Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze Recipe

This Caramelized Holiday Vegetable Sheet Pan with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze is an absolute celebration of warmth, texture, and flavor that will brighten up any holiday table. Picture tender sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized to perfection, then brought to life with a luscious Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and tang. The sprinkle of crumbly feta and toasted walnuts finishes this dish with a delightful crunch and creaminess, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component is carefully chosen to enhance the natural sweetness and earthiness of the vegetables, while the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze ties everything together with a rich, fruity finish.

• Sweet Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cubed): Provide a creamy sweetness and vibrant color that roasts beautifully.
• Butternut Squash (2 cups, peeled and cubed): Adds a silky texture and mild nutty flavor to the mix.
• Brussels Sprouts (2 cups, halved): Bring a slightly bitter, caramelized crunch when roasted well.
• Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Contribute bright orange hues and sweet undertones.
• Red Onion (1, cut into wedges): Enhances the dish with its sharp, tangy flavor that softens during roasting.
• Olive Oil (4 tbsp): Essential for roasting, it helps the veggies crisp up and develop a golden color.
• Dried Thyme (1 tsp): Infuses gentle herbal notes perfect for autumn-inspired dishes.
• Dried Rosemary (½ tsp): Adds a piney aroma and depth to the seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Provides a subtle smokiness that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp): Offers an unexpected warmth that complements the glaze.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously without overpowering.
• Honey (⅓ cup): The sweet base for the glaze, bringing a smooth, floral note.
• Dried Cranberries (¼ cup): Burst with tartness and chewiness, essential for the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze.
• Fresh Orange Juice or Water (1 tbsp): Lightens the glaze with a citrusy brightness or mild watery texture.
• Feta Cheese (¾ cup, crumbled): Adds a creamy, salty finish that contrasts perfectly with the sweet glaze.
• Toasted Walnuts (½ cup, roughly chopped): Bring a toasty crunch and earthy richness integral to the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze theme.
• Fresh Parsley or Thyme (for garnish): Introduce a hint of freshness and color to the finished dish.

How to Make Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lining a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your vegetables roast evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

In a spacious bowl, toss together the cubed sweet potatoes and butternut squash, halved Brussels sprouts, carrot slices, and red onion wedges. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat every piece well. The olive oil helps the veggies caramelize while the spices infuse each bite with cozy, layered flavor.

Step 3: Roast Until Caramelized

Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer across your lined sheet pan. Pop it into the oven and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Watch as the edges turn golden brown and tender all over—a sure sign your veggies are perfectly caramelized and ready.

Step 4: Prepare the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

While the vegetables roast, bring your attention to the magical glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey, dried cranberries, and fresh orange juice or water for about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture slightly thickens and the cranberries plump up with sweetness. This glaze is the heart and soul of the dish, tying together the earthiness of the walnuts with vibrant fruity notes.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Once the veggies are roasted and tempting, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the warm Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze. Then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts evenly across the top. Finish with a scattering of fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and herbaceous lift.

How to Serve Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme give this dish a bright, inviting look and add a subtle flavor contrast to the sweet and savory elements. For a festive touch, you might also scatter a few fresh cranberries to echo the glaze or lightly drizzle extra honey for a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own as a vegetarian centerpiece, but it also pairs beautifully with roast chicken or turkey for a fuller holiday spread. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze and feta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish on a rustic wooden board with crusty bread to scoop up the glaze and feta, making it perfect for casual gatherings. Alternatively, place the roasted vegetables over fluffy couscous or wild rice to soak up the glaze, turning it into a comforting, hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze will beautifully permeate the vegetables overnight, making the flavors even more vibrant when reheated within 2 to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dish, cool it completely first. Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating portions for convenience. Keep in the freezer for up to one month. Note that textures may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor from the glaze remains outstanding.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps revive a bit of the original roasted crispness. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, then add a little extra fresh glaze or feta to refresh the dish.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in the glaze?

Yes! Fresh cranberries create a tarter, more vibrant glaze. You may want to add a little extra honey to balance the tartness, and simmer the mixture a bit longer to soften the berries properly.

What other nuts can I substitute for walnuts?

Pecans or almonds work wonderfully here, especially toasted to bring out their rich flavors and crunchy texture. Each nut will add its own unique character paired with the cranberry-honey glaze.

Is this dish suitable for vegan diets?

To make this vegan, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The walnuts and cranberry-honey glaze remain deliciously compatible with vegan preferences, providing both texture and sweetness.

Can I prepare the vegetables and glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can chop and season the vegetables the day before and keep them refrigerated until roasting. The glaze can also be made ahead and gently reheated before serving to maintain that beautiful glossy finish.

What if I don’t have dried thyme or rosemary?

Substitute with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if you have them. Even a pinch of sage or oregano can add great flavor without overwhelming the comforting essence of the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Caramelized Holiday Vegetable Sheet Pan with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze quickly became one of my favorite ways to celebrate seasonal veggies with a touch of elegance and heart. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing. If you’re looking to impress your loved ones with a cozy, colorful dish, give this a try—you’ll fall in love with how the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze elevates every bite!