Sweet & Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
This Sweet & Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese & Walnuts is the perfect blend of flavors, with a touch of cinnamon to add warmth and depth. Tender chunks of butternut squash are roasted to caramelized perfection with a drizzle of honey, then topped with creamy goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 cups butternut squash peeled & cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- salt & pepper to taste
- fresh thyme to taste
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 2-4 tablespoon crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Squash
- Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes on a prepared baking sheet.
Make the Honey Mixture
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Coat the Squash
- Drizzle half of the honey mixture over the squash cubes and toss to ensure even coating. Gradually add more of the mixture as needed until the squash is fully coated. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.
Roast the Squash
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Toss the cubes halfway through the baking time to ensure even roasting.
Adjust Seasoning & Serve
- Remove the squash from the oven and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Allow the squash to cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to a serving bowl. Top with crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version. Both provide a similar level of sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative like a plant-based feta-style cheese for a similar tangy flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: If allergic to nuts, omit walnuts entirely or replace them with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch without the allergens.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of honey and cinnamon to taste. If you prefer a less sweet dish, use a lighter hand with the honey. Similarly, add a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and bring out more depth.
- Nutritional Information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific ingredients and amounts used.
Nutrition
Calories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 26.5gProtein: 2.9gFat: 10.4gSaturated Fat: 1.9gCholesterol: 5mgFiber: 3.3gSugar: 12.1g
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