Name: Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and thinly sliced; 3 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ cup dried cranberries; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons warm water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ cup chopped walnuts; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you adore cozy, colorful dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, this Layered Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Carrot Lasagna with Feta, Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze is an absolute must-try. The harmonious marriage of roasted root vegetables creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze adds just the right touch of sweet, tart, and nutty charm that will have you coming back for seconds. This dish is a beautiful celebration of autumnal flavors, made even more exciting by that luscious glaze that ties everything together with a delightful pop of personality.

Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for this stunning dish. Nothing fancy, just wholesome, straightforward veggies and pantry staples that build the perfect balance of taste, texture, and eye-catching color in every bite.

Sweet potatoes: Provide natural sweetness and a tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the other vegetables.
Butternut squash: Adds a creamy richness and vibrant orange hue that brightens the dish.
Carrots: Bring subtle earthiness and a bit of crunch when sliced thinly.
Olive oil: Ensures even roasting and adds a silky mouthfeel.
Salt and black pepper: The basic seasoning pillars that enhance each flavor subtly.
Dried thyme and garlic powder: Infuse gentle herbal and savory notes to complement the sweetness.
Dried cranberries: For the glaze, offering a juicy tartness that perks up the entire dish.
Pure maple syrup: The star ingredient in the glaze that contributes a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Warm water: Helps the dried cranberries soften and meld smoothly into the glaze.
Ground cinnamon (optional): Introduces a hint of warm spice for complexity.
Feta cheese: Adds a salty, creamy tang as a counterpoint to the sweetness.
Chopped walnuts: Provide crunch and earthiness, also featuring in the wonderful Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze experience.
Fresh parsley: A bright green garnish that freshens the presentation and palate.

How to Make Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil to keep those luscious layers from sticking and ensure an even bake.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning step is crucial — it allows each vegetable to shine while working in harmony to build depth throughout the dish.

Step 3: Layer the Vegetables

Arrange your veggies vertically or in staggered alternating layers inside the baking dish. This creates a gorgeous layered effect reminiscent of lasagna but packed with vibrant, natural colors that look as good as they taste. Cover the dish tightly with foil for the upcoming bake.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Bake covered for 40 minutes to gently cook the vegetables through. Then remove the foil and bake for 20 to 25 more minutes to let the top get lightly golden and offer a bit of caramelized texture, bringing out the natural sugars in the root veggies.

Step 5: Prepare the Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze

While the lasagna bakes, combine dried cranberries, maple syrup, warm water, olive oil, and ground cinnamon (if using) in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to soften and slightly thicken, creating a glaze that’s both sticky and bursting with flavor. The walnuts are best added as a topping, bringing a delightful crunch alongside this glaze.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Finish

Once the layering has baked to perfection, sprinkle crumbled feta and chopped walnuts evenly over the top. Then drizzle generously with the Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve warm to truly appreciate the medley of flavors and textures dancing together.

How to Serve Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only lifts the visual appeal but also adds a crisp, herbal freshness that balances the sweet and savory layers beneath. Crumbled feta and chopped walnuts invited in the glaze add texture and complexity to every forkful.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own as a vegetarian main but pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing salads like an arugula and citrus one or simple roasted garlic bread that soaks up every bit of glaze and melted cheese left behind.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving individual portions presented as stacked mini lasagnas for a dinner party or serve family-style straight from the dish for a cozy gathering. You can also drizzle extra Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze on the side for guests who love an extra burst of that fabulous flavor combination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The layered veggies will keep their flavor for up to 3 days, and the glaze helps maintain moisture so reheated portions remain delicious.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the edges regain their slight crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as the layers can become a bit mushy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried for the glaze?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and contain more water, so the glaze may be thinner and less sweet. You can use them, but consider adding a bit more maple syrup and reducing any added water to get the right consistency.

Are the walnuts in the glaze or just a topping?

The walnuts are primarily a topping to provide crunch and earthiness. The glaze itself centers on the maple syrup and cranberries, but the walnuts beautifully complement the overall Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze experience.

Can I substitute feta with another cheese?

Sure! Goat cheese or ricotta could work nicely if you’re after a creamier texture with mild tang, though feta’s salty bite pairs uniquely well with the sweet glaze.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

To make this vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the recipe, including the Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze, is naturally vegan.

Can I prepare the vegetables ahead of time?

Yes! Slice and season the vegetables the day before, then layer and bake when ready. The flavors actually deepen when they have more time to meld, especially with those herbs and spices in play.

Final Thoughts

This Layered Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Carrot Lasagna with Feta, Walnuts & Maple-Cranberry Glaze is truly one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of the season in every bite. The way the glaze ties everything together is simply magic. I encourage you to bring these vibrant flavors and comforting textures to your table soon — your taste buds will thank you plenty!