If you’re craving a snack that bursts with autumnal flavors and textures, this Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe is absolutely the answer. It’s a delightful combination of sweet roasted butternut squash, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese perched atop crispy, golden crostini. Each bite sings with freshness and richness, making it perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this crostini recipe, it will fast become one of your go-to appetizers for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing the balance of flavors and textures in the Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe. Each item plays an important role in creating that harmony between crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp the bread for that perfect crunch.
- Sourdough baguette: Provides a sturdy, crispy base with a slightly tangy flavor to support the toppings.
- Goat cheese: Soft and tangy, it creates a creamy layer that balances the sweetness of the squash and cranberries.
- Shallot: Offers a mild, sweet onion flavor that deepens the topping’s complexity.
- Butternut squash: Roasted until tender and sweet, it’s the star ingredient that brings warmth and body.
- Garlic: Infuses subtle savory notes that elevate the entire crostini topping.
- Dried cranberries: Add a bright pop of tartness and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth goat cheese.
- Fresh thyme: Brings an earthy herbal aroma and flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.
How to Make Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crostini Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, slice your sourdough baguette into thin pieces, roughly a quarter of an inch thick. If the bread has lost its freshness, a quick zap wrapped in a damp towel will soften it just enough. Next, brush each side of the bread slices generously with olive oil and sprinkle on salt and pepper. This step is crucial because it creates that irresistible golden crisp on the crostini once baked.
Step 2: Bake the Crostini
Place your prepared baguette slices on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. After about five minutes, flip every piece to ensure even crispiness and bake for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for a firm, crunchy texture rather than browning, so keep an eye on them. Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly – these will be the sturdy platform for your toppings.
Step 3: Cook the Butternut Squash Mixture
Grab a large skillet and heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced shallots and sauté for a couple of minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. Then add your cubed butternut squash. Let this cook for about four minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Lower the heat to medium, introduce garlic and most of your minced thyme, and continue cooking. This slow sauté approach helps the squash become tender and sweet without burning.
Step 4: Add Cranberries and Season
Once the squash starts softening, stir in the chopped dried cranberries and season everything with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another several minutes until the squash is fork-tender and the cranberries have softened a bit, releasing their tangy brightness into the mixture. This finishing step layers wonderful depth and texture to the topping of your crostini.
Step 5: Assemble the Crostini
Take each crispy baguette slice and spread a generous layer of softened goat cheese on top. Then spoon on the warm butternut squash and cranberry mixture. Gently press down the topping so it sticks nicely to the cheese. Finish by sprinkling the remaining fresh thyme over the assembled crostini. And just like that, your delicious Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe is ready to impress.
How to Serve Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra fresh thyme or even some toasted pumpkin seeds on top for an added crunch and a burst of nutty flavor. A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze can also elevate the crostini with a touch of sweetness and acidity, balancing all the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This crostini pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of warm butternut squash soup for a comforting autumn meal. It also works as a lovely appetizer alongside charcuterie boards filled with assorted meats, nuts, and fruits.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve these crostini on a wooden board decorated with sprigs of thyme and cranberries scattered around. You can also use mini baguette slices to make bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties or elegant gatherings. Experiment with layering the toppings on crostini made with flavored breads such as rosemary or walnut to add an extra flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crostini components separately in airtight containers. The squash mixture will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge while the crostini is best stored at room temperature in a sealed bag to maintain crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the butternut squash and cranberry mixture for up to two months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use. However, freezing the crostini isn’t recommended as it will lose its crunch and become soggy upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the squash mixture gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. For the crostini, to regain their crispness, toast them lightly in the oven for a couple of minutes before assembling again with goat cheese and the squash topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much tarter and juicier, so they may alter the texture and taste by making the topping more moist. If using fresh, consider cooking them longer to reduce excess moisture, or opt for dried cranberries for consistent sweetness and chew.
What if I don’t have goat cheese? Can I substitute it?
Goat cheese gives this recipe its creamy tang, but if you prefer, you can substitute with cream cheese, ricotta, or even feta. Each will change the flavor slightly but keep the creamy element that balances the squash and cranberries.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Since goat cheese is a dairy product, this recipe is not vegan as written. You could try vegan cream cheese alternatives, but the flavor and texture will differ. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based.
How do I pick the best butternut squash?
Choose a squash that feels heavy for its size with a firm, unblemished skin. The deeper the orange color, the sweeter and more flavorful the flesh inside.
Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Absolutely! The butternut squash and cranberry mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This makes assembling the crostini quick and easy, especially when entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe is a delightful celebration of seasonal flavors that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for any crowd. The balance between creamy, sweet, tart, and crispy will keep you coming back for more. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite appetizer for cozy nights and festive gatherings alike!
Print
Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful appetizer featuring crispy sourdough crostini topped with a savory blend of sautéed butternut squash, cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, perfect for fall gatherings or light snacks.
Ingredients
Crostini
- 2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 12-inch sourdough baguette, thinly sliced (1/4” pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 3 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 1/2 cups butternut squash, 3/4 inch cubes, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 2 1/2 tablespoons thyme, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the sourdough baguette into thin 1/4-inch pieces. If the baguette is a bit stale, soften it by wrapping in a damp tea towel and microwaving for 5-15 seconds.
- Brush and Season Crostini: Using a pastry brush, coat both sides of each baguette slice with 2 1/2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper evenly.
- Bake Crostini: Place the coated baguette slices on a baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 5 minutes, then flip each slice and bake for another 3-4 minutes. The crostini should become crisp but may not brown significantly. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Butternut Squash: Add the diced butternut squash to the skillet and continue sautéing for 4 minutes on medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of minced thyme, stirring to combine.
- Simmer Mixture: Cook the squash mixture for another 5 minutes. Add the chopped dried cranberries and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for 4 to 10 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender. Cook longer if the squash pieces are larger.
- Assemble Crostini: Spread a generous layer of softened goat cheese on each crostini slice. Top with a spoonful or two of the warm butternut squash and cranberry mixture. Gently press the topping into the goat cheese to make it stick. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining minced thyme and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a damp towel and microwave to soften stale baguette slices to ensure easier slicing and better texture.
- Adjust the size of butternut squash cubes to control cooking time; smaller cubes cook faster.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze before serving.
- These crostini are best served fresh but can be prepared up to the cooking of the topping ahead of time and assembled when ready to serve.
