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umpkin Bake with Maple-Cranberry Drizzle Recipe

umpkin Bake with Maple-Cranberry Drizzle Recipe

4.7 from 26 reviews

This Layered Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Bake with Maple-Cranberry Drizzle is a comforting and visually stunning vegetarian dish. Combining tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and red onion layered with savory thyme and a hint of cinnamon, topped with crumbled feta and crunchy nuts, and finished with a warm, sweet-tart maple-cranberry drizzle. Perfect as a wholesome main or an elegant side dish, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups pumpkin, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Topping

  • 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Maple-Cranberry Drizzle

  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Toss Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, dried thyme, and optional cinnamon. Toss everything well to ensure even coating.
  3. Layer Vegetables: Arrange the vegetables in the baking dish in alternating layers of sweet potato and pumpkin slices, creating a visually appealing pattern. This layering helps their flavors meld as they bake.
  4. Bake Covered: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to begin softening without drying out.
  5. Add Topping and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped nuts over the top, then bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the topping is lightly caramelized.
  6. Prepare Maple-Cranberry Drizzle: While the dish bakes, combine the pure maple syrup, chopped dried cranberries, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture slightly thickens and becomes fragrant.
  7. Serve: Drizzle the warm maple-cranberry sauce over the baked vegetable layers just before serving to add a lovely sweet and tangy contrast to the savory dish.

Notes

  • For an earthy twist, add fresh rosemary or sage to the vegetable mix before baking.
  • This dish can serve as a hearty vegetarian main or a colorful side to roasted meats.
  • Leftover bake can be reheated gently in the oven or an air fryer to retain its crisp edges.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
  • Adjust cinnamon quantity or omit according to preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato bake, pumpkin bake, vegetarian dinner, layered vegetable dish, maple cranberry sauce, fall recipes, healthy side dish