Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon

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🥗 Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon, Cranberries & Feta

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

Total Time: ~45 minutes

🌿 Ingredients

  • 4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or fresh thyme

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the vegetables

  • In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Spread them evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer (don’t overcrowd—use two pans if needed).

3. Roast the veggies

  • Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.

4. Cook the bacon

  • While the vegetables roast, cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 6–8 minutes).
  • Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel–lined plate.
  • Reserve 1 tbsp of the bacon drippings for extra flavor (optional).

5. Combine and finish roasting

  • After the first 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle cooked bacon and dried cranberries over the veggies.
  • Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil or reserved bacon fat, then return to the oven.
  • Roast another 10–15 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are golden and the squash is tender.

6. Add feta and serve

  • Transfer roasted mixture to a serving bowl.
  • Sprinkle with crumbled feta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or maple syrup, if desired.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Perfect alongside roast chicken, turkey, or pork tenderloin.
  • Serve as a warm salad over arugula or spinach.
  • Makes a gorgeous Thanksgiving or holiday side!

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • Add pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
  • Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon and adding smoked paprika for depth.
  • For meal prep: Store in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

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