caramelized-butternut-squash-with-feta-walnuts-and-cranberry-honey-glaze is the sort of dish that solves the what do I bring dilemma every holiday. It’s cozy, colorful, and somehow tastes both homey and a little fancy. If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen way too long picking at roasted veggies before dinner, this recipe is your vibe. Sweet, salty, tangy, crunchy, all in one pan, and it makes the table look great without any garnish fuss. I make it on busy weeknights too, because it’s a low effort high reward situation.

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash

We’re going for deeply golden edges, a soft center, and that light sticky gloss from the honey and cranberries. The feta and walnuts jump in at the end so they stay bright and crunchy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to nail the texture and flavor:

Butternut squash: Peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 inch cubes for even roasting.
Olive oil: Helps with caramelization and keeps the squash from drying out.
Salt and pepper: Start simple, season again at the end if needed.
Honey: For that glossy finish and balance.
Dried cranberries: Sweet-tart bites that plump in the oven.
Feta: Creamy, salty, and tangy crumble on top.
Walnuts: Toasty crunch. Pecans also work.
Optional extras: A pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika, and a squeeze of lemon at the end if you like brightness.

Step-by-step

1. Heat the oven to 425°F. A hot oven helps build caramelized edges fast.
2. Toss the squash on a large sheet pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out so cubes aren’t crowded. Crowding causes steaming instead of browning.
3. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip. Give the pan space again.
4. Stir together honey and a splash of warm water until runny. Toss cranberries with the honey mixture and drizzle over the squash. Roast 10 to 12 minutes more, until edges are golden and sticky.
5. Pull the pan, taste a cube, and season again if it needs a little more salt.
6. Sprinkle with feta and walnuts right before serving so the cheese stays soft and the nuts stay crisp. If you want extra shine, warm another spoonful of honey and flick it over the top.