Description
This delightful appetizer features warm roasted butternut squash atop crusty baguette slices, complemented by a lemon-infused ricotta spread and crispy sage leaves.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 (2 lb) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (approximately 4 cups)
- 3 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
- 1 1/2 tsp packed light brown sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested
- 8-10 fresh sage leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Arrange the squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven, tossing occasionally, for 25-30 minutes or until tender and lightly caramelized. For best results, use the squash immediately while warm.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the ricotta spread by combining the ricotta cheese and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and fry until crisp, about 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towels. Alternatively, chop the sage leaves and sprinkle them fresh over the crostini.
- To assemble the crostini, lightly drizzle the baguette slices with olive oil and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Spread a generous amount of the lemony ricotta on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a spoonful of the warm roasted squash and garnish with either the fried sage leaves or chopped fresh sage. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a warm topping, use the roasted squash immediately after cooking. Consider substituting goat cheese for ricotta for a tangier flavor. Chopping the sage instead of frying can make the crostini easier to eat. This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 10