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Layered Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash & Parsnip Lasagna with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze

  1. A stunning vegetarian lasagna featuring layers of roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and parsnips with creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, mozzarella, and a sweet-tart cranberry-honey glaze. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or elegant entertaining.


    Recipe Information

    • Prep Time: 35 minutes
    • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
    • Servings: 8
    • Difficulty: Intermediate

    Ingredients

    Vegetables

    • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (â…› inch)
    • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
    • 3 medium parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Cheese Filling

    • 8 oz (225 g) feta cheese, crumbled
    • 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan
    • 1 egg
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
    • 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
    • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

    Walnut Mixture

    • 1 cup chopped walnuts
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • Pinch of salt

    Cranberry-Honey Glaze

    • 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or whole-berry canned)
    • 3 tablespoons honey
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

    Cream Sauce

    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2½ cups whole milk
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • ½ cup Parmesan cheese

    Top Layer

    • 1½ cups mozzarella
    • ¼ cup Parmesan
    • Extra walnuts
    • Fresh thyme
    • Fresh parsley

    Equipment

    • 9×13-inch baking dish
    • Mandoline or sharp knife
    • Saucepan
    • Mixing bowls
    • Whisk
    • Baking sheet
    • Aluminum foil

    Instructions

    Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Toss sweet potatoes, squash, and parsnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

    Arrange on baking sheets in a single layer.

    Roast for 15–18 minutes until just tender.

    Cool slightly.


    Step 2: Prepare Walnut Mixture

    Toast walnuts in butter for 4 minutes.

    Stir in maple syrup.

    Cook another minute.

    Set aside.


    Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

    Mix together:

    • Ricotta
    • Feta
    • Egg
    • Garlic
    • Herbs

    Fold in half of the mozzarella.


    Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce

    Melt butter.

    Whisk in flour.

    Cook 2 minutes.

    Gradually whisk in milk.

    Cook until thick.

    Add:

    • Parmesan
    • Garlic powder
    • Nutmeg
    • White pepper

    Stir until smooth.


    Step 5: Make Cranberry-Honey Glaze

    Whisk together:

    • Cranberry sauce
    • Honey
    • Dijon mustard
    • Balsamic vinegar
    • Cinnamon
    • Nutmeg

    Warm gently until smooth.


    Assemble the Lasagna

    Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

    Layer in this order:

    1. Thin layer of cream sauce
    2. Sweet potatoes
    3. Cheese mixture
    4. Walnuts
    5. Cranberry glaze (drizzle lightly)
    6. Butternut squash
    7. Cream sauce
    8. Cheese mixture
    9. Parsnips
    10. Remaining cheese
    11. Remaining vegetables

    Repeat until all ingredients are used.

    Finish with:

    • Cream sauce
    • Mozzarella
    • Parmesan
    • Walnuts

    Bake

    Cover with foil.

    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.

    Remove foil.

    Bake another 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

    Rest 15 minutes before slicing.


    Garnish

    Sprinkle with:

    • Fresh thyme
    • Parsley
    • Extra feta
    • Chopped toasted walnuts

    Drizzle lightly with warm cranberry glaze before serving.


    Chef’s Tips

    • Slice vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
    • Roast vegetables first to reduce excess moisture.
    • Let the lasagna rest before cutting to help it hold its shape.
    • Fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
    • Toasting the walnuts enhances their crunch and aroma.

    Variations

    Vegan

    • Replace dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives.
    • Use flaxseed “egg.”
    • Swap butter for vegan butter.
    • Use maple syrup instead of honey.

    Gluten-Free

    • Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cream sauce.

    Extra Protein

    • Add cooked lentils.
    • Add sautéed mushrooms.
    • Mix in white beans.

    Extra Festive

    • Add pomegranate seeds before serving.
    • Garnish with fried sage leaves.

    Storage

    Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

    Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

    Reheating: Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.


    Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

    Nutrient Amount
    Calories 520 kcal
    Protein 20 g
    Carbohydrates 37 g
    Fat 33 g
    Saturated Fat 14 g
    Fiber 6 g
    Sugars 14 g
    Sodium 690 mg
    Cholesterol 75 mg
    Potassium 760 mg
    Calcium 380 mg
    Iron 2.3 mg
    Vitamin A 180% DV
    Vitamin C 30% DV

    Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands and exact portion sizes.


    Allergen Information

    Contains:

    • Milk: Ricotta, feta, mozzarella, Parmesan, butter, milk
    • Egg: Egg in the cheese filling
    • Tree Nuts: Walnuts
    • Gluten: All-purpose flour (unless using a gluten-free substitute)

    Naturally Free Of:

    • Peanuts
    • Soy (unless present in processed dairy products)
    • Fish
    • Shellfish
    • Sesame

    Substitution Ideas:

    • Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
    • Replace walnuts with roasted pumpkin seeds if avoiding tree nuts.
    • Use dairy-free cheeses and butter for a dairy-free version.
    • Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or commercial egg replacer for an egg-free option.

    Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

    Q: Can I prepare this a day ahead?
    A: Yes. Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

    Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
    A: Fresh vegetables provide the best texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen squash or sweet potatoes can work in a pinch.

    Q: What can I serve with this lasagna?
    A: It pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, or crusty artisan bread.

    Q: Can I omit the walnuts?
    A: Yes. You can leave them out or substitute roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.

    Q: Why roast the vegetables first?
    A: Roasting removes excess moisture, concentrates flavor, and helps the lasagna slice cleanly instead of becoming watery.

    Q: Can I use other cheeses?
    A: Yes. Goat cheese, fontina, Gruyère, or provolone all complement the sweet vegetables beautifully.

    This colorful, layered lasagna balances sweet roasted vegetables, tangy feta, crunchy walnuts, creamy sauce, and a bright cranberry-honey glaze for a memorable centerpiece at any table.

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