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Irresistible Butternut Squash Crostini Recipe for Parties

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A crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring roasted butternut squash, creamy ricotta, and fresh herbs on crunchy crostini. Perfect for parties or small gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 French baguette, sliced into thin rounds
  • Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
  • Chili flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the diced squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake the squash for 25-30 minutes, tossing midway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. While the squash is roasting, cut the baguette into thin rounds—about 1/2-inch thick.
  5. Arrange the slices on another baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
  6. In a bowl, whisk the ricotta with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. You can also use a food processor for extra fluffiness.
  7. Spread a generous layer of whipped ricotta on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a few pieces of roasted butternut squash.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor. Drizzle with a little more honey or olive oil if desired.
  9. Serve immediately or keep them covered until ready to serve.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper caramelization of the squash.’, ‘Taste the ricotta and squash before assembling to adjust seasoning.’, ‘Roast the squash and whip the ricotta up to a day ahead for convenience.’, ‘Keep an eye on the bread slices while toasting to avoid burning.’, ‘Experiment with garnishes like fresh sage or parsley for a different flavor profile.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, crostini, appetizer, party food, vegetarian, ricotta, easy recipe