Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Crispy Beef Bacon
These golden roasted butternut squash rounds bring together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. Tender, caramelized squash is topped with creamy goat cheese, crispy beef bacon, and a delicate drizzle of honey. This beautiful oven-baked dish makes an irresistible appetizer or elegant side dish for any occasion.
Categories: SNACKS
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, cut into 5 thick rounds (about 3/4 inch thick)
- 5 oz (140 g) goat cheese log, sliced into rounds
- 4 oz (115 g) beef bacon, cut into small, thin strips
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
Cooking Instructions
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01
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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02
Wash the butternut squash thoroughly and place it on a sturdy cutting board. Trim the ends and carefully slice the squash crosswise into 5 thick rounds, approximately 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick. Choose slices from the solid neck section when possible, and remove any seeds if necessary.
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03
Arrange the 5 butternut squash rounds on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Sprinkle the salt and dried mixed herbs evenly over the surface of each round.
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04
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the squash rounds. Using clean fingertips or a pastry brush, gently spread the oil and seasonings across the surface of each slice to ensure even coverage.
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05
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the squash begins to soften around the edges and develops a lightly golden surface. The rounds should be partially tender but still firm enough to support the toppings.
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06
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Arrange the sliced goat cheese evenly over the 5 roasted squash rounds, placing the cheese near the center of each slice.
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07
Distribute the thin strips of beef bacon evenly over the goat cheese. Spread the pieces out rather than piling them together so they can brown and cook thoroughly in the oven.
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08
Drizzle the honey evenly over all 5 portions, allowing a little to flow over the goat cheese, beef bacon, and exposed squash.
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09
Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the butternut squash is completely fork-tender, the goat cheese is warm and lightly golden, and the beef bacon is fully cooked and browned. If the bacon needs additional cooking, continue roasting briefly while monitoring the honey and cheese to prevent burning.
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10
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the roasted squash rounds to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the toppings settle and makes the portions easier to transfer.
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11
Carefully transfer each roasted butternut squash round to a serving plate using a wide spatula. Serve warm while the squash is tender, the goat cheese is creamy, and the beef bacon is crisp. Each portion can be enjoyed with a fork and knife.
Chef notes
Choose a butternut squash with a long, thick neck to obtain 5 evenly sized rounds that roast at the same rate. Keep the squash slices approximately 3/4 inch thick. Thinner slices may become too soft to support the toppings, while thicker slices may require additional roasting. Use a creamy goat cheese log for the best texture. Feta cheese can be substituted, but it will remain firmer and provide a saltier flavor. Cut the beef bacon into thin strips to encourage even browning. If using thick-cut beef bacon, partially cook it in a skillet before adding it to the squash, and always ensure it is fully cooked according to its package instructions. Avoid adding too much honey before the final roasting stage, as excess honey can spread across the baking sheet and burn. For extra sweetness, add a small drizzle immediately before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. Oven reheating helps preserve the texture better than microwaving.
