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Balsamic Roasted Squash with Cranberries

Name: Balsamic Roasted Squash with Cranberries
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: olive oil; 4 pounds orange squash; ½ pound carrots, (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces); 2 cups yellow onion, (cut into a very large dice); 1½ cups fresh cranberries; 12 small to medium sized garlic cloves, (peeled and smashed with root ends trimmed); 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, (washed and dried, finely chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh sage, (washed and dried, finely chopped ); ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, (cut into small pieces); salt and freshly ground black pepper

Oct 24, 2017 · by Valentina · 37 Comments

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Balsamic Roasted Squash with Cranberries is a great Thanksgiving side dish, that’s lovely for the whole fall and holiday season! It’s full of beautiful, sweet and savory, fall and winter flavors.

I think I might have actually closed my eyes after the first bite went in my mouth.

It’s SO good!

That was my first thought when I tasted this delicious recipe.

An Ideal Fall Side Dish

This dish is like fall on a sheet pan!

It's seasonal first because of the warm colors, second because of the earthy flavors, and third because of the soft textures. This is a very warm and comforting recipe.

And therefore, it's perfect for Thanksgiving.

Balsamic Roasted Squash with Cranberries began when I bought a lot of extra produce for a job I did last week that involved all kinds of fall and winter squash.

In fact as I was working, seeing what was getting used, and what wasn’t, I was already cooking up this new recipe in my mind.

What's in this reicpe?

orange squash (Acorn, Kabocha, Delicate, Butternut or Pumpkin -- or any combination thereof)
carrots
onion
garlic
fresh cranberries
fresh sage
fresh rosemary
balsamic vinegar
orange juice
unsalted butter

Are you hungry yet?

I served this with rice and roasted chicken and my whole family loved it.

And I’m definitely going to make it for Thanksgiving this year. Just imagine a bite of this mixed with Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey on your fork! Thanksgiving sides with squash are always a hit!

Can you use Other Winter Squash?

You can use pretty much use any fall or winter squash you want.
I used Kabocha and Acorn, but Butternut, Pumpkin and Delicate would also be fantastic.
If you have one favorite you can use just one -- though, while they are all similar in flavor and texture, the differences are enough that using a few different varieties makes for a more interesting dish.

If Acorn squash is a favorite of yours, Pecan-Crusted Acorn Squash with Crispy Sage Leaves also screams Thanksgiving.

It's Easy!

Cutting the squash will take a little bit of time, though it’s a really easy recipe to put together.
If you’re making it for a holiday gathering (or dinner any time), it can be made a day ahead. (Just heat it in a 375°F oven before serving.)

Enjoy this wonderfully delicious Balsamic Roasted Squash with Cranberries.