Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash

When I saw a photo of roasted brussels sprouts and squash together, topped with a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries, it was just so beautiful! I could already taste the flavors and had a visual of it sitting alongside my turkey at Thanksgiving. It was a simple recipe to try out, and it proved to taste as good as it looked. On the menu it goes!

INGREDIENTS -

4 cups brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
4 cups bite size cubed butternut squash (other winter varieties would work also)
4-6 Tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup pumpkin seeds

The first time making this recipe the brussels sprouts and squash were roasted separately because the recipe idea included some maple and cinnamon seasonings for the squash. And - the roasting pan was very full! After experimenting though, the extra seasonings on the squash were a bit much for me, the butternut squash flavor is so good alone, and so the second round was roasted with just olive oil, salt and pepper. That said, depending on how big of a crowd you are serving and how big your roasting pan is 😁 you can either roast separately or together.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spread the brussels sprouts and squash on a large roasting pan and coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes, both vegetables should cook in about the same about of time. Stir every 7-10 minutes, and use a fork to check for doneness.

While the vegetables are roasting, heat a fry pan to medium high heat and add the pumpkin seeds, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes to give them a toasted flavor.

A note on the dried cranberries - if you are avoiding processed sugar, look for the cranberries that are dried and sweetened with apple juice, they are just as good!

When the vegetables are done, allow to cool just a bit and then mix together in a large bowl. Add in the cranberries and pumpkin seeds, reserving a few seeds to sprinkle on top when you serve.

Such a simple and healthy side dish that will make your dinner presentation look beautiful! Enjoy!