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Spiced Butternut Squash and Pepita Crostini
VegetarianIntermediate20 min

Spiced Butternut Squash and Pepita Crostini

This vibrant crostini celebrates the flavors of the harvest with a creamy, subtly sweet butternut squash puree seasoned with a hint of chipotle. Topped with crunchy, toasted pepitas and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, it offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and salty notes. It's an elegant appetizer perfect for an autumnal gathering or a themed celebration.

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Ingredients

  • 1 small baguette, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 small butternut squash (about 1.5 lbs), peeled, seeded, and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Prep Steps

  1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and toast for 8-10 minutes minutes, or until golden and crisp. Set aside.
  2. 2In a medium bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. 3Roast the butternut squash for 20-25 minutes minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
  4. 4While the squash is roasting, spread the pepitas on a separate small baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  5. 5In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with 1 tablespoon of honey.
  6. 6To assemble the crostini, spread a generous amount of the honey-goat cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
  7. 7Top with a spoonful of the roasted spiced butternut squash.
  8. 8Garnish with toasted pepitas and fresh thyme leaves. Drizzle with a little extra honey if desired.

Chef's Tip & Pairing

For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a tiny amount of high-quality honey or agave nectar over the finished crostini just before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry Spanish Albariño or a light-bodied, slightly chilled Beaujolais.

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