Baked Feta with Butternut Squash Sheet Pan

$- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish When I create this dish, I like to start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The feta cheese is key. It brings a creamy texture and tangy flavor. I prefer using a block of feta, as it melts beautifully. Next is the butternut squash. I peel and cube it into bite-sized pieces. This squash adds sweetness and a lovely golden color. The red onion adds a bit of sharpness, while the cherry tomatoes bring freshness and juiciness. For the oils and seasonings, I use olive oil to coat the vegetables. It helps them roast evenly. Minced garlic adds a fragrant touch. I love the earthy flavor of dried oregano and the subtle smokiness from smoked paprika. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh basil leaves are my go-to garnish. They add a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor. This combination makes every bite a delight! - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Peel and cube the butternut squash. This will make it tender and sweet. - In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. - Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Mix well until all the veggies are coated. - Spread the vegetable mix evenly onto a large sheet pan. - Create a small space in the center. Place the block of feta cheese there. - Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the feta. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. - Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for tender veggies and golden feta. - Once baked, remove the pan and let it cool for 5 minutes. - Serve warm. Gently break the feta with a fork to mix in with the veggies. - Add fresh basil leaves as a bright, tasty garnish. To get the best texture for roasted vegetables, cut them into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Aim for 1-inch cubes for the butternut squash. Toss the veggies well in olive oil and seasonings to coat them evenly. This step ensures they roast nicely and don’t dry out. When it comes to feta cheese, you'll know it’s perfectly baked when it turns golden brown and softens slightly. It should look warm and inviting. If it’s bubbling around the edges, that’s a great sign. Just don’t let it sit too long in the oven, or it may get too soft. You can add extra herbs or spices to boost the flavor of your dish. Thyme or rosemary pairs well with butternut squash. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick! Experimenting with flavors is part of the fun. For dipping sauces or drizzles, consider a balsamic glaze or a lemon-tahini sauce. These options add a fresh twist to the dish. A drizzle of honey can also bring out the sweetness of the squash and tomatoes. This baked feta dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad. A side of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the veggies and feta. You might also serve it with quinoa or couscous for a heartier meal. Each option enhances the flavors and makes the dish more filling. {{image_2}} You can boost the dish with other vegetables. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale. These veggies roast well and add color. For a protein kick, toss in chickpeas or black beans. They bring heartiness and nutrition. To make it vegan-friendly, swap feta for a plant-based cheese. Many brands offer tasty vegan feta. You can also use tofu. Just press it to remove moisture and season it like feta. If you can’t find feta, don’t worry! You can use goat cheese or ricotta. Both offer a creamy texture. Just remember, goat cheese has a tangy taste. Adjust the salt and spices to fit the cheese you use. If you choose mozzarella, it will melt nicely but lack the sharpness of feta. Add more herbs like thyme or rosemary to boost the flavor. For a Mediterranean flair, add olives or capers. They bring a briny taste that pairs well with the sweetness of squash. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat. To explore global flavors, try adding curry powder or cumin. These spices give the dish a warm, spicy twist. You could also use za'atar for a unique, herbaceous note. This will make your meal exciting and full of new tastes. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the feta creamy and the veggies tender. You can also use the microwave. Just warm it in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying it out. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash. It saves time and is convenient. Frozen squash is often pre-cut and ready to use, which helps you skip some prep steps. However, fresh squash has a better texture when roasted. If using frozen, check the package for cooking times. You may need to adjust baking time since frozen squash releases more water. This can make the dish a bit mushy if not managed well. If you want a feta alternative, try goat cheese or cream cheese. Both will melt well and add creaminess. For a vegan option, use tofu or cashew cheese. Crumbled tofu can mimic feta's texture when seasoned well. You can also try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Each option brings a unique taste, so choose what you like best. To change the spice levels, add more or less smoked paprika. For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes. If you want it milder, reduce the paprika or leave it out. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add flavor without heat. Adjust spices to fit your taste and enjoy a dish that suits you perfectly! This blog post explored a flavorful baked feta and butternut squash dish. We covered key ingredients, like feta, squash, and cherry tomatoes, along with essential seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for delicious results. You can vary this dish with different veggies or cheeses to suit your taste. Remember, getting creative can make cooking more fun! Enjoy trying this recipe, and don’t hesitate to adapt it to your liking. Happy cooking!$

Baked Feta with Butternut Squash Sheet Pan

Discover the delicious Oven-Baked Feta Delight with Butternut Squash, a perfect blend of flavors that's easy to prepare and sure to impress. This recipe features creamy feta, sweet butternut squash, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all roasted to perfection. It's a delightful dish that's ideal for any occasion. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight! #OvenBakedFeta #ButternutSquash #HealthyRecipes #ComfortFood

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Ingredients

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

1 red onion, cut into wedges

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.

Spread the vegetable mixture evenly onto a large sheet pan.

Create a small space in the center of the vegetables and place the block of feta cheese in that space.

Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta cheese and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the feta is golden and slightly melted.

Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Serve warm, gently breaking the feta with a fork to mix into the vegetables, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4