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