Za'atar Spiced Butternut Squash & Feta Bake with Crispy Walnut-Herb Topping

Transform a humble root vegetable into a show-stopping main dish with this Za'atar Spiced Butternut Squash & Feta Bake. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash, which perfectly complements the salty tang of feta cheese. Finished with a crunchy, aromatic walnut-herb topping, this dish is a textural and flavor delight that will quickly become a household favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30-35 minutes

Total Time 45-50 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 medium Butternut Squash (approx. 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil, divided
• 1 tsp Salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, divided
• 2 tbsp Za'atar seasoning, divided
• 4 oz Feta Cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1 clove Garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Za'atar seasoning. Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Roast the butternut squash for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. It should be easily pierced with a fork.
4. While the squash roasts, prepare the crispy topping: In a medium bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, chopped walnuts, fresh parsley, minced garlic (or garlic powder), the remaining 1 tablespoon of Za'atar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
5. Once roasted, transfer the tender butternut squash to an 8x8 inch (or similar size) baking dish.
6. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the roasted butternut squash.
7. Gently spread the walnut-herb topping over the feta and squash layer.
8. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the feta cheese is bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot.

Chef's Note

For extra depth of flavor, toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before chopping and adding to the topping mixture. This intensifies their nutty aroma.

Make-Ahead Tips

The roasted butternut squash can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the bake just before the final baking step, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if baking from cold.

Substitutions

Don't have Za'atar? A blend of dried oregano, thyme, and sesame seeds can be used. For a nut-free topping, substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for walnuts. If you prefer a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can replace the feta for a savory, cheesy flavor.