Layered Butternut Sweet Potato Lasagna Comfort Dinner

Layered Butternut & Sweet Potato Lasagna with Whipped Feta, Walnuts & Maple Honey Drizzle

This layered vegetable lasagna comes together in about an hour and delivers a stunning centerpiece for dinner without the heavy feeling of traditional pasta. Sweet roasted butternut squash and sweet potato stack up with creamy whipped feta, crunchy walnuts, and a warm maple honey drizzle that ties every bite together. I first made this on a chilly Sunday in Portland when I wanted something cozy but light, and it quickly became one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It feels special enough for company but simple enough for a regular weeknight meal.

The flavors here are naturally sweet and savory, with the tangy feta cutting through the richness of the roasted vegetables. It is one of those dishes that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the process is straightforward and forgiving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No pasta sheets or boiling water required — just slice, layer, and bake
  • The whipped feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet roasted squash
  • Walnuts bring a welcome crunch that keeps every forkful interesting
  • Maple honey drizzle is optional but absolutely worth it for that sweet-savory finish
  • Feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially when the weather turns cool

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Toss the butternut squash and sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  • Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly golden around the edges, flipping halfway through.
  • While the vegetables roast, make the whipped feta by combining feta, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, and oregano in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 375°F once the vegetables are done.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the honey and maple syrup until combined.
  • Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of whipped feta on the bottom.
  • Layer roasted butternut squash slices over the feta, overlapping slightly.
  • Spread another layer of whipped feta over the squash, then add a layer of sweet potato rounds.
  • Repeat the layers until all vegetables and feta are used, finishing with a layer of whipped feta on top.
  • Drizzle half of the maple honey mixture over the top and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before drizzling with the remaining maple honey and garnishing with fresh thyme if desired.

Pro Tips

  • Slice the squash and sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate — a mandoline makes this much easier if you have one.
  • Do not skip roasting the vegetables before layering; this step concentrates their natural sweetness and prevents the lasagna from becoming watery.
  • If the whipped feta seems too thick, add a splash of milk or extra yogurt to loosen it up.
  • Let the lasagna rest after baking so the layers set and it slices cleanly rather than sliding apart.
  • Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before using — it makes a big difference in flavor and crunch.

Variations

  • Swap the walnuts for pecans or pine nuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
  • Add a layer of sautéed spinach or kale between the vegetables for extra greens and color.
  • Use ricotta instead of feta for a milder, creamier filling, though you will lose some tang.
  • For a vegan version, use a cashew-based cheese spread and agave instead of honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the walnuts and maple honey just before baking.
  • How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Can I freeze this dish? It freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Do I have to peel the butternut squash? Yes, the skin becomes tough when roasted, so peeling is necessary for the best texture.
  • What can I use instead of cream cheese? Mascarpone or even goat cheese works well in the whipped feta mixture.
  • Can I add meat to this? Absolutely, cooked ground sausage or shredded chicken between the layers would make it more filling.

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Layered Butternut & Sweet Potato Lasagna with Whipped Feta, Walnuts & Maple Honey Drizzle


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  • Author: Chef Billy

Description

A savory-sweet twist on classic lasagna, featuring roasted butternut squash and sweet potato layers, creamy whipped feta, crunchy walnuts, and a luscious maple honey drizzle.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the sliced butternut squash and sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  2. Meanwhile, make the whipped feta: In a food processor, combine feta, ricotta, heavy cream, and garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, honey, and apple cider vinegar to make the drizzle.
  5. In a 9×13 baking dish, layer half the roasted squash and sweet potatoes. Spread half the whipped feta mixture over the vegetables. Sprinkle with half the toasted walnuts. Repeat layers with remaining vegetables, feta, and walnuts.
  6. Drizzle the maple honey mixture evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  7. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh sage if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste. For a vegan version, substitute feta with cashew cream and use plant-based ricotta.

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