Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Layered Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Carrot Lasagna with Feta, Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze is going to become an instant favorite. The sweet earthiness of the root vegetables layered perfectly with creamy feta and ricotta cheese, topped with crunchy walnuts glazed in a bright, irresistible orange-honey drizzle, creates harmony in every bite. The Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze adds a stunning contrast of texture and flavor, lifting this dish from comforting to absolutely unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this, it will be your go-to for cozy dinners or impressive gatherings alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients each play a unique role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in this lasagna. From the naturally sweet vegetables to the creamy cheeses and that delightful Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze, everything here sings together beautifully.

• Sweet potatoes (2 medium, thinly sliced): They provide a tender sweetness and lovely orange color, making every layer inviting.
• Butternut squash (2 cups, peeled and thinly sliced): Adds a rich, buttery texture and natural sweetness that complements the other vegetables.
• Carrots (2 large, thinly sliced): Bring a gentle crunch and vibrant hue to brighten the dish.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to give the veggies a subtle richness while roasting or prepping.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
• Black pepper (¼ tsp + ¼ tsp for filling): Adds just the right bit of peppery warmth throughout.
• Dried thyme (½ tsp): Brings a fragrant herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with root vegetables.
• Feta cheese (1 cup, crumbled): Offers a tangy, salty creaminess for the filling that balances the sweet layers.
• Ricotta cheese (½ cup): Provides a soft, mellow texture, creating a luscious filling binding the layers.
• Egg (1): Helps set the filling and give it structure during baking.
• Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds brightness and a pop of green to the creamy filling.
• Toasted walnuts (½ cup, chopped): The star of the topping that brings crunch and nuttiness, especially enhanced when glazed.
• Honey (2 tbsp): Sweetens the glaze and ties all the topping elements together effortlessly.
• Orange zest (from 1 orange): Infuses the glaze with fresh citrus notes that brighten every bite.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Warm and comforting spice that deepens the glaze’s complexity.
• Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish): Finishing touches that bring color and a fresh herbal aroma.

How to Make Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is the foundation for your luscious layers, so a well-prepared dish ensures nothing sticks and everything bakes evenly to tender perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Feta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, an egg, fresh parsley, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This filling is where tangy and savory flavors meld, creating the perfect counterpoint to your sweet vegetables.

Step 3: Layer the Vegetables

Begin by arranging half the sweet potato slices in an even layer on the bottom of your baking dish. Next, layer half of the butternut squash and carrot slices. Spread half of the feta filling evenly over the veggies. Repeat these layers until you finish with a final top layer of vegetables. This building of layers ensures every bite gets a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Cover your lasagna with lightly greased foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. This slow baking softens the vegetables and lets the flavors mingle. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes to let the top brown slightly, adding a touch of caramelized flavor and texture.

Step 5: Create the Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey with the orange zest and cinnamon until the mixture is fragrant and smooth. This glaze is the magic touch, marrying sweetness, citrus brightness, and warm spice perfectly. Drizzle it over the baked lasagna, and then sprinkle on the toasted walnuts for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender layers beneath.

How to Serve Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze

Garnishes

Fresh thyme or parsley sprinkled over the finished dish adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. Plus, the walnuts glazed with the orange-honey mixture provide a final textural flourish that makes this lasagna feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This layered vegetable lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a crisp vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover glaze. The balance of soft, sweet vegetables with refreshing greens or the rustic crunch of bread creates a well-rounded meal you’ll love.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for an elegant presentation. You can also drizzle extra Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze on each serving plate, allowing guests to customize the sweetness and citrus punch to their liking. It’s perfect for entertaining or making an everyday dinner feel celebratory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they will remain fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect dish to enjoy the next day.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes well. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes until warmed through. To maintain that lovely crunch of the walnuts, add the Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze and nuts fresh after reheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds are wonderful alternatives that bring their own unique crunch and flavor, though walnuts have that perfect earthiness that complements the orange-honey glaze best.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this layered lasagna is entirely vegetarian, packed with wholesome vegetables and dairy. Just double-check that your cheeses align with your dietary preferences.

Can I make this dish vegan?

You can! Swap the feta and ricotta for vegan cheese alternatives and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg. The rest of the ingredients and the Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze work beautifully for a vegan-friendly version.

How long does it take to prepare this lasagna?

Preparation including slicing vegetables, making the filling, and layering should take about 30 minutes. Baking adds roughly another hour, so plan for around 1.5 hours total.

Can the Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze be made ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the glaze up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before drizzling to bring back its luscious texture and aroma.

Final Thoughts

This Layered Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Carrot Lasagna with Feta, Walnuts & Orange-Honey Glaze is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s comforting but also fresh, sweet but balanced, simple but impressive. I encourage you to invite this flavorful combination into your kitchen—it’s a genuine showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make and impossible not to love.