JewelToned Butternut Squash with a Festive CranberryMaple Glaze

Cranberry Glazed Butternut

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 large Butternut Squash (about 3 lbs/1.4 kg), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
• 1/3 cup Maple Syrup (Grade A/Dark)
• 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tsp Orange Zest
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• Pinch of Ground Cloves
• 2 Tbsp Water
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper. Toss cubed squash in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared sheet(s).
• Roast the squash for 20 minutes until it is starting to soften around the edges.
• While the squash roasts, prepare the glaze: combine cranberries, maple syrup, cider vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Cook the glaze for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh thyme.
• Remove the partially cooked squash from the oven. Drizzle about two-thirds of the glaze over the squash cubes, tossing gently right on the tray to coat evenly.
• Return the glazed squash to the oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes until fork-tender and nicely caramelized.
• Transfer the roasted squash to a serving platter. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top for extra shine and flavour. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1247 kcal

Protein:6.0 g

Fat:36.5 g

Carbs:72.4 g

Fiber:21.8 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:202 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Elevate Your Autumn Table: The Magic of CranberryGlazed Roasted Butternut Squash

Forget those sad, pale vegetables on the side! This recipe transforms humble butternut squash into a glittering side dish that sings with seasonal flavour. We are diving deep into creating the CranberryGlazed Roasted Butternut Squash , a dish so vibrant it belongs on the cover of every fall magazine. We roast the squash until fork-tender, then toss it in a sticky, jewel-toned glaze made from tart fresh cranberries, rich maple syrup, and warming spices. It’s sweet, savoury, and utterly delightful—the perfect accompaniment to a Sunday roast or a truly festive feast. This creation is decidedly easy, requiring only about 20 minutes of active preparation time before the oven takes over the heavy lifting.

Why This Sweet-Tart Squash Steals the Show

This particular preparation method elevates a simple root vegetable into something truly memorable. It's a fantastic example of how simple ingredients, when treated right, can produce complex, layered results.

A Vibrant Alternative to Traditional Sides

When holiday tables become saturated with creamy casseroles and heavy starches, a bright, jewel-toned vegetable side offers much-needed visual and flavour contrast. This is a vibrant alternative to traditional sides, cutting through the richness of heavier main courses with its bright, tangy finish. It brings an immediate sense of occasion, moving far beyond standard Roasted Vegetable Recipes .

The Perfect Flavor Harmony: Earthy Sweetness Meets Tangy Fruit

The foundation of this dish’s success lies in its exquisite balance. The inherent earthy sweetness of the butternut squash caramelizes beautifully under high heat, providing a wonderful base flavour. This is then perfectly countered by the signature glaze, which delivers a potent sweet-tart punch from the cranberries, preventing the dish from becoming overly saccharine. This unique pairing results in a complex flavour profile that leans into the very best elements of the harvest season.

Setting the Scene for Bonfire Night Feasts

While delicious year-round, this recipe shines brightest as Holiday Roasted Vegetables . The colour palette—deep orange kissed with ruby red—just screams autumn celebration. It’s a real showstopper, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a cozy Bonfire Night supper when you want something special but not fussy. It’s proof that a delightful Cranberry Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash can steal the show from even the most established side dishes.

Assembling Your Components for Ultimate Flavor

To achieve that coveted sticky, shiny finish that defines this Cranberry Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe , careful assembly of components is key. We need to prepare the squash to absorb the glaze effectively, and the glaze itself must reach the perfect viscosity. This process is straightforward: we begin with the hardy squash, apply a simple roasting base, and simultaneously create the complex glaze sauce.

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The Essential List: Squash, Sweeteners, and Spice Pairings

Crafting this dish requires selecting quality produce and respecting the power of simple, warming aromatics. You’ll need one large butternut squash, approximately three pounds, for a side dish serving 6 to 8 people.

Selecting the Ideal Butternut for Roasting

When choosing your squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size with smooth, uniform skin free of blemishes. A well-formed butternut will yield more consistent, one-inch cubes, which is crucial for achieving uniform tenderness during the roast. Once home, the process begins by peeling, seeding, and cubing the squash—a task that takes about 15 minutes of dedicated prep time.

