This dish is the definition of **cozy elegance** — sweet, savory, creamy, and slightly tangy all in one bite. The caramelized acorn squash melts in your mouth, the goat cheese adds a luxurious creaminess, and the cranberry drizzle gives a festive touch of tart sweetness.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a **show-stopping fall or winter side dish**, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. The roasted squash slices become **tender and golden**, the honey glaze adds just the right sweetness, and the combination of creamy goat cheese and bright cranberry sauce creates that **perfect balance of flavors**—sweet, tangy, and earthy. It’s an **elegant, yet easy** side that pairs beautifully with holiday mains or stands alone as a comforting vegetarian dish.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Roasted Squash:

• **2 small acorn squashes** (about 1 lb / 450 g each), halved and seeds removed
• **2 tablespoons (30 ml)** olive oil
• **2 tablespoons (30 ml)** honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Topping:

• **½ cup (100 g)** creamy goat cheese
• **¼ cup (60 ml)** cranberry sauce or compote
• Fresh **thyme or parsley**, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. **Prep the Squash:** Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Cut each acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds. You can leave the halves whole for presentation or cut them into wedges. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. **Make the Honey Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk **olive oil and honey** until smooth. Using a brush or spoon, coat the cut sides of the squash with the glaze. Sprinkle generously with **salt and black pepper**.
3. The honey will help the edges **caramelize beautifully** while roasting, creating that irresistible golden-brown crust.
4. **Roast to Perfection:** Place the squash halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Roast for **25–30 minutes**, or until the flesh is soft and the edges are lightly browned. *Optional: Brush with an extra teaspoon of honey halfway through roasting for deeper flavor.*
5. **Add the Creamy Topping:** Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, spoon **creamy goat cheese** into the center or spread it across the top.
6. **Drizzle and Serve:** Drizzle generously with **cranberry sauce or compote**. Sprinkle a few leaves of fresh thyme or chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm.

🌱 Nutrition Highlights

Acorn squash is rich in **vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants**. Goat cheese adds protein and calcium, while cranberries are full of **vitamin C** and beneficial compounds that support the immune system. This dish is not only delicious and beautiful but also wholesome and nourishing.