If you’re ready to take your roasted veggie game to new heights, let me introduce you to a seriously special recipe — Caramelized Butternut Squash, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potato with Halloumi, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze. Sweet, caramelized vegetables pair with salty halloumi, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a tangy-sweet cranberry-honey glaze for a dish that looks like a jewel-toned celebration on your table. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely unforgettable, and it’s the perfect recipe to make when you want to surprise your guests (or spoil yourself) with something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a few simple, vibrant ingredients come together to create this flavor-packed dish. Every component steps up to give you that irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and nutty in every single bite. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips for getting the most out of each one:
- Butternut Squash: Its natural sweetness intensifies when roasted, adding a gorgeous orange color and creamy texture.
- Carrots: Roasted carrots get caramelized and tender, bringing extra sweetness and crunch.
- Brussels Sprouts: Halved and roasted, these give an earthy depth and charred, crispy edges that everyone craves.
- Sweet Potatoes: No dish is complete without these golden cubes, which become soft, sweet, and full of flavor after roasting.
- Olive Oil: Coat your veggies liberally for rich flavor and that perfect roast.
- Sea Salt: Essential for elevating all the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and spice.
- Smoked Paprika: That subtle smokiness takes your veggies from simple to spectacular.
- Dried Thyme: This herb’s earthy fragrance weaves through every bite.
- Dried Cranberries: Chewy and tart, they plump up beautifully in the glaze—don’t skip them!
- Honey: The key to a silky, glossy, sweet glaze that brings the whole dish together.
- Water: Helps to loosen and simmer the glaze to perfect consistency.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of tang to balance the sweetness of the honey and cranberries.
- Halloumi Cheese: Firm, salty, and squeaky; this cheese caramelizes beautifully in the pan.
- Walnuts: Toasted for crunch, richness, and nutty aroma—simply irresistible!
- Fresh Thyme or Parsley (optional): Fresh herbs make everything pop and add a burst of color at the end.
How to Make Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Veggies
Start by peeling, chopping, and prepping your butternut squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. The trick here is to cut everything into similar-size pieces for even roasting. Toss them in a big bowl with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Massage the seasonings in well—the oil and spices help everything caramelize and build layers of flavor.
Step 2: Roast for Gorgeous Caramelization
Spread your seasoned vegetables onto a large parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Give them space—overcrowding will steam rather than crisp them. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the veggies are tender, caramelized, and have beautiful roasted edges. They’ll smell amazing!
Step 3: Make the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
While the veggies roast, bring the magic together in a small saucepan: combine dried cranberries, honey, water, and apple cider vinegar. Let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. You want the cranberries to soften and plump and the glaze to thicken just a little—it should coat the back of a spoon. The aroma is pure autumn coziness, and this Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze transforms the dish with sweet, tart, and sticky perfection.
Step 4: Toast Walnuts and Sear Halloumi
Toast chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat until golden and fragrant, just a few minutes. Set them aside so they stay crisp. In the same skillet, pan-fry the halloumi cheese over medium heat until both sides develop a golden crust and soft, delicious interior. The salty, squeaky cheese absolutely shines when lightly browned.
Step 5: Assemble and Drizzle with Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
Transfer the roasted veggies to a pretty serving platter or bowl. Scatter the browned halloumi over the top, then pour the warm Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze generously over everything. Finish with a shower of toasted walnuts and toss on some fresh thyme or parsley for color. Every ingredient now sparkles with flavor and visual appeal—dig in while it’s warm!
How to Serve Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful garnish for this dish! After drizzling with Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze and walnuts, scatter some extra fresh thyme or flat-leaf parsley for a fresh, herbal lift. A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few additional dried cranberries will also make the colors pop and add excitement to each serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to proudly stand as the centerpiece of your table, but it also pairs well with simple sides. Try a citrusy salad, a loaf of crusty bread, or some fluffy quinoa or couscous to soak up every last drop of the sweet-tart Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze. If you’re serving a festive meal, it also makes an elegant companion for roast chicken or a nutty grain pilaf.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of drama, serve the veggies family-style on a vibrant platter, drizzling the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze at the last moment. For a dinner party, consider individual plates with a generous scoop of vegetables, a slice of halloumi, and a precise drizzle of glaze over the top. You can also use it as an inspired warm salad, layered over baby greens or wild rice for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish are a dream! Cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. The vegetables, halloumi, and Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze will keep well together for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen as they sit.
Freezing
The roasted veggies freeze beautifully—simply cool, then portion into airtight bags or containers and freeze for up to a month. For best results, freeze the halloumi, walnuts, and glaze separately, as halloumi can toughen after thawing. That way, every component keeps its best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the veggies and halloumi in a 350°F oven until hot, about 10–15 minutes. If you’ve kept the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze separate, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s pourable again, then combine everything just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the halloumi cheese for your favorite plant-based alternative (such as marinated tofu or vegan halloumi) and use maple syrup or agave in place of honey for the Cranberry-Honey Glaze. You’ll still get all the beautiful flavors and textures.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds work brilliantly and still offer great crunch and richness in this dish.
How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
Make sure to spread the vegetables out on the baking sheet in a single layer and give them some room to roast. Overcrowded pans cause steaming rather than caramelization. Also, use a hot preheated oven!
Can I prepare the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in a jar in the fridge. Just gently reheat it before drizzling over your roasted veggies and halloumi for that glossy finish.
Is the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze very sweet?
It’s delightfully balanced: honey and cranberries bring sweetness, but the apple cider vinegar keeps things bright and tangy. It’s not overpowering—just the right accent for the savory, roasted vegetables and salty cheese.
Final Thoughts
If you’re yearning for a recipe that’s as dazzling to serve as it is delicious to eat, you’ll fall in love with this Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze creation. Every bite brings something special, and it never fails to impress. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite at your table!
