PARTNER POST: Get ready to feed a holiday crowd with appetizer recipes paired perfectly with food-friendly Cavit wines.
A little sweet and a little savory, these festive crostini are topped with creamy ricotta, red wine caramelized onions and roasted squash before being finished off with a drizzle of honey. Serve this warm bite with a red wine for holiday hosting success.
‘Tis the season for festive gatherings in warm homes and bite-sized appetizers paired with a glass of red wine. These elegant butternut squash crostini are topped with creamy ricotta, red wine caramelized onions, roasted butternut squash and a drizzle of honey. 
We are just a little (okay, a lot) enamored with these sweet and savory crostini. With just a few seasonal ingredients that can be made ahead, they are perfect for serving to family and friends. And here in the Smith household we’ve discovered that they are also perfect for a Tuesday lunch, Sunday afternoon football snack, or super fast dinner.
As I write these words, our first snow of the year is coming down in thick, blustery flakes. The house is warm, the world outside is covered in white. It feels like the holiday season has fully set in.
This time of year, we’re always looking for ways to entertain that are fun, easy and help us to slow down and breath in every joyous minute of the season.
This is the kind of appetizer that accomplishes all of those things. The kitchen smells amazing with the aroma of roasting squash and caramelized onions simmering in red wine. And while everything cooks, you get to reward your slow food efforts with a glass of that very same red.
To make everything ahead and serve this crostini for a crowd, store the roasted squash and caramelized onions in the fridge for up to a week. About 20 minutes before serving, slice a baguette and brush it with olive oil. Toast and top with ricotta, onions, squash and honey. Slice and serve!
We paired these butternut squash crostini with the bold, smooth and fruit-forward Cavit Select Red Blend.
For another easy holiday appetizer, try these lamb bites. Recipe here.
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- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostini 1x
Description
These festive crostini feature creamy ricotta, red wine caramelized onions, and roasted butternut squash, finished with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory holiday appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 medium Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup Red Wine
- 1 medium Butternut Squash, cubed
- 4 leaves Fresh Sage, chopped
- 1 Baguette, sliced
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- Honey, for drizzling
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Place cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the squash is roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low-medium, add butter, and continue to cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the wine has reduced and the onions are richly colored and flavorful.
- Remove the onions from heat and set aside.
- About 10 minutes before the squash is done, slice the baguette and brush each slice with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- To assemble the crostini, spread a generous amount of ricotta cheese on each toasted baguette slice.
- Top with a spoonful of the red wine caramelized onions and a few pieces of roasted butternut squash.
- Drizzle with honey and garnish with chopped fresh sage.
- Serve immediately, paired with a glass of red wine.
Notes
You can make the roasted squash and caramelized onions up to a week in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the crostini just before serving. Pair with a bold red wine for the best flavor experience. This recipe is versatile enough for a casual lunch or a festive holiday gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I properly caramelize the onions for this recipe?
Cook the sliced onions slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown, which may take 20-30 minutes. Adding red wine during the last few minutes of cooking helps to enhance the flavor.
What type of ricotta should I use for the crostini?
Use fresh, whole-milk ricotta for a creamy texture that complements the sweet and savory elements of the caramelized onions and roasted butternut squash.
Can I substitute the butternut squash with another vegetable?
Yes, you can substitute the butternut squash with roasted sweet potatoes or even caramelized mushrooms for a different flavor profile, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
