Roast Pumpkin with Feta and Honey Recipe
This Roast Pumpkin with Feta & Honey recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Tender roasted pumpkin cubes are perfectly seasoned and roasted to golden perfection before being drizzled with floral honey and topped with tangy crumbled feta and crunchy walnuts, making it a beautiful and flavorful dish ideal for a comforting side or light main.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Pumpkin Preparation
- 1 medium pumpkin (about 2–3 lbs or 1–1.5 kg), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
Seasoning and Toppings
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil, extra virgin preferred
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if available)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey, raw honey preferred
- 4 oz (115 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts, optional for crunch
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the pumpkin carefully using a sturdy vegetable peeler, then cut it into 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting.
- Season and Toss: In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme. Use your hands to coat each piece thoroughly to enhance flavor absorption. Arrange the pumpkin cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding for perfect roasting.
- Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the pumpkin for 30-35 minutes. Halfway through, flip the pumpkin pieces to promote even browning. Roast until the edges are golden and the pumpkin is fork-tender.
- Add the Good Stuff: Upon removing from the oven, immediately drizzle the honey over the hot pumpkin cubes to let it melt in beautifully. Then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts (if using) evenly over the top.
- Serve and Savor: Transfer the roasted pumpkin mixture to a serving dish or enjoy it directly from the baking tray. The residual heat will slightly melt the feta, creating a deliciously creamy texture. Serve warm for a comforting and visually appealing dish that combines sweet, savory, and nutty notes.
Notes
- Use a sturdy vegetable peeler to safely remove the pumpkin skin.
- Uniform 1-inch pumpkin cubes ensure even roasting.
- Flipping the pumpkin halfway through roasting is essential to prevent burning and get even caramelization.
- Raw honey provides a deeper floral flavor than processed varieties.
- Walnuts are optional but add a pleasant crunch and contrast in texture.
- This dish is excellent served warm and pairs well with fresh salads or roasted meats.
Keywords: roast pumpkin, feta cheese, honey, roasted vegetables, fall recipe, healthy side dish
