Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze Recipe

If you’re ready to delight your taste buds with a dish that blends cozy autumn flavors and fresh, vibrant textures, this Layered Roasted Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Carrot Lasagna with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze is an absolute must-try. The star of the show, the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze, creates a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes that perfectly complement the tender roasted veggies and creamy feta. It’s an irresistible combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate, guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the magic starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find but essential for building layers of flavor and texture in this dish. From the natural sweetness of roasted root vegetables to the sharp tang of feta and the irresistible Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze, each component plays a vital role.

• Sweet potatoes: Thinly sliced for tenderness and a mild sweetness that forms a hearty base.
• Butternut squash: Adds a creamy, buttery texture and vibrant color to the layers.
• Carrots: Bring a bright orange hue and natural sweetness that deepens with roasting.
• Olive oil: Helps caramelize the vegetables and enhances their rich flavors.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural taste of each ingredient.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the vegetable medley.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled to lend a creamy, salty contrast that balances the sweetness.
• Walnuts: Toasted for crunch and earthiness that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
• Dried thyme and garlic powder: Aromatic seasoning that infuses layers with warmth and herbal notes.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped to add brightness and a pop of fresh green color.
• Dried cranberries: Chopped for the glaze, providing tart bursts of fruity flavor.
• Honey: Sweetens the glaze naturally, balancing the tartness of cranberries.
• Water and lemon juice: Used to adjust the consistency and add a gentle tang to the glaze.

How to Make Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the thin slices of sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and carrots with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet so each slice gets the perfect amount of heat. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, unlocking their natural sweetness and soft texture – the perfect foundation for the layers in your lasagna.

Step 2: Prepare the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

While your vegetables are roasting, it’s time to make the glaze that brings this dish together. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine chopped dried cranberries, honey, water, and lemon juice. Gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries soften and the mixture thickens slightly. This Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze will deliver a luscious coating with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy – a true game-changer for the lasagna’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you turned it off after roasting. In a greased baking dish, start layering the roasted vegetables, followed by a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, dried thyme, garlic powder, and fresh parsley. Keep repeating the layers until all your delicious veggies are used, finishing with a top layer of feta and walnuts to add texture and richness on the surface. Finally, drizzle the star ingredient generously over the top – that irresistible Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze – ensuring every bite carries its signature flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your assembled lasagna into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the layers to meld together while the top becomes gently golden and inviting. After baking, let it cool slightly to let the flavors settle and the glaze set, making it easier to cut and serve while preserving all of those wonderful textures.

How to Serve Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few additional toasted walnuts on top adds an extra crunch and a dash of color, making your presentation pop and brightening each bite with fresh, herbaceous notes.

Side Dishes

This layered dish pairs well with simple green salads dressed with vinaigrette to add crispness and balance. Alternatively, serve alongside crusty bread to soak up any extra glaze and melted feta.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or stack the layers vertically on a platter to showcase the beautiful colors and textures of the roasted veggies, feta, and that stunning Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze drizzled on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat thoroughly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick and tasty meal that tastes almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work well and will offer slightly different textures and flavors, but walnuts are preferred here for their earthy richness that pairs beautifully with the cranberry-honey glaze.

Is the walnut and cranberry-honey glaze suitable for vegans?

The glaze uses honey, so it is not vegan. However, you can substitute honey with maple syrup to make this dish entirely plant-based.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe contains no wheat-based ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

How far ahead can I prepare this lasagna?

You can prepare and assemble the lasagna a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just add the glaze right before baking to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Is it possible to use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be used but will be more tart and less sweet. You might want to increase the honey slightly to balance their sharpness in the glaze.

Final Thoughts

This layered roasted vegetable lasagna with feta, walnuts, and that unbelievably delicious Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze is a celebration of autumn’s best flavors all rolled into one dish. It’s comforting yet bright, simple yet impressive enough to serve guests. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home and share the joy it brings to your table as much as it does to mine.