If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful side dish that fits fall dinners, holiday tables, or simple weeknight meals, this Easy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is the perfect pick. This warm, caramelized squash pairs natural sweetness with savory notes, creating a dish that feels special but comes together with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
This dish captures everything people love about comforting seasonal cooking—tender squash, golden caramelized edges, and the perfect mix of sweet, savory, tart, and crunchy elements. The honey adds a silky glaze, cranberries offer a bright pop, pecans bring nutty depth, and feta finishes the dish with a creamy, salty contrast. It’s versatile enough to serve with chicken, turkey, salmon, pork alternatives, or plant-based mains.
You’ll also love that:
- It uses simple, whole ingredients.
- Prep takes only minutes.
- It roasts quickly and evenly.
- It works for everyday meals or festive gatherings.
- Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully.
Ingredients for Easy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Main Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup raw pecans
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Butternut Squash:
You can swap the squash for sweet potatoes or a mix of root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. Frozen pre-cubed squash works as long as you dry it well before roasting.
Oil Options:
Olive oil gives a savory finish, while coconut oil adds a hint of warmth. Both work well at high heat.
Sweetness:
If you prefer a vegan option, use maple syrup or agave in place of honey.
Crunchy Topping:
Pecans toast beautifully in the oven, but walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds make excellent substitutes.
Creamy Element:
Feta brings tanginess, but goat cheese or a plant-based crumble can be used instead.
Fruits:
Dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or raisins can replace cranberries for different flavor profiles.
Seasoning:
The cinnamon blends well with honey and squash, but you can also add smoked paprika, nutmeg, or rosemary.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into even cubes to help it roast evenly.
Step 2 — Season the Squash
Place the squash cubes in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, garlic, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until everything is well-coated.
Step 3 — Roast Until Tender
Spread the squash in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and the centers are fork-tender.
Step 4 — Toast the Pecans
Remove the tray from the oven briefly, sprinkle the raw pecans over the squash, and return the pan to the oven for 2–3 minutes. This lightly toasts the nuts without burning them.
Step 5 — Add Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, immediately toss the squash with dried cranberries, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of honey. The warm squash helps soften the fruit and gently melts the cheese into the dish.
Step 6 — Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh thyme leaves for a bright, herbaceous aroma.
Serve warm.
Easy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, flavorful side dish with warm caramelized butternut squash, sweet honey glaze, crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and creamy feta—perfect for fall dinners, holidays, or simple weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and cube the butternut squash evenly.
- Place squash in a bowl and toss with oil, garlic, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Spread squash in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until edges brown and centers are tender.
- Remove tray, sprinkle raw pecans over squash, and return to oven for 2–3 minutes to toast.
- Remove from oven and toss with dried cranberries, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of honey.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve warm.
Notes
Cut squash evenly, avoid overcrowding, add pecans at the end to prevent burning, and taste before adding extra honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Pro Tips for Success
- Cut the squash into evenly sized cubes to ensure consistent roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—airflow helps caramelize the edges.
- Taste before adding extra honey; the roasted squash may be sweet enough.
- Add the pecans near the end to prevent scorching.
- For deeper caramelization, roast an extra 5 minutes at the end.
- If using frozen squash, pre-roast 10 minutes before adding seasonings.
Flavor Variations
- Savory Herb Version: Replace honey with olive oil and add rosemary or sage.
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Maple Harvest Mix: Swap honey for maple syrup and add pumpkin seeds.
- Citrus Brightness: Add fresh orange zest and a splash of lemon once roasted.
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives, oregano, and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Grilled salmon or shrimp
- A vegetarian quinoa bowl
- Holiday mains like stuffing or lentil loaf
- Grain salads such as couscous or farro
- Simple greens like sautéed spinach or kale
It also works as a topping for salads, an addition to grain bowls, or a festive potluck side.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. The texture softens slightly but remains flavorful.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Meal Prep: Keep the toppings (feta, honey, cranberries) separate until ready to serve for best texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
FAQ About Easy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
How do I cut butternut squash easily?
Start by slicing off both ends for stability. Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Cut the squash in half, scoop out seeds, and slice into rings or cubes. Working in sections makes the process safer and faster.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can roast the squash up to a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven before adding the honey, cranberries, and feta. This keeps the toppings fresh and prevents sogginess.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave and use a dairy-free feta alternative. The flavors remain beautifully balanced.
What other spices work well with butternut squash?
Smoked paprika, nutmeg, cumin, chili powder, and Italian herbs all complement the natural sweetness of the squash. You can tailor the seasoning depending on the cuisine or meal you’re pairing it with.
How do I keep the squash from becoming mushy?
Avoid overcrowding the pan and roast at a high temperature. Spreading the squash in a single layer allows moisture to evaporate and creates caramelized, crisp edges.
What can I serve this with for a full meal?
It’s delicious with roasted meats, grain bowls, fall salads, or vegetarian mains. The sweet and savory flavors make it adaptable to a wide range of dishes.
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Final Thoughts
This Easy Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe brings together warm spices, natural sweetness, and colorful, textural toppings to create a comforting side that fits both everyday dinners and special occasions. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a reliable, flavorful dish you’ll want to make all season long.