This Caramelized Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato dish is a warm, festive, and flavor-packed side that brings together sweet, savory, and tangy notes in every bite. The roasted vegetables develop a deep caramelized richness, while creamy blue cheese adds bold contrast. Toasted walnuts bring a crunchy nuttiness, and the homemade cranberry-orange glaze ties everything together with brightness and holiday warmth.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, dinner parties, or any cozy seasonal meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Cranberry-Orange Glaze
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Prep the Oven & Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the cubed butternut squash and sweet potato into a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Roast Until Caramelized
Spread the vegetables on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender, golden, and lightly caramelized on the edges.
- Prepare the Cranberry-Orange Glaze
While the vegetables roast, add orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), dried cranberries, and orange zest to a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Assemble the Dish
Transfer the hot roasted vegetables to a serving platter.
Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries.
Drizzle the warm cranberry-orange glaze over the top.
- Serve
Serve immediately as a holiday side dish or a festive appetizer.
Enjoy warm while the cheese begins to melt into the vegetables.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Tips
- Cut vegetables uniformly for even roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—this helps them caramelize instead of steam.
- Add blue cheese just before serving so it stays creamy and vibrant.
Variations
- Nut-free: Replace walnuts with roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Cheese swap: Feta or goat cheese also pair wonderfully.
- Spiced version: Add cinnamon or smoked paprika to the vegetables before roasting.
- Savory twist: Add crispy bacon or pancetta on top.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave briefly.
- The glaze may thicken in the fridge—warm it slightly before reheating leftovers.
Pairings
- Main dishes: roasted turkey, glazed ham, pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, or steak.
- Salads: spinach & apple salad, citrus salad, arugula & walnut salad.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
