🍯 Honey-Glazed Acorn Squash with Creamy Goat Cheese & Cranberry Drizzle (Mediterranean Style)

Elegant • Naturally Sweet • Herb-Bright • Perfect as a side or vegetarian main

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Squash

• 2 acorn squash, sliced into 1-inch thick rings (remove seeds)

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2–3 tbsp honey (or pure maple syrup)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano

• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Goat Cheese Filling

• 6 oz (170g) creamy goat cheese

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (to lighten & make creamy)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small garlic clove, grated (optional)

• Pinch of sea salt

Mediterranean Cranberry Drizzle

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (Mediterranean twist)

• 1/4 cup water

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Optional: 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Toppings (Optional but amazing)

• Pomegranate seeds

• Crushed pistachios or walnuts

• Fresh mint or parsley

• Extra honey drizzle

🍽️ Instructions

1. Prepare the Squash

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Brush a baking sheet with olive oil or line with parchment.

3. In a bowl, whisk together:

   • Olive oil

   • Honey

   • Cinnamon

   • Paprika

   • Thyme

   • Salt & pepper

4. Coat both sides of the squash rings in the glaze.

5. Arrange on the baking sheet and roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and caramelized.

2. Make the Creamy Goat Cheese

Mix together goat cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic (optional), and salt until smooth and fluffy.
Set aside.

3. Make the Mediterranean Cranberry Drizzle

In a small saucepan over medium heat:

1. Add cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, water, cinnamon, and rosemary.

2. Simmer 6–8 minutes until berries burst and the sauce thickens.

3. Mash lightly or blend for a smoother drizzle.

Let it cool slightly—it will thicken more.

4. Assemble

Place roasted squash rings on a platter.
Fill centers with creamy goat cheese.
Drizzle warm cranberry sauce over the top.

Finish with:

• Pomegranate seeds

• Pistachios

• Fresh mint

• More honey

🌿 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Lemon herb couscous

• Mediterranean roasted chicken

• Quinoa tabbouleh

• Grilled fish

• Warm pita and hummus