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- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 1 large apple (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 cup goat cheese or cream cheese - 1 French baguette, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices - Fresh thyme or parsley, finely chopped, for garnish Choosing fresh produce is key. Look for a butternut squash that feels heavy and has smooth skin. For apples, pick ones that are firm and bright. If you want to mix things up, try using a different type of cheese, like feta or ricotta. You can also add nuts for crunch! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for roasting. 2. In a large bowl, mix the diced butternut squash with: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Toss well until all the squash cubes are coated. 3. Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet. Keep it in a single layer. This helps it roast evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through. The squash should be tender and slightly caramelized. Once done, take it out and let it cool. 1. In a separate bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash with: - 1 large apple, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped Mix well and taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. 2. While the squash cools, arrange slices of the French baguette on another baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps it get crispy. 3. Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. They should be golden brown and crisp. 4. Once toasted, take the baguette slices out. Spread goat cheese or cream cheese on each slice. The heat will help the cheese soften. 5. Top each cheese-covered slice with a spoonful of the butternut squash and apple mix. Aim for a nice balance of flavors. 6. Finally, garnish each bruschetta with fresh thyme or parsley. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your Butternut Squash Apple Bruschetta! It's a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. - How to achieve the best texture for butternut squash: For the best texture, cut your butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Roast it at 400°F until tender and lightly caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. - Cheese recommendations for flavor variations: Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor, while cream cheese offers a creamy texture. You can also try ricotta for a lighter taste or feta for a salty kick. Each cheese brings a unique flavor to the bruschetta. - Avoiding common mistakes while making bruschetta: Don't skip the olive oil on the baguette slices. It helps them toast nicely. Watch the baguette closely while toasting to prevent burning. Also, taste the butternut squash mixture before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. - How to serve and present bruschetta: Arrange your bruschetta on a large serving platter. For a nice touch, drizzle balsamic glaze over them. This adds sweetness and makes the dish look stunning. Serve them warm or at room temperature. - Pairing drinks or sides with the dish: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well with this dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon. A simple salad can also complement the bruschetta nicely. - Utilizing leftovers creatively: If you have leftover butternut squash mixture, try using it in a salad or as a topping for baked potatoes. You can also mix it into pasta for a quick meal. The flavors stay great for a few days in the fridge. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apple: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the butternut squash. Perfectly Toasted Bread: Keep a close eye on the baguette slices while toasting to achieve a perfect golden brown without burning. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses, such as feta or ricotta, for varied flavors and textures. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley not only add color but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the bruschetta. {{image_4}} You can swap out the cheese for different flavors. Try feta for a salty kick. Cream cheese adds a rich texture. For a sharper taste, use blue cheese. You can also change the bread type. Use sourdough for a tangy base. Ciabatta offers a nice crust. Even gluten-free bread works well for those with dietary needs. Consider seasonal ingredients too. In fall, add roasted pumpkin for a richer taste. In spring, swap apples for fresh pears. Each change brings a new twist to the dish. Want to add some heat? Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. You can also use smoked paprika for a warm flavor. These spices enhance the dish without overpowering it. Herbs make your bruschetta pop. Fresh basil adds a sweet touch. Rosemary gives it an earthy flavor. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite blend. For crunch, incorporate nuts or seeds. Toasted walnuts add a rich taste. Pumpkin seeds provide a nice crunch and healthy fats. These additions make your bruschetta even more satisfying. To store leftover bruschetta, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Make sure to separate the toppings from the bread. The bread will get soggy if left in the mix. Leftover bruschetta lasts about three days in the fridge. For the best taste, enjoy it within two days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding the toppings until you're ready to eat. Keep the bruschetta bread and toppings separate. This way, you can toast the bread again for a crisp texture. You can freeze the butternut squash and apple mix. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. If you want to freeze the bread, slice it and wrap each piece in plastic. Then, place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, toast the frozen bread directly in the oven. For the squash mix, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm it in a pan on low heat for the best quality. Butternut squash apple bruschetta lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Ensure the bread stays crispy by keeping it separate. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Roast the squash and prepare the topping. Keep the bread separate until you are ready to serve. If you don't have goat cheese, cream cheese works well. You can also try ricotta or feta for a different taste. This bruschetta is not vegan due to the cheese. However, you can use a vegan cheese alternative to make it suitable for vegan diets. Yes, you can use canned or frozen butternut squash. Just make sure to drain canned squash well and adjust cooking times for frozen squash to ensure it heats through. In this post, we covered how to make delicious butternut squash apple bruschetta. We discussed key ingredients and tips for selecting fresh produce. The step-by-step instructions guided you through preparation, assembly, and baking. You learned cooking tips and serving suggestions for the best taste. Finally, we explored variations, storage, and common questions. Now, you’re ready to make this dish your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and impressing your guests!

Butternut Squash Apple Bruschetta

A delightful blend of roasted butternut squash and apple on toasted baguette slices, topped with creamy cheese and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large apple (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • to taste Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup goat cheese or cream cheese (for a creamier mouthfeel)
  • 1 French baguette cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
  • for garnish Fresh thyme or parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced butternut squash, olive oil, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss until all the squash cubes are evenly coated in the mixture.
  • Transfer the seasoned butternut squash to a baking sheet, spreading it out in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and beginning to caramelize, stirring halfway through. Once finished, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash with the diced apple and chopped red onion. Mix well and taste, adding additional seasoning if necessary.
  • While the squash cools, arrange the slices of French baguette on another baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil to enhance flavor and promote crispness.
  • Place the baking sheet of baguette slices in the preheated oven and toast for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, watching closely to avoid burning.
  • Once toasted, remove the baguette slices from the oven. Spread a generous layer of goat cheese or cream cheese on each slice, allowing the cheese to soften slightly from the heat of the bread.
  • Top each cheese-coated slice with a spoonful of the butternut squash and apple mixture, ensuring a good balance of flavors.
  • Finish by garnishing each bruschetta with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley, adding a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For an elegant display, arrange the bruschetta on a large serving platter. Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the top for added sweetness and visual appeal. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
Keyword appetizer, apple, bruschetta, butternut squash, fall