This Layered Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Carrot Lasagna with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze is a true showstopper for any festive table. Imagine tender, jewel-toned layers of sweet potato, butternut squash, and carrots, roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, nestled with salty feta, crunchy walnuts, and nestled together by a sparkling cranberry-honey glaze. The flavors are vibrant and full of surprises, and the dish itself is a feast for both eyes and appetite. Get ready for a plant-powered lasagna that will make everyone ask for seconds—every bite echoes with the taste of celebration and comfort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe has an important role to play, providing either color, flavor, texture, or a bit of all three. It’s a medley that delivers big, bright flavor without fuss or complication—just honest, wonderful components brought to life together.
- Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and creamy texture are the foundation of this lasagna, roasting up to caramelized perfection.
- Butternut Squash: Adds a gorgeous golden hue and subtle nuttiness to the layers, balancing the dish beautifully.
- Carrots: Bring another layer of sweetness and a lovely orange pop when sliced thin and roasted.
- Olive Oil: Helps the vegetables roast to tenderness while imparting richness and flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors of the veggies as they roast.
- Feta Cheese: Salty and tangy, feta crumbles provide luscious bites throughout the lasagna.
- Walnuts: Toasty crunch and earthy depth—absolutely crucial for the signature Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze experience.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens everything up and gives a fresh finish to every bite.
- Cranberry Sauce (or Dried Cranberries): Either option gives the glaze a burst of tart-sweet vibrancy.
- Honey: Rounds out the glaze with floral sweetness and helps everything caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Lemon Juice: Just a touch sharpens the glaze and wakes up all the other flavors.
- Dried Thyme or Rosemary (Optional): For a hint of earthy, herby fragrance, perfect as a finishing touch.
- Extra Walnuts and Parsley (for garnish): Makes your final dish stunning and adds little bursts of freshness with every serving.
How to Make Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the thinly sliced sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper right on the pan for easy cleanup. Spread them out in a single layer so they roast, not steam—you want a little browning around the edges. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes; the vegetables should be tender but still able to hold their shape for layering. While they’re in the oven, your kitchen will start smelling absolutely dreamy!
Step 2: Prepare the Feta & Walnut Mixture
Meanwhile, crumble the feta cheese into a bowl. Toss in the chopped walnuts, parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper. This mixture brings a burst of salty-tangy flavor with every creamy, crunchy bite—the walnuts really tie it all together and set up the star moment for that Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze that’s coming next.
Step 3: Make the Cranberry-Honey Glaze
The glaze could not be easier—or more magical. In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce or dried cranberries, honey, and lemon juice. This sauce is tart, sweet, and sticky—a glossy ribbon that will transform the lasagna’s already-gorgeous top into something truly crave-worthy. The Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze makes the entire dish pop, both visually and flavor-wise.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Grab your favorite baking dish! Start by laying down a base layer of those roasted veggies, followed by a generous sprinkle of your feta-walnut mix. Continue building those deliciously colorful layers, alternating vegetables and feta-walnut mixture, until you’ve used everything, finishing with a final layer of veggies on top. This step is all about building flavor and visual appeal—the more neatly you layer, the more striking each slice will look.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Drizzle the entire surface with your homemade Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze, making sure every corner gets some of that sticky-sweet shine. If you’re using thyme or rosemary, scatter it over now for an extra hit of aroma. Pop your lasagna into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The top should caramelize and the flavors will meld into irresistible harmony, making you want to dive right in.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let your lasagna cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts and parsley before serving. This simple garnish gives crunch, color, and a sense of occasion—like confetti on your culinary masterpiece! Every bite is punctuated by the gorgeous interplay of roasted veg, feta, and the unforgettable Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze.
How to Serve Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
Garnishes
When it comes to serving, don’t skip the extra chopped walnuts and fresh parsley over the top! That final sprinkle adds eye-catching color and a little crunch, which plays beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze. If you want to get really fancy, add a few zest curls of lemon or even some pomegranate seeds—the final look is as inviting as the flavors.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is hearty and satisfying, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or perhaps a dish of garlicky sautéed green beans. If you want something a little richer, serve alongside a creamy polenta or a loaf of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the extra Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze at the bottom of the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this lasagna family-style, right from the baking dish, or cut it into squares and stack each piece with a drizzle of extra glaze for a dramatic plated look. For individual servings, placing each portion atop a bed of lightly dressed arugula will let the colors and textures of the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze really shine. It’s a real treat visually, and it makes every guest feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors seem to deepen and meld overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner downright irresistible. Just be sure to spoon any leftover Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze over the top to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. For best taste, freeze before you add the final garnish of fresh walnuts and parsley—these can always be added after reheating so the crunch stays perfect.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your lasagna (thawed if frozen) into a 180°C (350°F) oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, and remove the foil in the last few minutes so the top can crisp up. If you’re short on time, a microwave works too, but the oven gives a much nicer finish—especially to that glorious Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze.
FAQs
Can I make Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whip up the glaze a day or two ahead and keep it sealed in the fridge. Give it a good stir before drizzling over your lasagna to ensure it’s glossy and beautiful.
What if I can’t find butternut squash?
No worries—substitute with another type of squash like kabocha or acorn for similar results. Even pumpkin works in a pinch, so you can enjoy the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze all year long.
Is there a vegan option for the feta?
Definitely! Opt for your favorite plant-based feta alternative, or use crumbled firm tofu seasoned with salt and lemon juice for a similar salty-tangy vibe. The rest of the recipe is naturally plant-forward, and the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze pairs beautifully with vegan cheese.
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce for the glaze?
Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce is a great time-saver. Just be sure to pick a variety that’s whole-berry or at least has some chunkiness for the best texture in your Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze.
What’s the best way to slice the vegetables for perfect layers?
A mandoline slicer works wonders here, giving you even, thin slices for neat, tender layers. If using a sharp knife, just take your time. Consistent thickness is key for a lasagna that bakes up perfectly and displays the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze in all its glory.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a wow-factor to your next gathering, this lasagna with Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze is a surefire bet. It’s colorful, comforting, a little bit unexpected—and absolutely delicious. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a new tradition for your table!