Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries

If you’re craving something cozy, colorful, and just a little bit fancy without spending hours in the kitchen, this Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries will be your new best friend. It’s the kind of dish that makes your home smell like autumn hugged your oven—warm, sweet, and a tiny bit tart in the best way.

As someone who juggles real life just like you (yes, even food bloggers have nights when cereal feels like a gourmet meal), I promise this recipe is quick, practical, and perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute entertaining, or when you just want something nourishing and beautiful on your plate.

And because we’re adding feta & pumpkin seeds, you get that irresistible sweet-salty-crispy combo that makes everyone go back for seconds… including the picky eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries

This dish checks all the boxes for modern home cooks:

  • ✔️ Quick prep
  • ✔️ Affordable ingredients
  • ✔️ A gorgeous pop of fall color
  • ✔️ Sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy in every bite
  • ✔️ Perfect for meal prep or holiday tables

It’s also one of those recipes that looks impressive but requires zero culinary acrobatics. The oven does most of the magic—my kind of cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything to bring this vibrant dish to life:

  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (for that crunchy finish)

How to Make This Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries

Let’s break it down into simple steps—because cooking shouldn’t feel like rocket science, especially after a long day.

Step 1: Get That Oven Ready

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (Trust me, parchment = no scrubbing = joy.)

Step 2: Season the Squash

In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simple flavors, big payoff.

Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection

Spread the squash evenly on your baking sheet.
Roast 20–25 minutes, or until it’s tender and edges start to caramelize. That caramelization? That’s flavor.

Step 4: Sweeten the Cranberries

While the squash works its magic, mix fresh cranberries with honey and cinnamon. They’ll soften and burst later—like tiny tart candies.

Step 5: Add the Cranberries

After 25 minutes, pull out the squash. Sprinkle the honey-coated cranberries over it.
Return everything to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to soften but still hold shape.

Step 6: Finish with Feta & Crunch

Transfer the roasted squash and cranberries to a serving dish.
Top with crumbled feta and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle with more honey if you want extra sweetness.

Serve warm and prepare for applause.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

  • Don’t crowd the pan. Give your squash room to breathe so it gets crispy, not soggy.
  • Fresh vs. frozen cranberries: Frozen work too—no need to thaw.
  • Want more caramelization? Leave the squash in for an extra 5 minutes before adding the cranberries.
  • Not a feta fan? Goat cheese adds a creamy tang that pairs beautifully.
  • Sauce looks uneven? Don’t stress—your oven will fix everything. That’s the beauty of roasting.

A little personal secret: I first made this dish for a fall gathering, and it disappeared faster than any fancy entrée on the table. My kids—who normally think squash is “too orange”—asked for seconds. A miracle in my kitchen.

Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries topped with feta, pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs on a festive holiday plate.
A beautiful holiday-ready plate of Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries, finished with creamy feta, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs.

FAQs About Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries, Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

Can I substitute the butternut squash?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes are a fantastic swap and roast beautifully with the cranberries.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. It reheats well in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.

Can I prep this ahead for holidays?

Yes! Roast the squash ahead of time. Add cranberries and toppings just before serving.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Of course. Use a dairy-free feta or skip the cheese entirely—the honey and cranberries bring plenty of flavor.

A Delicious Way to Celebrate Fall Flavors

This Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries is more than a side dish—it’s comfort on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family, treating yourself, or bringing something stunning to a potluck, this recipe delivers every time. The cranberries brighten each bite, the feta adds creaminess, and the pumpkin seeds make everything delightfully crunchy.

Give it a try this week and let the magic happen in your kitchen. And if your family loves it, come back and tell me—I always enjoy hearing how these dishes become part of your story. Happy cooking!

More Cozy Fall Recipes You’ll Love

If this Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries warmed your heart (and your kitchen!), I’ve got a few more delicious ideas you’ll want to save for those crisp fall days. These comforting, flavor-packed dishes pair beautifully with the recipe you just made—and they’ll keep your table feeling festive and inviting all season long:

  • If you adore that sweet-tart cranberry goodness, you’ll fall head over heels for this creamy, cozy Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin—it’s like autumn baked into a casserole dish.
  • Craving something warm and irresistible for snacking or entertaining? Try this gooey, festive Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears in minutes.
  • For a hearty main dish with the same sweet-savory magic, check out the tender and flavorful Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef—perfect for Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings.
  • And if you want another comforting butternut-inspired dinner, you’ll love the wholesome and satisfying Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of fall charm.

Feel free to explore these next—they’re all delicious, cozy, and perfect for anyone who loves bringing a little seasonal magic to their meals!

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Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries topped with feta and pumpkin seeds on a festive holiday plate.

Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A cozy and flavorful fall dish made with roasted butternut squash, sweet-tart cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. This Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries is perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or festive gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

  • 12 tablespoons honey

  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. Spread the squash evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.

  4. In a small bowl, mix cranberries with honey and cinnamon.

  5. Remove squash from the oven, sprinkle the honey-coated cranberries over the top, and roast for 5–7 more minutes, until cranberries soften.

  6. Transfer everything to a serving dish and top with feta and pumpkin seeds.

  7. Drizzle with a little extra honey if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Frozen cranberries can be used—no need to thaw.

  • Add extra honey for more sweetness or extra pumpkin seeds for more crunch.

  • Goat cheese can be swapped for feta for a tangier flavor.

 

  • This reheats beautifully in an air fryer or oven to revive the crispiness.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Oven-Roasted
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of the recipe)
  • Calories: Approx. 215
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg

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