Description
This Simple Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Bruschetta is a delightful appetizer featuring roasted butternut squash topped with creamy goat cheese on toasted baguette slices. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors makes it an elegant yet easy-to-make starter for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups Butternut Squash, peeled and diced
- handful Fresh Herbs (optional, such as parsley or basil)
Dairy
- 4 ounces Goat Cheese (fresh, soft)
Bakery
- 1 medium Baguette or Ciabatta Bread, sliced ½-inch thick
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the butternut squash and toasting the bread.
- Prepare Butternut Squash: Peel and dice the butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even roasting and place them into a mixing bowl.
- Season Squash: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the diced squash and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Roast Squash: Spread the seasoned squash evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash becomes tender and develops a golden brown color.
- Slice Bread: While the squash roasts, slice the baguette or ciabatta into ½-inch thick pieces and arrange them on a separate baking sheet.
- Prepare Bread: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the bread slices. Optionally, rub each slice with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor.
- Toast Bread: Place the bread in the oven and toast for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Mash Goat Cheese: In a small bowl, slightly mash the goat cheese to make it easier to spread on the bread.
- Assemble Bruschetta: Spread a generous layer of the mashed goat cheese onto each slice of toasted bread.
- Add Roasted Squash: Top each goat cheese-covered slice with a spoonful of the warm roasted butternut squash.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- Choose firm and heavy butternut squash to ensure ripeness and sweetness.
- Use fresh, soft goat cheese for a creamy texture that spreads easily.
- Optionally rub bread slices with garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten the dish and add a fresh aroma.
- This bruschetta is best served warm for optimal taste and texture.
