Butternut Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese
This roasted butternut squash dish combines sweet, tender squash with tangy pomegranate seeds and creamy goat cheese for a vibrant, delicious side!
Hey there, friends! Are you ready to whip up a delicious, seasonal dish that will wow your family and friends? Look no further than this roasted butternut squash with pomegranate and goat cheese recipe. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a fantastic addition to your fall table or any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe is not only super easy to make but also a feast for the eyes! The vibrant colors of roasted butternut squash, juicy pomegranate seeds, and creamy goat cheese make it a stunning centerpiece. Plus, the warm spices create a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen and makes everyone feel right at home. Trust me, once you serve this dish, it will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cardamom
- Thyme
- Salt
- Seeds of a pomegranate
- Crumbled goat cheese
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make for easy cleanup!
- Prepare the Squash: In a large bowl, generously coat your cubed butternut squash with olive oil or avocado oil. Make sure every piece is well-covered for the best roasting results.
- Season it Up: Sprinkle the squash with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, thyme, and salt. Toss everything together so that the spices evenly coat the squash. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
- Roast Away: Spread the seasoned squash on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown. You can test its doneness by poking it with a fork—if it slides in easily, you’re good to go!
- Add the Pomegranate: Once your squash is perfectly roasted, transfer it to a bowl. Gently fold in three-quarters of the fresh pomegranate seeds, distributing them evenly throughout the dish.
- Top with Goat Cheese: Finish this gorgeous dish by adding crumbled goat cheese on top. And don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining pomegranate seeds for that extra burst of flavor and color!
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve this delectable dish warm and watch as your family digs in. The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Final Thoughts
This roasted butternut squash with pomegranate and goat cheese is a delightful dish that celebrates the flavors of fall. It’s perfect as a side dish for your holiday meals or a healthy, delicious addition to your weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and is vegetarian-friendly!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get roasting! Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you. Enjoy!
What Can I Make With This Butternut Squash Dish?
- Green Bean Casserole
- Juicy Slow Smoked Turkey
- Mashed Potatoes
- Butternut Squash Kale Salad Maple Cider Dressing
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Butternut Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- seeds of 1 pomegranate
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Next, generously coat 1 butternut squash with either 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, ensuring they are well covered.
- Sprinkle the butternut squash with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon thyme and ½ teaspoon salt. Give the squash cubes a good toss to coat everythiing well.
- Place your seasoned butternut squash in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash reaches the desired tenderness.
- Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a bowl, and then gently add 3/4 of the fresh pomegranate seeds, distributing them evenly throughout the dish.
- Finish by adding ½ cup crumbled goat cheese, and don't forget to top the dish with the remaining pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of flavor and a visual delight.
- Serve this delectable dish while it’s still warm to fully savor the blend of flavors and textures. Your family will love this butternut squash recipe with pomegranate and goat cheese.
Nutrition
Know your ingredients
Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash is rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune health, and serves as a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. It is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a weight-conscious choice.
Healthy Oil
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats that may reduce the risk of heart disease. These oils contain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, that combat oxidative stress and support better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, adding natural sweetness without the need for excess sugar.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains essential oils with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It may aid digestion and soothe gastrointestinal discomfort, adding a warm, comforting flavor without excessive sodium.
Cardamom
Cardamom promotes healthy digestion and may alleviate digestive issues. It contains antioxidants that contribute to overall health and aids in detoxification with potential anti-inflammatory effects.
Thyme
Thyme is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and vitamin K. It contains compounds that may boost immunity and have antibacterial properties, contributing to the overall flavor profile without added sodium.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate Seeds are high in antioxidants that help protect against chronic diseases. They may reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure, serving as a good source of vitamin C for promoting skin health and immune function.
Goat Cheese
Goat Cheese is lower in calories and fat compared to some other cheeses. It contains healthy fats, is a source of protein and calcium, and offers a rich and satisfying flavor with portion control in mind. These ingredients collectively not only make your recipe delicious but also contribute to a balanced and nutritious meal, potentially benefiting your overall health.