Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash with Feta, Walnuts and Cranberry-Honey Glaze: The Ultimate Fall Side Dish
This vibrant roasted vegetable medley comes together in about 45 minutes and serves beautifully as a hearty side dish or a light vegetarian main. The caramelized edges of the Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and butternut squash create a lovely contrast with the salty crumbles of feta, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the sweet-tart finish of a cranberry-honey glaze. I first made this dish for a Thanksgiving potluck in Charleston, and it disappeared before the turkey even hit the table. It is naturally gluten-free and requires just one sheet pan, making cleanup effortless.
The combination of earthy roasted vegetables with bright, tangy toppings has a way of making any meal feel special. Whether you need an impressive holiday side or a simple weeknight vegetable dish, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum caramelization.
- The cranberry-honey glaze adds a sticky, tangy sweetness that complements the salty feta perfectly.
- Toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- This dish works for meal prep, holiday tables, or casual dinners alike.
- It feels both cozy and elegant, like a warm hug on a cold evening.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and the edges are golden brown and caramelized.
- While the vegetables roast, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and balsamic vinegar to create the glaze.
- Once the vegetables are done, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the cranberry-honey glaze over the top while they are still warm.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh thyme over the glazed vegetables. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; too many vegetables will steam instead of caramelize. Use two pans if needed.
- Cut the sweet potato and butternut squash into uniform cubes so they cook at the same rate as the Brussels sprouts.
- Toast the walnuts just before using, as they lose their crunch quickly once added to the dish.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting the walnuts alongside the vegetables for the last 5 minutes of cooking, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- The glaze should be drizzled right before serving to maintain the contrast between the sticky sweetness and the crispy vegetable edges.
Variations
- Swap the feta for crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese for a different tangy profile.
- Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts, and add a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat.
- Replace the dried cranberries with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for a twist on the sweetness.
- Turn this into a grain bowl by serving the roasted vegetables over cooked quinoa or farro and adding a handful of fresh arugula.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, roast the vegetables up to two days in advance and reheat them in a hot oven for about 10 minutes before adding the toppings and glaze.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The feta and walnuts are best added fresh after reheating.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Fresh vegetables yield the best caramelization. If using frozen, thaw and pat them very dry before roasting to avoid steaming.
- Is this recipe vegan? It can be made vegan by omitting the feta and using maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze.
- What is the best way to cut butternut squash safely? Slice off the top and bottom, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and dice the flesh into cubes.
- Can I add other vegetables to this mix? Absolutely. Carrots, red onion wedges, or parsnips would all work well with the existing flavors.
More Recipes You Will Love
- Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts with Feta
- Roasted Sweet Potato with Brie, Cranberry, and Honey
- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Feta and Pecans
- Roasted Vegetable Medley with Whipped Feta and Honey
Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
Description
A vibrant and hearty roasted vegetable medley featuring Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and butternut squash, tossed with crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and a sweet-tart cranberry-honey glaze. Perfect as a festive side dish or a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- While vegetables roast, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine dried cranberries, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until cranberries soften and mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
- Remove roasted vegetables from oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with the cranberry-honey glaze and toss gently.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and toasted walnuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika to the vegetables before roasting. If you prefer a vegan version, omit the feta or use a vegan alternative.
I’m Shaykee—born in Morocco, seasoned across continents. From airplane galleys to home kitchens, I share the flavors and stories that shaped my journey.