Prepare to revolutionize your holiday menu with the most mouthwatering, nutritious, and Instagram-worthy dish you've ever encountered! This Clean Eating Holiday Butternut Cranberry Bake is not just a recipe – it's a culinary experience that combines the warm, comforting flavors of butternut squash with the tangy burst of fresh cranberries, creating a symphony of taste that will have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking to impress your family with a show-stopping side dish, this recipe is about to become your new holiday secret weapon!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or using a non-stick cooking spray.
- Carefully peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut the squash in half, remove seeds, and dice into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating. Drain completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced butternut squash, fresh cranberries, cooked quinoa, and chopped walnuts. Drizzle maple syrup over the mixture.
- Sprinkle cinnamon, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Gently toss to ensure even coating and distribution of all components.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the top to become slightly crisp and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and the dish to set.
- Serve warm as a nutritious holiday side dish or light main course. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Like a Pro: Take your time peeling and cubing the butternut squash. Uniform 1-inch cubes ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don't skip the thorough rinsing! This removes the natural bitter coating and ensures a fluffy, delicious grain base.
- Maximize Flavor: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to set perfectly.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Elevate the dish with extra chopped walnuts, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or a drizzle of additional maple syrup.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared earlier in the day and reheated, making it perfect for holiday meal planning.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne for an extra flavor kick.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
