Layered Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Parsnip Bake
with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Vegetables
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & thinly sliced (⅛–¼ inch)
1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded & thinly sliced
2–3 parsnips, peeled & thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp smoked paprika
Toppings
¾ cup crumbled feta (block feta preferred)
½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
2 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Cranberry-Honey Glaze
½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (or homemade)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp orange juice (optional but brightens flavor)
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Prep the Vegetables
Slice all vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
In a large bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
3️⃣ Layer the Bake
Arrange vegetables upright in rows or overlapping layers (alternating colors for a beautiful pattern).
Cover tightly with foil.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake covered for 40 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes, until vegetables are tender and edges start to caramelize.
5️⃣ Toast the Walnuts
While baking, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
6️⃣ Make the Cranberry-Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat.
7️⃣ Finish & Broil
Sprinkle feta evenly over the bake.
Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for golden edges (watch carefully).
8️⃣ Final Touch
Drizzle warm cranberry-honey glaze over the top.
Sprinkle toasted walnuts and fresh herbs.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
✨ Flavor Balance
Sweet (sweet potato + honey)
Savory (feta + herbs)
Nutty (walnuts)
Tangy (cranberry + balsamic)
Earthy (parsnip + squash)
💡 Pro Tips
Use a mandoline for perfectly even slices.
For extra richness, add ¼ cup heavy cream before baking.
Make ahead: Assemble without feta/glaze, refrigerate, bake when ready.
Add crispy prosciutto for a more indulgent version.
