Butternut Squash Tarts – Easy & Flavorful Recipe

Mini butternut squash tarts are a perfect bite-sized appetizer, ideal for a cozy holiday gathering or any special occasion. These tarts combine the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the rich, savory flavor of caramelized onions and the creamy texture of ricotta cheese. Thanks to the magic of puff pastry, these tarts are easy to make, yet look elegant and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a light dinner, these tarts will add a delicious, colorful touch to your table.

Why These Mini Butternut Squash Tarts Are a Must-Try

What makes mini butternut squash tarts stand out is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy ricotta provides a soft, slightly tangy base, while the caramelized onions bring a deep, sweet-savory richness. Roasted butternut squash cubes add a warm, earthy note, and the puff pastry crust is golden, flaky, and buttery. This vegetarian appetizer is quick to assemble, yet feels festive and indulgent, making it an excellent choice for any holiday meal or cocktail party.

Ingredients for Mini Butternut Squash Tarts

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful mini butternut squash tarts:

• Butternut Squash: Roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, this ingredient brings a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the onions and ricotta.
• Caramelized Onions: Slowly cooked to a deep golden brown, these onions provide a sweet-savory base for the tarts, adding richness to each bite.
• Ricotta Cheese: The creamy texture of ricotta helps bind the filling together while adding a smooth, mildly tangy flavor.
• Puff Pastry: The flaky pastry serves as the perfect base, crisping up to create a light and buttery bite.
• Egg: An egg wash gives the puff pastry a golden sheen when baked, enhancing the presentation.
• Fresh Sage: Adds a fragrant, herbal note that complements the squash and onions beautifully.
• Olive Oil and Butter: These fats help caramelize the onions and roast the squash, ensuring a tender texture and rich flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to the caramelized onions.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing an ingredient or need a substitute for dietary reasons, here are a few suggestions:

• Butternut Squash: You can swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes or acorn squash for a similar sweetness and texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: For a dairy-free option, substitute the ricotta with cashew cheese or a vegan cream cheese.
• Puff Pastry: If you’re avoiding puff pastry, try using phyllo dough for a lighter, crispier base, or a gluten-free pastry for a gluten-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mini Butternut Squash Tarts

1. Prepare the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 sliced medium onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown. Add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and cook for another minute. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh sage and set aside.
2. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel and dice the butternut squash into ½-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 15-17 minutes until golden brown and tender.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: While the squash and onions are cooking, defrost 2 sheets of puff pastry in the fridge. Once defrosted, roll out the pastry on a floured surface and cut it into 16 equal squares.
4. Assemble the Tarts: Place the puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the edges with an egg wash. Add a teaspoon of ricotta cheese in the center of each square. Top with a few slices of caramelized onions and about a tablespoon of roasted butternut squash cubes. Gently press the ingredients into the pastry, being careful not to overfill.
5. Chill and Bake: Chill the assembled tarts in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the tarts for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
6. Garnish and Serve: After baking, sprinkle the tarts with a little fresh sage and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mini Butternut Squash Tarts

• Caramelize the onions slowly: For the best flavor, take your time when caramelizing the onions. The slower they cook, the more sweetness they will develop.
• Don’t overfill the tarts: Too much filling can cause the puff pastry to burst open while baking. Stick to a small amount of each ingredient for the perfect balance.
• Use cold puff pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is chilled before baking. This ensures that it puffs up perfectly in the oven.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Mini Butternut Squash Tarts

These mini butternut squash tarts are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a simple salad with arugula, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette. They also pair well with a glass of white wine or a sparkling drink for a more celebratory feel.

Variations:

• Add a spicy twist: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the caramelized onions.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan option: Use dairy-free ricotta and puff pastry to create a fully plant-based version of this recipe.

A Healthy and Elegant Holiday Treat

Mini butternut squash tarts are a great way to add a healthy yet indulgent touch to your holiday spread. The natural sweetness of the squash combined with the richness of the onions and cheese makes these tarts a satisfying treat. Plus, the use of puff pastry adds an elegant touch that makes these tarts perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these mini tarts are sure to be a hit.

Conclusion

Mini butternut squash tarts are a delightful and versatile addition to any meal, offering a perfect combination of flavors that both vegetarians and meat-lovers will enjoy. These tarts are simple to prepare yet look impressive, making them an excellent choice for any gathering, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers. Whether you make them ahead of time or prepare them fresh, they’ll bring a burst of color and flavor to your table. With their sweet roasted squash, caramelized onions, and creamy ricotta nestled in flaky puff pastry, these mini butternut squash tarts are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Creamy Tuscan Cod with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: This recipe offers a rich, creamy base with a savory combination of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, which pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of butternut squash. The creamy texture and Mediterranean flavors make it a great companion to the mini butternut squash tarts.
• Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup: This comforting soup combines white beans, garlic, spinach, and cream for a rich and hearty dish that complements the light and flavorful mini butternut squash tarts. The soup’s creamy texture and Italian flavors provide a perfect balance with the tarts.
• Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: If you’re craving something heartier, this creamy beef and pasta dish pairs rich, creamy sauces with tender bowtie pasta. The combination of creaminess and savory beef works well with the sweetness of the butternut squash tarts, offering a satisfying contrast.

Print