Description
A festive side dish featuring sweet roasted butternut squash, pungent Gorgonzola cheese, and a vibrant cranberry-balsamic glaze, perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday meals.
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Finishing:
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure not to overcrowd; use a second sheet if necessary for even caramelization.
Step 4: Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the squash is tender and beautifully caramelized at the edges.
Step 5: While the squash roasts, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, water, and cinnamon (if using).
Step 6: Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens slightly. Mash cranberries lightly with a fork if desired.
Step 7: Once the squash is roasted, transfer it to a serving bowl. Pour the cranberry-balsamic glaze over the squash and gently toss to coat.
Step 8: Crumble Gorgonzola cheese over the warm squash. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
Notes
For an extra crunch and nutty flavor, toast some chopped pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them over the finished dish alongside the Gorgonzola. The glaze can be made a day ahead and gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg