Butternut squash crostini
Butternut squash crostini is a delightful appetizer that perfectly captures the warm, cozy essence of the fall season. As the weather cools and leaves begin to change, there's nothing more inviting than savoring a seasonal dish that offers a touch of homey comfort. This crostini boasts a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile choice for family dinners or friendly get-togethers.The star of the dish is the butternut squash, an autumn vegetable cherished for its smooth, buttery taste and rich, orange hue. When roasted, the squash develops a delightful caramelized edge that enhances its natural sweetness, while also giving it a luscious texture. This perfectly complements the crispy, toasted crostini, creating a satisfying blend of textures with every bite.Seasoning the butternut squash with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds a layer of cozy complexity to the dish, reminiscent of comforting fall recipes. Savory elements such as garlic or fresh herbs like sage and thyme infuse the squash with a depth of flavor, balancing its sweetness.The crostini base consists of crusty baguette or artisan bread, lightly toasted to achieve a golden crunch. This sturdy foundation is perfect for holding the toppings and adds a pleasant texture contrast to the dish. Adorning the crostini with a generous layer of creamy ricotta cheese creates a rich, velvety finish that pairs wonderfully with the roasted squash. The ricotta adds a subtle tang and smoothness, elevating the overall flavor profile.For an added touch of elegance, a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze on top of the butternut squash crostini can bring out the squash's sweetness and add a touch of complexity to the dish. The vibrant orange squash and bright white ricotta cheese create a visually stunning appetizer that's sure to impress.Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner party or just want to treat yourself to a comforting snack, butternut squash crostini with creamy ricotta cheese is the perfect choice. Its warm, homey flavors will fill your heart and home with the inviting spirit of the fall season. Give this dish a try, and experience a new seasonal favorite that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 500 g cleaned butternut, cubed
- 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided into 2:2
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 pinches ground nutmeg
- 10 large sage leaves, chopped
- 1 white onion, thinly sliced into half moons
- 2 tsp sugar
- 300 g fresh ricotta cheese homemade or shop-bought
- 12 toasted baguette slices, 1 to 2 cm thick
- 3 Tbsp honey, balsamic glaze or vino cotto (grape juice reduction)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C.
- Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- Mix the cubed butternut, 2 Tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and the chopped sage leaves in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture onto your lined baking sheet and bake fo 30 to 40 minutes or until very soft.
- While the butternut is in the oven, heat the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil in a non-stick pan and add the onion.
- Gently fry the onions over low heat until they become soft and translucend; that might take 15 minutes.
- Then sprinkle the sugar and some salt over the onions and stir while they start to caramelize.
- Take the onions off the heat and let them cool.
- Whipp the ricotta until light and airy, just 1 to 2 minutes.
- Once the butternut is soft, you can lightly crush the butternut with a fork.
- Assemble the crostini just before you want to serve them.
- Take a slice of toasted baguette, spread some homemade ricotta (or shop-bought) on top, followed by the butternut and some caramelized onion ribbons.
- Drizzle some honey, balsamic glaze or vino cotto on top and serve.
Notes
You can prepare all the cooked elements a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just let them come to room temperature before you assemble and serve the crostini.