Ingredients and Substitutions

The essentials

Acorn squash: Look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have dark green skin with a bit of orange.
Honey: I love a light clover honey for this, but a darker buckwheat honey adds depth.
Goat cheese: Soft and spreadable is ideal. If you prefer a bolder taste, go for a slightly aged version.
Cranberry sauce or compote: A tangy homemade cranberry sauce works best, but a good store-bought one will do the job.
Olive oil, salt, and pepper: The basics that pull everything together.
Fresh thyme or parsley: For garnish—it makes the dish look restaurant-worthy without any effort.

Easy swaps

Want to switch it up? Here’s how:

Use maple syrup instead of honey if you’re after a deeper caramel note.
Swap feta for goat cheese if you want a saltier, crumbly texture.
Try butternut squash in place of acorn squash if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
Add crunch with walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds for sparkle and a fresh burst of flavor.

That’s the beauty of this dish—it’s forgiving, flexible, and ready to be dressed up or down depending on what you’ve got in the kitchen.

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

This is the part where most people get nervous: cutting acorn squash. It’s not as scary as it looks—just grab a sharp chef’s knife, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. From there, brush the insides with olive oil and honey, season with salt and pepper, and roast cut-side up. At 400°F (200°C), you’re looking at about 25–30 minutes until it’s tender and caramelized.

Here’s my tip: don’t crowd the baking sheet. Giving the squash space ensures even roasting and that gorgeous golden edge we’re aiming for.

Assembling the dish

Once the squash is roasted and slightly cooled, it’s time for the fun part. Dollop a generous spoonful of creamy goat cheese right into the center of each half—it’ll soften and spread as the squash stays warm. Then drizzle with cranberry sauce. Don’t worry about being too precise—the rustic look is part of the charm. Finally, sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley.

At this point, you’ve got a dish that’s Instagram-worthy but also incredibly satisfying. Serve it warm, and just wait for the compliments.

Tips, Storage, and Nutritional Benefits

Tips for success

Don’t skip the oil and honey brush—it’s what helps the squash caramelize beautifully.
If the goat cheese feels too strong for your taste, mix it with a little cream cheese to soften the flavor.
Hosting a big dinner? Roast the squash ahead of time, then warm it before adding cheese and cranberry drizzle.