Maple Acorn Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese

This Maple Acorn Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese is a sweet and savory side dish that's perfect for Fall. The acorn squash is roasted with pure maple syrup then topped with pomegranate seeds and crumbled goat cheese for serving.

Ingredients

Here are some ingredient notes for this roasted acorn squash with pomegranate:

• Acorn Squash: Half the acorn squash, scoop out the seeds, then cut it into ½" thick slices.
• Olive Oil: To drizzle over the squash for roasting.
• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup to sweeten the acorn squash while roasting, plus more for drizzling over the squash before serving.
• Sea Salt and Pepper: The only seasoning you need in this dish.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Pomegranates are in season during the fall, so now is the best time to find them. They're filled with antioxidants and flavonoids, which have amazing health benefits. Sprinkle these arils on top for that tart but sweet flavor. They also give this dish a little bit of crunch. I find it easiest to buy pomegranate already pre-seeded like these from POM Wonderful.
• Goat Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese to round out this dish with it's mild flavor and creamy texture.

Step-By-Step Instructions

With only a handful of ingredients, this acorn squash side dish is very easy to make.

• Preheat the oven. Start by preheating the oven to 400°. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roast the squash. In a large bowl, toss the acorn squash slices with a drizzle of olive oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Spread the squash evenly on the baking sheet so they aren't overlapping. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until squash is tender. Bake a few extra minutes if you want it to get a little crispy on the edges.
• Assemble. Once the squash is roasted, drizzle a little more maple syrup over the squash (optional) then place on a serving plate. Top with pomegranate seeds and crumbled goat cheese.
• Serve. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few suggestions on how to serve Maple Acorn Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese:

• Serve as a side. This makes a great side to so many dishes, including roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even grilled steak.
• Make it into an acorn squash salad. Serve over a bed of massaged kale or your favorite greens for the perfect fall salad. For additional dressing, you can use an apple cider vinaigrette like the one from these Sweet Potato and Kale Quinoa Bowls.
• Bring it to a fall potluck. This time of year everyone loves to gather around good food. Make this for your next dinner party or potluck.
• Serve it as the perfect Thanksgiving side. Squash is one of the top Thanksgiving side dishes. This one is sure to impress!
• Enjoy it as the best Christmas side dish. Finally, the best for last! With the beautiful red color from the pomegranate arils, this Roasted Maple Acorn Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese makes a beautiful holiday side dish.

Variations

Though this roasted acorn squash side is great as-is, here are a few possible variations.

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Top with pepitas.
• Use dried cranberries instead of pomegranate seeds.
• Swap out the goat cheese for feta or cotija.
• Leave out the cheese to make this Vegan.
• Top with your favorite herbs, like parsley, sage, thyme, or rosemary.

More Fall Recipes

• Sweet Potato and Kale Quinoa Bowls
• Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
• Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Dried Cranberries
• Apple Crisp

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