Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

 Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)

 Instructions

1. Prepare the Squash

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Peel and cube the butternut squash.

2. Season

• Toss squash with:
  • Olive oil
  • Maple syrup
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried thyme

3. Roast

• Spread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and caramelized.

4. Assemble

• Transfer roasted squash to a serving platter.
• Sprinkle with dried cranberries.
• Add crumbled goat cheese.
• Garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary.
• Finish with sesame seeds if desired.

5. Serve

Serve warm as:

• Holiday side dish
• Healthy lunch
• Vegetarian dinner
• Thanksgiving or Christmas side

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 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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 Tips

• Roast until the edges are deeply caramelized for the best flavor.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Use feta instead of goat cheese if preferred.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for added sweetness and tang.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Roast the squash up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Add the cheese and cranberries just before serving.

Q2: Can I freeze it?

Roasted squash freezes well for up to 2 months, but add the goat cheese after reheating for the best texture.

Q3: Can I use fresh cranberries?

Yes. Roast fresh cranberries with the squash during the last 10–15 minutes, or use dried cranberries for a sweeter flavor.

Q4: What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Feta, ricotta salata, or dairy-free cheese alternatives all work well.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just verify packaged ingredients if needed.

Q6: Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely. Replace the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.