Sweet roasted acorn squash meets tangy goat cheese and a bright cranberry drizzle in this elegant, holiday-worthy side (or light vegetarian main). It’s cozy, colorful, and packed with flavor contrast.
⏱️ Quick Info
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Roast Time: 35–40 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
Squash
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2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp honey
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Salt & black pepper
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½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Topping
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4 oz goat cheese, softened and crumbled
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¼ cup dried cranberries
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2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
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Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Cranberry Drizzle (quick)
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¼ cup cranberry sauce (or cranberry jam)
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1–2 tbsp warm water or orange juice (to thin)
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1 tsp honey (optional, to taste)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Roast the Squash
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
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Brush with olive oil and honey.
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Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
Roast 35–40 minutes until fork-tender and caramelized.
2️⃣ Make the Cranberry Drizzle
In a small bowl:
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Stir cranberry sauce with warm water or orange juice
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Add honey if needed
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Mix until smooth and pourable
3️⃣ Fill the Squash
Once squash is tender:
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Sprinkle goat cheese into each cavity
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Add dried cranberries
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Add nuts if using
Return to oven 5 minutes just to soften the cheese.
4️⃣ Finish & Serve
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Drizzle with cranberry sauce
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Garnish with fresh herbs
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Serve warm
⭐ Pro Tips
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Roast squash cut-side down for extra caramelization (then flip).
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Use room-temp goat cheese for best creaminess.
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Don’t over-sweeten — balance is key.
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Add a tiny pinch of salt on top before serving for flavor pop.
🔄 Easy Variations
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Vegan: use dairy-free cheese or skip cheese
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Lower sugar: reduce honey and use unsweetened cranberries
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Savory twist: add cooked quinoa or wild rice
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Spicy-sweet: add pinch of chili flakes
🥗 Serving Ideas
Perfect with:
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roasted chicken
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turkey dinner
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holiday spreads
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grain bowls
🔢 Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: ~220
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Protein: ~6g
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Carbs: ~28g
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Fat: ~10g
WW Points: ~6–8 per serving (depends on honey & cheese)
❓ FAQs
Can I prep ahead?
Yes — roast squash ahead and reheat before filling.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, but cook them briefly with sugar and water first.
Is it anti-inflammatory?
Mostly yes — especially if you reduce honey and use olive oil.