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

If you’re looking for a holiday-worthy side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Honey-Glazed Acorn Squash with Creamy Goat Cheese and Cranberry Drizzle is the perfect choice. With its caramelized edges, tangy cheese, and festive cranberry topping, this recipe balances sweet, savory, and tart flavors in every bite. It’s a dish that looks elegant on the table yet is surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Acorn squash is naturally sweet, tender, and packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. When roasted with honey, the squash caramelizes beautifully, creating golden edges and rich flavor. Adding creamy goat cheese introduces tanginess that pairs perfectly with the sweetness, while the cranberry drizzle gives a bright, festive finish. The result? A side dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 medium acorn squash, halved, seeded, and sliced into wedges
3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for variation)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 oz creamy goat cheese, softened
½ cup dried cranberries (or cranberry sauce)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon water (if thinning the drizzle)
Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish

How to Make Honey-Glazed Acorn Squash with Goat Cheese and Cranberry Drizzle

Prepare the squash – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut acorn squash into even wedges.
Season and roast – In a bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss squash slices in the mixture until evenly coated. Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until squash is tender and caramelized.
Make the cranberry drizzle – In a small saucepan, combine cranberries (or sauce), balsamic vinegar, and water. Heat gently until cranberries soften and the mixture thickens into a drizzle.
Assemble the dish – Arrange roasted squash on a serving platter. Crumble goat cheese over the top, then spoon cranberry drizzle across the squash. Garnish with fresh herbs for color and extra flavor.

Tips for Success

Choose ripe squash – Look for acorn squash with a dark green color and firm skin.
Play with flavors – Substitute maple syrup for honey, or add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Make ahead – Roast squash in advance, then reheat and assemble with cheese and drizzle right before serving.
Go dairy-free – Swap goat cheese for a cashew-based cheese if you’re keeping it plant-based.

Perfect Pairings

This dish is a standout side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall-inspired meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, or even as part of a vegetarian holiday spread. Serve it alongside wild rice, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete plate.

Final Thoughts

Elegant, seasonal, and bursting with flavor, this Honey-Glazed Acorn Squash with Creamy Goat Cheese and Cranberry Drizzle is sure to impress at your next gathering. The sweetness of honey-roasted squash, the tang of goat cheese, and the tart pop of cranberry make every bite unforgettable. Simple to prepare but show-stopping in presentation, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.