If you’re craving a dish that embodies the vibrant soul of winter, Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a comforting base of roasted butternut squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, all caramelized to golden perfection, crowned with a swoosh of tangy whipped feta and crowned with a vibrant sweet-tart cranberry glaze. Every forkful blasts you with flavor and color, striking that perfect harmony of cozy and fresh. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a nourishing weeknight meal, this Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze is a stunning showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze so special? It’s all about a handful of essentials that work beautifully together. Each ingredient adds a distinct flavor, color, or texture, so don’t cut any corners — get the best-quality produce and feta you can!
- Butternut squash: Its creamy, sweet flesh caramelizes beautifully in the oven, anchoring the bowl with warmth and color.
- Carrots: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, and their vibrant hue makes the dish pop.
- Brussels sprouts: When halved and roasted, they become nutty and delightfully crispy around the edges.
- Olive oil: A drizzle helps everything roast up golden and juicy.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors in every component.
- Black pepper: For a gentle bite that balances the sweetness of the vegetables and glaze.
- Smoked paprika: Adds depth and warmth without overpowering the veggies — don’t skip it!
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: Just a bit turns ordinary veggies into something special; use what you love.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, buttery, and rich — this is the foundation of your whipped feta.
- Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it lightens the feta and gives the whipped spread its irresistible texture.
- Garlic: Just one freshly grated clove gives a subtle savory backbone.
- Lemon juice: A bright sparkle both in the whipped feta and cranberry glaze, tying all the flavors together.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: Their natural tartness makes the glaze pop; either form works beautifully.
- Honey: Just enough to round out the cranberry’s tartness without making it syrupy-sweet.
- Water: Helps meld the cranberries and honey into a pourable glaze.
- Toasted pecans or walnuts (optional): For crunch and a rustic finish; toast them for extra flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle right before serving makes everything look even more inviting.
How to Make Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss the butternut squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and your fresh herb of choice, then spread everything into a single layer. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes — but don’t forget to stir the vegetables halfway through so every side gets golden and caramelized. You’re looking for tender centers and deep, toasty edges, which bring serious flavor to your bowl.
Step 2: Whip Up the Feta
While the vegetables roast, pull out your food processor or blender. Add the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, grated garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is lush, super-smooth, and spreadable; scrape down the sides as needed. The result? A creamy, tangy cloud you’ll want to slather on everything in sight — and the irresistible heart of your Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze.
Step 3: Simmer the Cranberry Glaze
Next up, the jewel-toned cranberry glaze. Grab a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey, water, and lemon juice, and set it over medium heat. Let the mixture bubble away, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 8 to 10 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. This glaze is the magic touch for balancing every creamy, savory bite with a zing of tart sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze
With everything prepped, it’s time to build the bowl! Start with a base of hot roasted vegetables, add generous dollops of whipped feta (get swooshy with your spoon — presentation always counts), then drizzle over that vibrant cranberry glaze as liberally as you like. Top things off with any optional garnishes, and serve immediately while everything’s warm and luscious. The Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze is ready to impress!
How to Serve Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, I love scattering toasted pecans or walnuts over the top — they add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy feta and glossy glaze. Fresh parsley or even a dusting of extra black pepper gives your Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze a burst of color and flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
This bowl is absolutely satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a simply dressed arugula salad or some warm crusty bread will turn it into a truly special meal. If you’re serving a crowd, offer a platter of roasted chicken or grilled portobellos alongside so guests can customize their Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze to their tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t hesitate to go bold with presentation! Serve the components family-style so everyone can assemble their dream bowl, or layer everything in a large shallow platter for a festive, shareable centerpiece. Smaller portions make a dazzling starter for holiday dinners — just add extra cranberry glaze for dramatic flair. However you serve it, the Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze always looks like a work of art.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the roasted veggies, whipped feta, and cranberry glaze separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps each element fresh and prevents the whipped feta from soaking up flavors it wasn’t meant to!
Freezing
While the roasted veggies can be frozen for up to two months, the whipped feta and cranberry glaze are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to three days. If you freeze the veggies, let them cool completely first, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, roast the vegetables in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and crispy at the edges again — the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps their caramelized flavor intact. Gently warm the cranberry glaze on the stovetop and give the whipped feta a stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cut vegetables to save time?
Absolutely! Pre-cut butternut squash and carrots are perfect if you want to cut down on prep time. Just check for uniform sizing so everything roasts evenly in your Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes, with a few swaps: use a vegan feta-style cheese and non-dairy yogurt for the whipped feta, and sweeten the cranberry glaze with maple syrup instead of honey. The results are just as gorgeous and delicious!
How do I adjust the cranberry glaze if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Frozen cranberries work just as well — no need to thaw them before starting the sauce. Simply simmer a minute or two longer if needed for the glaze to thicken, and add a splash more water if it gets too sticky.
Can I make Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prep and store all the components separately up to a day ahead. When it’s time to serve, reheat the veggies, give the whipped feta a quick stir, and gently warm the cranberry glaze. Assembly takes minutes and everything tastes freshly made.
What alternative nuts or seeds can I use for topping?
Try toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped almonds for a nut-free option that still gives a lovely crunch and contrast in your Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a dish that delivers comfort, color, and a burst of flavor in every bite — and that’s what you get with Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze. I hope this bowl brings a little joy and a lot of coziness to your table. Give it a try, have fun with the garnishes, and let this vibrant creation brighten up your winter meals!
Print
Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Winter Veggie Bowl with Whipped Feta & Cranberry Glaze is a delightful combination of hearty roasted vegetables, creamy whipped feta, and a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze. Perfect for a cozy and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables:
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
Whipped Feta:
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Black pepper, to taste
Cranberry Glaze:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Optional Garnish:
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roast Vegetables: Toss butternut squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
- Make Whipped Feta: Blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Cranberry Glaze: Simmer cranberries, honey, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan until cranberries burst and the glaze thickens.
- Assemble Bowls: Use the roasted vegetables as the base, top with whipped feta, drizzle with cranberry glaze, and garnish with nuts and parsley.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting, Blending, Simmering
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 770mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
