Culinary

Elevated Thanksgiving Side Dish: Roasted Butternut Squash & Beet Platter with Goat Cheese

November 18, 2024

Roasted Butternut Squash & Beet Platter

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Elevate your Thanksgiving table with this easy and elegant Roasted Butternut Squash and Beet Platter. Perfect as a vegetarian side dish or a holiday appetizer for Friendsgiving!

Are you ready to impress your guests this Thanksgiving? 🍂✨ Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive Friendsgiving, this Roasted Butternut Squash & Beet Platter with creamy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios is the perfect dish to add to your holiday menu. It’s easy to make, vegetarian-friendly, and beautifully vibrant—ideal for making your holiday table look extra special!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for Entertaining: This platter is not only delicious but also visually stunning. It’s a great way to elevate your Thanksgiving side dishes with minimal effort.
  • Quick & Easy: With simple, pre-cooked ingredients like beets and ready-to-use goat cheese, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes.
  • Healthy & Flavorful: Packed with seasonal veggies, fresh lemon, and herbs, this dish is both nutritious and full of flavor.

Roasted Butternut Squash & Beet Platter with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

Discover this easy, elegant Thanksgiving side dish: a Roasted Butternut Squash and Beet Platter with creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and vibrant endive. Perfect for Friendsgiving, family gatherings, or an impressive holiday spread.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword: Easy, easy Thanksgiving platter, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving side dish, vegetarian, vegetarian holiday recipe
Servings: 4 people
Author: Erica Dawn

Ingredients

  • 1/2 log of softened goat cheese I use Costco’s goat cheese
  • 1/2 butternut squash cubed
  • 2 pre-cooked beets cubed
  • 1 handful of pistachios chopped
  • 3 heads of endive lettuce sliced finely
  • 3 tbsp olive oil preferably rich Greek olive oil
  • 1 whole lemon juiced
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Balsamic glaze for drizzle

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

  • Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) on convection mode for faster cooking.

Prepare the Butternut Squash:

  • Cube the butternut squash and place it on a lined baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to taste.
  • Roast for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Season the Beets:

  • Cube the pre-cooked beets and place them in a bowl.
  • Dress with 1 tbsp olive oil, juice from half a lemon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Prepare the Endive:

  • Trim the ends off the endive and slice it into thin ringlets.
  • Dress with 1 tbsp olive oil, juice from the remaining half of the lemon, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Platter:

  • Use an offset spatula to schmear the softened goat cheese evenly across your serving platter or charcuterie board.
  • Layer the dressed endive down the center of the platter.
  • Add the roasted butternut squash on top, followed by the cubed beets.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, Friendsgiving, or as part of an antipasti spread.

Notes

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the butternut squash and beets a day in advance. Assemble the platter just before serving for the freshest presentation.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can use whipped feta or ricotta for a milder taste.

Tips for Hosting a Memorable Friendsgiving

  • Serve as a Starter or Side Dish: This versatile platter can be a colorful appetizer or a hearty vegetarian side dish.
  • Pair with a Festive Cocktail: Try it with a Cranberry Sauce Margarita to amplify that holiday flare!
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for extra aroma and holiday flair.

Why This Dish Belongs on Your Thanksgiving Table

This Roasted Butternut Squash & Beet Platter is a delightful way to bring seasonal flavors to your holiday gathering. With the creamy tang of goat cheese, the sweetness of roasted squash, and the earthy beets, every bite is a burst of flavor. Plus, it’s a vegetarian dish that even meat lovers will enjoy!


Get Inspired and Stay Connected!

Love this recipe? 🎉 Head over to Erica Dawn Living for more holiday recipes, table-setting ideas, and entertaining tips. Be sure to follow me on Instagram @ericadawnliving for behind-the-scenes content, easy recipe reels, and style inspiration. Don’t forget to save this post for your holiday planning! 🌟


Pin It for Later

Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Thanksgiving board on Pinterest! 📌

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ABOUT erica

My obsession with creative expression began at an early age...

Growing up outside of NYC, visiting with family in Puerto Rico, and countless hours at loud crowded dinner tables helped me draw an indescribable connection to the beauty that culture, community, and nature give us. Most importantly, it's about how these pieces of inspiration and adoration organically show up in all elements of life, enabling me to feel at home in all senses of the word. With this in mind, I want to help manifest a sense of community and belonging by seamlessly blending the elements of design and authentic living on your plates, across your walls, and in your soul.


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