Description
Sweet roasted delicata squash rings paired with whipped goat cheese, pomegranate arils, and honey-glazed pistachios for a savory-sweet, festive dish perfect for appetizers or sides.
Ingredients
- 2 medium delicata squash, sliced into 1/2 inch rings and seeded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 oz goat cheese, room temperature
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup pomegranate arils
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Extra fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the delicata squash rings with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Arrange the squash rings in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown.
- While squash roasts, prepare the whipped goat cheese by blending goat cheese, Greek yogurt, heavy cream, and thyme until smooth and airy. Set aside.
- To make honey-glazed pistachios, heat a small skillet over medium. Add pistachios, honey, and cayenne. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until bubbling and coated. Transfer to parchment to cool.
- Arrange roasted squash rings on a platter. Spoon or pipe whipped goat cheese into the center of each ring or across the base.
- Top with pomegranate arils and cooled honey-glazed pistachios.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with thyme and flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- No need to peel delicata squash—its skin is edible and softens when roasted.
- Store leftovers separately and assemble before serving to maintain texture.
- Add orange zest to goat cheese for citrusy brightness.
- Substitute goat cheese with ricotta or labneh for a different flavor profile.
- Double the recipe easily for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
