Honey-Glazed Acorn Squash with Creamy Goat Cheese and Cranberry Drizzle

🍯 Honey-Glazed Acorn Squash with Creamy Goat Cheese & Cranberry Drizzle

(Mediterranean Style)

✨ Description

Roasted acorn squash becomes tender and caramelized with olive oil and honey, then finished with tangy goat cheese and a vibrant cranberry drizzle. This Mediterranean-inspired dish balances sweet, savory, and creamy flavors—perfect as a holiday side, vegetarian main, or stunning mezze centerpiece.

---

🧺 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Roasted Squash

• 2 medium acorn squash, halved & seeded

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2½ tbsp honey

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Creamy Goat Cheese

• 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Cranberry Drizzle

• ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries

• ¼ cup orange juice

• 1½ tbsp honey

• 1 tsp orange zest

Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped walnuts or pistachios

• Fresh thyme or rosemary

---

🔥 Instructions

1. Roast the squash
   Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
   Brush squash with olive oil, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
   Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast 30–35 minutes, until tender and caramelized.

2. Make cranberry drizzle
   Simmer cranberries, orange juice, honey, and zest over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until thick and jammy. Set aside.

3. Prepare goat cheese cream
   Whisk goat cheese, Greek yogurt (or cream), and lemon juice until smooth.

4. Assemble
   Flip squash cut-side up. Dollop goat cheese cream into the center of each half.
   Drizzle with cranberry sauce.

5. Garnish & serve
   Sprinkle with nuts and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.

---

🌿 Mediterranean Tips

• Olive oil keeps the sweetness balanced

• Goat cheese adds classic Mediterranean tang

• Citrus brightens rich flavors

---

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use another squash?
A: Yes—butternut or delicata squash work beautifully.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Roast squash and prepare toppings ahead; assemble just before serving.

Q: Is this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! It’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.

Q: Can I reduce the sweetness?
A: Absolutely—use less honey or skip it in the cranberry drizzle.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Grilled chicken, lamb, or a hearty grain salad pair perfectly.