors that will impress your guests.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
- It’s a vegetarian-friendly recipe that can complement a variety of main dishes.
Tips for Success
Getting this roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta just right is all about a few little tips and tricks! Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and cinnamon to suit your palate! I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy twist.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your squash as it roasts. If you like it extra caramelized, feel free to leave it in for a few more minutes—just make sure it doesn’t burn!
- Use Fresh Cranberries: If you can find fresh cranberries, they really do add a delightful tartness. If using dried cranberries, consider cutting back on the sugar in your other dishes to balance the sweetness.
- Leftover Love: If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make a fabulous addition to salads or grain bowls the next day!
- Experiment with Cheese: If feta isn’t your thing, try goat cheese or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a show-stopping dish that everyone will adore! Enjoy the process and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in this delicious roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta? Here’s a handy breakdown of the estimated nutritional data per serving. Keep in mind, these values can vary slightly based on specific ingredient brands and measurements, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 6g
This dish not only delights your taste buds but also packs in some great nutrients! Enjoy it as a wholesome side that complements your meals while keeping you satisfied. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Absolutely! You can use frozen butternut squash for this recipe, and it will still taste great. Just be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve that lovely caramelization when roasting. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as frozen squash may take a bit less time to roast than fresh, so check for tenderness a few minutes early!
What are good substitutions for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your favorite, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with crumbled goat cheese for a tangy flavor or even some grated Parmesan if you’re looking for something a bit different. Ricotta salata is another great option that maintains that creamy texture while adding a slightly different taste. Just remember to choose a cheese that complements the sweetness of the squash and tartness of the cranberries!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are a fantastic way to enjoy this dish again! Store any remaining roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can either serve it cold or gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Just be careful not to overheat it, as you want to keep that delicious texture intact!
Serving Suggestions
This roasted butternut squash with cranberries and feta is so versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal even further:
- Grilled Chicken: A juicy piece of grilled chicken adds protein and complements the sweetness of the squash wonderfully.
- Quinoa Salad: Serve it alongside a refreshing quinoa salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette for a wholesome experience.
- Pork Tenderloin: The savory flavors of roasted pork tenderloin work perfectly with the sweet and tart notes of this dish.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Pair it with stuffed bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices for a delightful vegetarian option.
- Warm Bread: Don’t forget a warm crusty bread or rolls to soak up all those delicious flavors!
- Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a citrus dressing balances the richness of the feta and complements the dish beautifully.
Feel free to mix and match according to your preference! Whatever you choose, this dish will shine bright on your table.
Z nadrukami
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A warm, flavorful dish featuring roasted butternut squash, tart cranberries, and creamy feta cheese.
Składniki
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and mix in cranberries.
- Sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart flavor or dried for sweetness.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can be 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 serving
- Kalorie: 220
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 450mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 5g
- Białko: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: roasted butternut squash, cranberries, feta cheese, side dish
