with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

This is a cozy, colorful vegetarian “lasagna” where roasted vegetables replace pasta sheets. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and carrots are layered with creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze for a Mediterranean-inspired holiday-style bake.

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

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Ingredients

Vegetable Layers

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced lengthwise into thin planks (about ¼ inch thick)
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced into thin planks
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise into thin ribbons or planks
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

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Creamy Feta Layer

• 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

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Walnut Crunch Layer

• ¾ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended)
• ¼ tsp salt

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Cranberry-Honey Glaze

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp water
• Pinch of salt

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Assembly Add-ins

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra melt)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line 2–3 baking trays with parchment paper.
3. Arrange sweet potato, squash, and carrot slices in a single layer.
4. Brush or toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
5. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until just tender but not falling apart.

Tip: Vegetables should be flexible but still hold structure for layering.

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Step 2: Make the Cranberry-Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine:
   • Cranberries
   • Honey
   • Balsamic vinegar
   • Orange juice
   • Orange zest
   • Water
   • Pinch of salt
2. Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
4. Lightly mash berries for a jam-like texture.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 3: Prepare the Feta Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix:
   • Crumbled feta
   • Ricotta (or Greek yogurt)
   • Olive oil
   • Lemon juice and zest
   • Garlic
   • Thyme
2. Stir until creamy but still slightly chunky.

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Step 4: Toast the Walnuts

1. Heat a dry pan over medium heat.
2. Add walnuts and toast for 3–5 minutes.
3. Add olive oil, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Stir and remove from heat once fragrant.

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Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9×13-inch baking dish:

Layer 1

• Spread a thin layer of cranberry glaze
• Add sweet potato slices

Layer 2

• Spread feta mixture
• Sprinkle walnuts

Layer 3

• Add butternut squash layer
• Drizzle cranberry glaze lightly

Layer 4

• Add carrots
• Add remaining feta mixture

Final Layer

• Optional mozzarella sprinkle
• Remaining cranberry glaze swirled on top

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Step 6: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until:
   • Top is slightly golden
   • Cheese is bubbling
   • Edges caramelize slightly

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Step 7: Rest

Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

This helps the layers set and hold shape.

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Step 8: Serve

Garnish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra toasted walnuts
• Drizzle of cranberry glaze

Serve warm with:

• Arugula salad
• Crusty bread
• Quinoa or couscous

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Storage

Refrigerator

• Store in airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezer

• Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight and reheat in oven for best texture

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Variations

Vegan Version

• Replace feta/ricotta with cashew cream or vegan feta
• Use maple syrup instead of honey

Protein Boost

• Add cooked lentils between layers
• Or add shredded rotisserie chicken (non-vegetarian version)

Extra Savory Version

• Add caramelized onions between layers
• Add rosemary or sage

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Flavor Profile

This dish balances:

• Sweet roasted vegetables
• Tangy feta creaminess
• Crunchy toasted walnuts
• Bright cranberry-orange glaze
• Warm Mediterranean herbs