Roasted Honeynut Squash with Whipped Feta (Printable Version)
Tender roasted honeynut squash with creamy whipped feta, toasted seeds, and fresh herbs.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Roasted Squash
01 - 2 honeynut squash (about 1 to 1.5 lbs total), halved and seeded
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
04 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
05 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ For the Whipped Feta
06 - 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
07 - 3 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
09 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tsp lemon zest
11 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
14 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
15 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
16 - Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange the honeynut squash halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Rub the seasonings evenly over the flesh.
03 - Roast the squash for 30–35 minutes, or until fork-tender and caramelized at the edges.
04 - Meanwhile, prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor, combine feta, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
05 - Spread the whipped feta onto a serving platter or individual plates.
06 - When the squash is done, let cool slightly, then arrange the roasted halves on top of the whipped feta.
07 - Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and chili flakes if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The whipped feta cuts through the squashs natural sweetness like a bright tangy breeze
- It looks restaurant fancy but takes barely ten minutes of active effort
- The combination of warm caramelized squash and cool creamy feta is pure comfort
02 -
- Over blending the feta makes it turn grainy and weird, so stop as soon as it looks smooth and creamy
- The squash continues cooking after it leaves the oven, so pull it out when it&aposs slightly less tender than you think you want
03 -
- Room temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly than cold, so set it out about an hour before you start
- A microplane makes the finest, most evenly distributed lemon zest without any bitter white pith