Dips are typically one of kids’ favorite food groups and this Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Dip will surely become a new family favorite. It has a creamy texture, rich flavor, and the delightful combination of sweet squash and tangy goat cheese makes for a nourished and happy belly.
It’s no secret that many families struggle to incorporate enough vegetables into their diets. Parents worry their kids will grow up not to love them, if they aren’t consuming enough of them now. What I can tell you as a dietitian who helps families, is to stress less about the amount they consume and focus on offering them as often as you can.
What You’ll Need:
- Butternut squash: If you prefer you can substitute this for acorn or delicata squash as well. I’ve also tried it once with sweet potatoes and that was quite good!
- Goat cheese
- Salt
- Paprika: Try smoked paprika for an extra yummy flavor.
- Optional: Pomegranate seeds and shelled pistachios get stirred into this dip for color, taste, and texture. If these aren’t for you, leave them out.
Kid-Approved: Making Veggies Irresistible
Like I said above, kids (mine especially) love veggies when they’re served in a variety of ways with zero pressure to eat them. I do not force them to take bites or try anything. I serve a small amount and if they eat it and ask for more, wonderful. If they don’t, we serve it again and again!
What to serve with Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Dip
There’s a lot of great options out there and you could certainly eat this with a spoon if you wanted. Here are some ideas for food pairings:
- Whole grain crackers
- Pita chips (regular, low-salt, or cinnamon sugar)
- Graham crackers
- Carrots, cucumber sticks,
- Apple or pear slices
- Or consider cutting a variety of fruit like “fries” for more novelty
- Toast
- Tortilla chips
- Lightly cooked or raw broccoli and cauliflower
As you can see, there are a lot of options. My suggestion would be to add a small amount of this dip to a bowl and place that on a baking sheet. Surround the bowl in dipping options and let your kids go to town!
Storage Suggestions
To maintain the freshness and flavor of this dip, here are some storage suggestions:
- Refrigeration: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume within 5 days to ensure optimal taste and quality.
- Freezing: While some dips can be frozen, if you freeze this one, the texture may change upon thawing because of the dairy content. If you do decide to freeze it, transfer the dip to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Stir Before Serving: Before serving leftovers, give the dip a good stir to redistribute any separated ingredients and ensure a consistent texture and flavor throughout.
Ingredients
- 1 lb butternut squash
- 5 oz goat cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika for extra good flavor)
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup pistachios (shell removed)
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 425. Cut your squash in half and scoop out the seeds*
- Line a baking sheet with foil and turn your squash face down, bake for 50-55 minutes
- Once squash is cool enough to touch, scoop it out, place in bowl and mix in the goat cheese, salt, and paprika
- Take about half of your pomegranates & pistachios and mix them into the tip. Use the remainder for the top. Serve warm or cold!
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