Crafting the Signature Cranberry Reduction Glaze

The heart of this dish lies in the glaze. We combine one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with one-third cup of rich, dark Grade A maple syrup. To balance the sweetness and provide the necessary tang that sets this apart from simple sweetened squash, we incorporate two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. A teaspoon of fresh orange zest, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a tiny, warming pinch of ground cloves are stirred in along with two tablespoons of water. Simmering this mixture gently allows the cranberries to burst and the sauce to reduce, achieving that thick, syrupy texture necessary for a perfect coating. Stirring in a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves right at the end adds a fresh, herbaceous lift.

Necessary Kitchen Tools for Seamless Preparation

While this is an easy recipe, having the right gear streamlines the process significantly. You will certainly need a large, sharp chef’s knife and a reliable vegetable peeler for the squash prep. The glaze requires only a small saucepan. Most importantly, for the roasting stage, utilize a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This lining prevents sticking and guarantees that the squash cubes can develop deeply caramelised edges, rather than steaming.

A Clear Path to Perfectly Caramelized Squash

The total time commitment for this spectacular side is just under an hour, with about 35 to 40 minutes dedicated solely to the oven time. The instructions are structured to maximize caramelisation before the sticky glaze sets in.

Mastering the Art of the CranberryGlazed Roasted Butternut Squash

The secret to a perfect Cranberry Glazed Butternut Squash is high heat followed by controlled layering of flavour. We are aiming for tenderness inside and crispy, browned edges outside.

Prepping the Squash: Achieve Uniform Cooking

Preheat your oven to a hot 400° F ( 200° C). Once cubed into uniform one-inch pieces, toss them thoroughly in a large bowl with three tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of sea salt, and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Ensure every surface is lightly coated. Spreading these cubes onto a prepared baking sheet in a single layer is non-negotiable; crowding the pan leads to steaming, which ruins the texture we are chasing.

Building the Flavor Base Before Oven Time

The squash needs a head start to begin softening and browning before the sugary glaze is applied. Place the tray into the hot oven and allow the squash to roast undisturbed for 20 minutes. During this time, you will be preparing the cranberry reduction on the stovetop.

The Glazing Technique: Achieving That Jewel-Toned Finish

After the initial 20 minutes, remove the partially cooked squash. Drizzle about two-thirds of your warm, thickened glaze over the cubes, tossing gently directly on the baking sheet to coat them evenly. Return the glazed squash to the oven for a final roast lasting between 15 and 20 minutes. This second phase allows the maple syrup and cranberry solids to adhere beautifully, turning the squash into that signature jewel-toned dish, achieving the sweet tart butternut squash profile we crave.

Determining Peak Doneness and Serving Temperature

The dish is ready when the cubes are completely fork-tender—you should be able to pierce them with minimal resistance. The edges should show delightful patches of dark caramelization. Remove the tray from the oven and immediately transfer the squash to a serving platter. Use the remaining glaze, spooned over the top for extra shine, and serve the CranberryGlazed Roasted Butternut Squash while it is wonderfully warm.

Maximizing Enjoyment: Tips, Twists, and Storage Solutions

Even the best roasted vegetable can be improved upon, or adapted for later enjoyment. While this dish is best served immediately, smart cooks always plan for leftovers and flavour experimentation.

Creative Variations: Herb Infusions and Spice Swaps

To keep this dish fresh, consider minor swaps. For a slightly smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the maple and cranberry, add a quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika to your glaze mixture before simmering. Alternatively, for a different aromatic profile, substitute the thyme with finely chopped fresh rosemary; the piney notes work wonderfully against the tart fruit.

Nutritional Snapshot of Your Glazed Creation

As an estimate for those counting macros, this recipe yields roughly 190 to 210 calories per serving (based on 8 servings). The primary energy source comes from carbohydrates, largely derived from the natural sugars in the squash and the maple syrup, though the dish remains relatively low in fat, provided you use the specified amount of olive oil. It offers a respectable 6 grams of dietary fibre per portion.

Storing and Reheating Your Spectacular Squash Side

Leftovers of this delicious Cranberry Glazed Butternut Squash keep very well. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheating is best done in a moderate oven (around 350° F or 175° C) for about 10 minutes to restore some of the surface crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it tends to soften the texture too much.

Pairing Suggestions: What Wine Complements This Dish?

Because the glaze has both sweetness and acidity, you need a beverage that won't be overwhelmed. A crisp, dry Pinot Gris offers enough minerality and acidity to cut through the richness. If you prefer red wine, opt for something lighter and fruit-forward, such as a Beaujolais, which complements the cranberry notes without clashing with the sweetness inherent in these Butternut Squash Recipes .