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Caramelized Butternut Squash with Gorgonzola and Cranberry-Balsamic Glaze | 5-Star Holiday Side


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  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sweet caramelized butternut squash meets tangy Gorgonzola and a glossy cranberry-balsamic glaze in this show-stopping side dish. It’s cozy, colorful, and surprisingly easy—perfect for holiday dinners or a weeknight treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 900 g), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 mL)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (15 mL)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (3 g)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (60 g)
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (60 mL)
  • 100 g Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts (20 g), optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.

  • Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the squash is caramelized and fork-tender.

  • While squash roasts, simmer balsamic vinegar and dried cranberries in a small saucepan for 5–7 minutes until reduced to a syrupy glaze.

  • Transfer roasted squash to a serving platter. Drizzle with the cranberry-balsamic glaze, sprinkle with Gorgonzola, and top with walnuts if desired.

 

  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, swap Gorgonzola with goat cheese or feta.

  • Maple syrup gives a deeper, earthy sweetness, while honey is lighter and floral—both work beautifully.

  • Add a sprinkle of rosemary, thyme, or sage before roasting for extra flavor.

 

  • Best enjoyed warm, but can also be served at room temperature for potlucks or buffets.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American, Holiday-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (¼ of recipe)
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg