As the golden hues of autumn blanket the earth, I find myself captivated by the vibrant colors and flavors that the season brings. One of my favorite culinary celebrations during this time is the irresistible combo of Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries, and Feta. This recipe not only elevates any dinner table but also offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy that keeps everyone coming back for more. With quick prep and a delightful crunch from the bacon contrasted by creamy feta, it’s a side dish that doubles as a comforting main for those cozy nights in. Plus, it’s gluten-free and versatile enough to adapt to dietary needs—simply swap the bacon for a tasty vegetarian option! Curious how this colorful medley comes together? Let’s dive in! Why are Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts irresistible? Flavor Explosion: The perfect blend of sweet honey, savory bacon, and creamy feta creates an irresistible flavor profile that excites your taste buds. Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins from Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty. Quick Prep: Easily whip it up in no time; it’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled steak, making your dinner spread a feast. And if you’re looking for lighter options, check out my Cheesy Sausage Egg wraps or the vibrant Spinach Feta Quesadillas for more yummy ideas! Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Ingredients Getting excited about those captivating flavors? Here’s everything you’ll need to create your very own Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries, and Feta! For the Vegetables Brussels Sprouts – Add a slight bitterness, enhancing the dish’s depth; halve them for even roasting. Butternut Squash – Brings a natural sweetness and creamy texture; peel and cube for uniform cooking. For the Roasting Olive Oil – A must for roasting, helping to caramelize your veggies; opt for extra virgin for more flavor. Honey – The secret to a luscious glaze that brings together all the flavors beautifully. Salt and Pepper – Essential for elevating all the flavors; adjust according to taste. For the Crunch and Creaminess Bacon – Introduces a savory crunch; cook and crumble it for a topping that ties the dish together. Dried Cranberries – Add a pop of tangy sweetness; can substitute with raisins for a difference in flavor. Feta Cheese – The creamy, tangy finish; crumble on top for an extra burst of flavor, or swap in blue cheese for a bold taste. With these ingredients, you’re all set to craft a delectable side dish that will delight your guests and family alike! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries, and Feta Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticking and ensure easy cleanup. The parchment will help the Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash roast evenly and develop a beautiful caramelization. Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash. Drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and honey, then season generously with salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything until the vegetables are thoroughly coated, ensuring every bite embodies the sweet and savory flavors of this delightful dish. Step 3: Roast the Vegetables Spread the vegetable mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the veggies halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them, and once they’re caramelized and fork-tender with slightly crispy edges, they’re ready to come out, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Step 4: Add Bacon and Cranberries Once the vegetables are done roasting, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Mix in the crumbled bacon and dried cranberries while the vegetables are still warm. The heat will help the cranberries plump slightly, creating a delicious contrast to the crispy bacon. Stir gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Step 5: Top with Feta Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously over the warm vegetable mixture. The creamy feta will slightly soften, adding a tangy richness that binds all the elements together in your Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries, and Feta. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor experience. Expert Tips for Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts Uniform Cuts: Ensure all vegetables are cut to a similar size; this helps them roast evenly and caramelize beautifully in your Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries, and Feta. Mess-Free Bacon: For easy bacon cooking, bake it in the oven on a separate tray. This keeps your stovetop clean and lets you focus on your veggie masterpiece! Cooling Time: Allow the roasted vegetables to cool for a couple of minutes before adding feta. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and losing its delightful texture. Taste Adjustment: Since salt levels can vary in bacon and feta, taste your dish before serving. You may need to adjust salt and pepper for balanced flavor. Flavor Variations: Feel free to swap ingredients like butternut squash for sweet potatoes or add nuts like walnuts for extra crunch and depth in your Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash. Storage Tips for Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: Alternatively, freeze the cooled Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in intervals, covered, until warmed through. Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts Variations Feel free to explore these exciting variations and make this dish your own delightfully unique creation! Sweet Potato Swap: Replace butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a sweeter alternative; they pair beautifully with honey. Vegetarian Delight: Omit the bacon and introduce smoked tempeh or smoked paprika. This gives a depth of flavor without sacrificing taste. Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a hint of earthiness; it enhances the dish’s texture beautifully. Cheesy Twist: Try swapping feta with goat cheese or blue cheese. Each option adds a distinct flavor profile that elevates the overall dish. Heat it Up: For spice lovers, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. It will ignite a delightful heat that complements the sweetness! Cranberry Options: Swap dried cranberries for cherries or raisins. Each brings its unique flavor harmonizing with the other ingredients. Herb Infusion: Enhance with fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, sprinkled into the mix before roasting. They’ll add aromatic notes that elevate the dish! Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the roasted veggies for an exquisite tangy sweetness. This adds a layer of flavor that truly sings. This dish pairs wonderfully with my hearty Ground Beef recipe or makes for an equally satisfying standalone vegetarian main! Enjoy your culinary adventure! What to Serve with Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries, and Feta Elevate your meal by pairing this delightful side dish with complementary flavors and textures that leave every plate inviting and satisfying. Roasted Chicken: Juicy and seasoned to perfection, the savory notes of roasted chicken balance beautifully with the sweetness of the sprouts and squash. Grilled Steak: A succulent grilled steak provides a hearty contrast that enhances the dish’s savory elements while retaining a luxurious flavor profile. Quinoa Salad: Light and fluffy with fresh veggies, a quinoa salad adds a nutty texture that contrasts well with the creamy feta and sweet honey glaze. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is the ideal vessel for soaking up any remaining honey glaze—comfort food at its finest! Cranberry Sauce: A small serving of tart cranberry sauce can bring an extra layer of berry goodness, harmonizing with the dish’s own cranberries. Roasted Nuts: A sprinkle of roasted pecans or walnuts offers delightful crunch and complements the honey and feta with additional nutty flavors. Sparkling Water: A chilled glass of sparkling water with a hint of lemon or lime refreshes the palate and keeps the meal bright and zesty. Apple Crisp: Finish off the meal with a warm apple crisp; the sweet and spiced flavors resonate with the honey glaze, providing a satisfying conclusion. These accompanying dishes will transform your dinner into a heartwarming experience full of cozy flavors and delightful surprises! Make Ahead Options These Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries, and Feta are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the vegetable mixture up to 24 hours in advance by washing, halving the Brussels sprouts, and cubing the butternut squash, then storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but keeps the vegetables fresh and crispy. Just before serving, toss the vegetables with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper, roast them in the oven, and mix in the bacon and cranberries. For optimal quality, add the feta cheese right before serving to maintain its creamy texture. This way, you’ll have a delightful dish ready with minimal effort! Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best Brussels sprouts? Absolutely! Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and have tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or blemished, as these are signs of age. If you see dark spots or an unpleasant odor, it’s best to steer clear. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing them in to maintain their freshness. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, but I recommend using the oven for the best texture! Can I freeze Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash? Yes, you can! After the dish has cooled completely, transfer it to a sealed freezer bag or container. Lay the bag flat for easier stacking in the freezer, and it will last up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. What if my Brussels sprouts turn out soggy? If your Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash are soggy, it might be due to overcrowding on the pan or not roasting them long enough. Always spread them out in a single layer with enough space between each piece. If needed, you can increase the roasting time slightly to achieve that perfect caramelization and crispy edges. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Very! This recipe is gluten-free, and you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and substituting with smoked tempeh or adding smoked paprika for depth of flavor. For those with dairy allergies, you can skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Always check ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Savory Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Delight An irresistible combo of Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries, and Feta, perfect for any dinner table. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Vegetables1 pound Brussels Sprouts Halved1 pound Butternut Squash Peeled and cubedFor the Roasting2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin for flavor2 tablespoons Honey For glaze1 teaspoon Salt To taste1 teaspoon Pepper To tasteFor the Crunch and Creaminess6 slices Bacon Cooked and crumbled1 cup Dried Cranberries Can substitute with raisins4 ounces Feta Cheese Crumble on top Equipment OvenBaking sheetParchment PaperMixing Bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash with olive oil and honey. Season with salt and pepper.Spread the vegetable mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.Mix in the crumbled bacon and dried cranberries while the vegetables are still warm.Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the warm vegetable mixture and serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure all vegetables are cut to a similar size for even roasting. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
