Sweet & Spicy Roasted Squash and Chickpeas with Sparkle & Honey (Easy Meatless Sheet Pan Dinner)

🧡 Roasted Squash & Chickpeas with Sparkle & Honey

Sweet, spicy, and effortlessly magical

When the evenings start to cool and the leaves turn amber, I crave something colorful, hearty, and simple. This New York Times roasted squash and chickpea recipe hits every note—warm, sweet, a little fiery, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Butternut squash and chickpeas are roasted with spices and topped Sparkle & Honey and fresh cilantro, resulting in a colorful and healthy dish.

But this time, I made a twist: I swapped the hot honey for our Blackberry Blossom Sparkle & Honey, sprinkling in a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for that same sweet heat. The floral notes of the blackberry blossom honey added such a delicious depth that even the chickpeas seemed to sparkle.

This dish is a reminder that comfort food can still feel special—and that a drizzle of honey can turn an ordinary sheet pan into something extraordinary.

✨ Why It Works

• Sparkle & Honey brings complexity. The blackberry blossom flavor adds a subtle fruity sweetness that perfectly complements roasted squash.

• The cayenne swap gives just the right amount of gentle heat, balancing the honey’s natural sweetness.

• It’s as easy as it is beautiful. The vibrant orange squash, golden chickpeas, and pink onion create a stunning sheet-pan masterpiece.

This easy, colorful sheet-pan dinner combines roasted squash, chickpeas, and warming spices, finished with a drizzle of Blackberry Blossom Sparkle & Honey and a pinch of cayenne. The result is a sweet-spicy, golden-roasted meal that’s cozy, nourishing, and irresistibly sparkly. Perfect for meatless weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something simple yet special.

🍯 The Recipe

Adapted from the NYT “You Can’t Resist This Easy Squash-Chickpea Recipe”

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans chickpeas (preferably salted), drained and rinsed

• 2½ pounds honey nut or butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 6 cups)

• 1¾ teaspoons baharat, garam masala, or your favorite spice blend

• 1¼ teaspoons fine salt, plus more to taste

• 5 thyme sprigs

• ⅛ teaspoon red-pepper flakes

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon cider vinegar or rice vinegar, plus more to taste

• ½ cup fresh cilantro or dill, or a mix of both

• 1–2 tablespoons Sparkle & Honey

• A pinch of cayenne pepper (instead of hot honey)

• Plain whole-milk yogurt or sour cream, for serving (optional)

🥄 Directions

1. Preheat & Prep.Heat oven to 425°F. Line one sheet pan with parchment paper and another with a clean towel. Spread out chickpeas on the towel-lined pan and gently pat them dry. Let them sit while you prep the squash.

2. Roast the Squash.On the parchment-lined pan, toss squash with 1 teaspoon of your spice blend, ½ teaspoon salt, thyme sprigs, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Spread evenly and roast for 20 minutes.

3. Add the Chickpeas.In a bowl, mix chickpeas, onion, remaining ¾ teaspoon spice blend, ¾ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add to the squash and toss everything together. Roast another 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is golden and chickpeas are crispy.

4. Finish with Magic.Remove from oven and toss with vinegar and herbs. Drizzle generously with Sparkle & Honey, then sprinkle with a whisper of cayenne. Toss once more and taste—add more honey or vinegar if you’d like extra sparkle or tang.

5. Serve.Top with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, and enjoy that sweet-heat harmony.

🌿 Serving Notes

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Warm naan or toasted sourdough

• A crisp green salad with citrus dressing

• Or simply on its own, in a cozy bowl with candlelight and a drizzle more honey on top

Golden jar of "SPARKLE & HONEY" from The Enchanted Hive, promising a touch of magic with every spoonful.

✨ Sparkle Tip

The glittering shimmer of Sparkle & Honey catches the golden edges of roasted squash, adding a luminous glow that’s as delightful as it is delicious. A perfect example of how everyday meals can shine—literally.