If you’ve never experienced the sweet, savory magic of Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle, get ready to fall in love! This cozy roasted vegetable medley combines caramelized butternut squash, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato—all crowned with crumbled feta, toasty pecans, and a golden drizzle of spicy honey. Every bite is creamy, crunchy, colorful, and packed with fall-inspired flavors. Whether it’s a side for a celebratory table or the star of a weeknight meal, Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle will win over even the pickiest eaters (and maybe even turn Brussels sprout skeptics into fans!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, honest ingredients working together to create something extra special. Each addition is chosen for its role in flavor, texture, or that gorgeous pop of color on your plate.
- Butternut squash: Adds a gentle sweetness and gorgeous orange hue, plus it caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Carrots: Their natural sugars intensify while roasting, adding tender bites and vibrant color.
- Brussels sprouts: These little green gems become nutty and crisp on the edges after roasting.
- Sweet potatoes: Earthy, creamy, and just a hint sweet—they tie the whole mix together.
- Olive oil: Ensures the veggies roast to golden perfection and adds subtle richness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in your veggies.
- Black pepper: A versatile seasoning that adds a little kick without overpowering any flavors.
- Feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta balances out the sweetness from the roasted veggies and honey.
- Pecans: When toasted, they add irresistible crunch and nutty depth—plus they play a starring role in the Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle finale!
- Honey: The sweet base for our drizzle—it ties all the flavors together and creates that luscious glaze.
- Chili flakes: Just enough heat to perk up your taste buds and make the honey sing. Adjust to your spice preference!
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional): A last touch of brightness and freshness, perfect for finishing the dish.
How to Make Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by cranking your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature is the secret to getting all those veggies wonderfully caramelized and crisped around the edges—don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Chop and Toss the Veggies
Peel and cube your butternut squash and sweet potato, slice the carrots, and halve your Brussels sprouts. Next, toss all those beautiful veggies together in a big bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly coated. Pour them out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet so they roast evenly and every piece gets its chance to shine.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, giving everything a flip halfway through. You’re looking for veggies that are fork-tender, caramelized, and showing off those irresistible golden-brown edges.
Step 4: Toast the Pecans
While the vegetables roast, grab your pecans and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until fragrant. Watch closely—they can go from perfect to burnt in a flash! Once cooled, give them a rough chop. Toasting brings out their buttery, nutty flavor and makes them a real highlight in the Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle topping.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Drizzle
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the honey with chili flakes until everything is wonderfully infused—usually just a minute or so. Stir well, tasting as you go to get the spice level right for your crowd. This is the crown jewel of the Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle experience!
Step 6: Assemble and Finish
Transfer your roasted veggies to a big serving platter. Shower them with crumbled feta and the toasted pecans. Now, take that warm hot honey and drizzle it all over, letting it sink into every nook and cranny. If you love a fresh pop, sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley just before serving.
How to Serve Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle
Garnishes
Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle looks stunning with a scatter of extra chopped toasted pecans on top, a final crumbling of feta, and some torn fresh herbs. The herbs add freshness, while that extra drizzle of warm honey just before serving gives the entire platter an irresistible sheen. Set aside a little extra hot honey for guests who want even more zing!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a hearty grain like wild rice, quinoa, or couscous—something that can soak up all the lovely hot honey and feta. You might also serve alongside roasted chicken, a simple grilled steak, or even as the centerpiece of a vegetarian feast. The flavors in Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle are incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your pairings.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take presentation up a notch, try layering the roasted veggies in a shallow platter, spiraling the colors together for a rainbow effect. Serve in individual bowls for a cozy dinner party, or tuck into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld appetizer. For a beautiful holiday centerpiece, arrange the veggies around a wheel of baked brie, then let your guests dig in and drizzle extra honey on their own plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle can be stashed in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors keep getting better as they mingle, so you might find it’s even tastier the next day! Just keep the toppings separated if possible to retain maximum crunch and freshness.
Freezing
The roasted veggies freeze well on their own—spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then move to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze only the vegetables and add fresh feta, pecans, and the hot honey drizzle after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop veggies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. Hold off on adding the feta, pecans, and honey drizzle until the veggies are nice and hot to keep everything vibrant and delicious.
FAQs
Can I substitute other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use parsnips, red onions, or even cubes of pumpkin in place of any veggie listed. The beauty of Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle is its flexibility—just keep roasting times in mind so everything cooks evenly.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even a handful of shaved Parmesan work wonderfully here. Want to keep it dairy-free? Omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?
The heat is easily adjustable! Start with less chili flake and add more to taste. Kids or spice-sensitive folks can enjoy the Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle with just sweet honey, leaving a spicy drizzle on the side for the adventurous eaters.
Can I make the hot honey in advance?
Yes—you can prepare the hot honey a few days in advance. Just store it in a small jar at room temperature, give it a quick stir, and gently warm before using for that signature drizzle effect.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they’re fragrant and a shade darker, about 3–4 minutes. This step really elevates the flavor and is a must for excellent Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so inviting about a big dish of caramelized veggies showered with cheese, nuts, and a spicy-sweet glaze. Pecans & a Hot Honey Drizzle is destined to become your new go-to for potlucks, holiday tables, or weeknight dinners alike. Don’t wait—gather these simple ingredients and treat yourself to a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
