Description
This recipe features deliciously roasted acorn squash halves glazed with honey and finished with creamy goat cheese and tart cranberry sauce, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley. It’s a cozy, elegant side dish perfect for fall or holiday meals, combining sweet and savory flavors with a delightful caramelized texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash and Glaze
- 2 small acorn squashes (halved, seeds removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 2 tbsp honey (for glazing)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Filling and Garnish
- 120 grams creamy goat cheese (alternatives: whipped ricotta or mascarpone)
- 60 ml cranberry sauce (or compote, homemade preferred)
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready by the time you prepare the squash.
- Prepare Squash: Halve the acorn squashes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds to create cavities.
- Glaze and Season: Brush the cut sides of each squash half generously with olive oil and honey. Season each piece well with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Roast Squash: Arrange the squash halves cut side up on a baking tray. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the flesh becomes fork-tender and the edges develop a lovely caramelized color.
- Cool Slightly: Once roasted, remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow safe and easier handling.
- Fill Squash: Spoon the creamy goat cheese into the hollowed seed cavities, filling each half generously.
- Add Cranberry and Garnish: Drizzle cranberry sauce over the goat cheese and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute goat cheese with a vegan cheese spread.
- Use homemade cranberry compote to enhance flavor and reduce sugar content.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add freshness but can be swapped with rosemary or sage based on preference.
- Roasted squash can be prepared a day ahead and warmed before adding the goat cheese and cranberry sauce to save time.
- Adjust honey quantity depending on desired sweetness level.
