
I fell head over heels for this roasted butternut squash creation one autumn day in my kitchen. It's become my guilty pleasure when the first leaves start dropping. The magic happens when the butternut's sweetness meets the salty feta, all wrapped up in golden honey. It's a true delight that warms your soul and takes your taste buds on a journey.
Delightful autumn flavor celebration
What makes me crazy about this dish is the absolutely heavenly play of textures. The butternut gets wonderfully soft while the walnuts add their yummy crunch. The honey pairs perfectly with the feta, creating that perfect dance between sweet and salty. The herbs and smoky paprika subtly flavor everything.
Shopping list
- 1 butternut squash: I pick one that's firm with a nice color.
- Olive oil: The finest one in my kitchen cabinet.
- 1 garlic clove: Freshly chopped for extra aroma.
- 1 tablespoon honey: My favorite acacia honey.
- Smoked paprika: Just a dash is enough to transport you.
- Herbs de Provence: The ones from my small garden.
- Sea salt and pepper: To bring out the flavors.
- Feta cheese: The real deal, nice and creamy.
- Walnuts and pine nuts: Always fresh for better taste.
Step-by-step guide
- Preparing the butternut squash
- I cut it in half and make pretty crosshatch cuts. That's my little trick to let the marinade sink in nicely.
- My magical marinade
- I lovingly mix all my ingredients together olive oil, smooth honey, fragrant garlic, my favorite spices. I generously brush my butternut.
- Gentle cooking
- One hour at 190°C, no more no less. I carefully watch the coloring.
- The best part
- I take my dish out of the oven, crumble the still-warm feta, drizzle honey slowly, sprinkle my golden walnuts and pine nuts on top. Pure indulgence.
My little tricks
I always go for a medium-sized butternut for perfect cooking. My favorite hack is toasting the walnuts and pine nuts in a pan before adding them. It really brings out their flavors.

My personal touches
Sometimes I swap the feta for some fresh goat cheese which goes wonderfully with honey. I also like adding toasted pumpkin seeds for even more character. A drop of balsamic to finish and it's absolute heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I pick the best butternut squash?
- Look for one with smooth, matte skin. Avoid marks or dents, and pick one that feels heavy with a uniform beige-orange color.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- You can prep the squash and marinade early, but save the feta and nuts for serving so they stay fresh and crunchy.
- → How can I tell when the squash is done?
- It's ready when you can easily pierce the flesh with a knife and the edges have a light golden caramelized finish.
- → What can I use instead of feta?
- Goat cheese or burrata work great. For a vegan option, try olives or marinated veggies instead.
- → Can I use butternut seeds?
- Clean and dry the seeds, then roast them with spices for a crunchy topping or a salad snack.