Get ready to wow your guests with these amazing Butternut Squash Appetizer Tarts. They come with a flaky puff pastry filled with roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and fresh sage. These small treats are ideal for starting any fall event or holiday party1.
Butternut squash shines in these elegant tarts with its sweet taste and bright orange color. A big squash weighs about 1.2 kg1. Just one cup gives you 457% of the daily needed beta-carotene and vitamin A1. These nutrients help lower cancer risk and boost heart health1.
Key Takeaways
- Bite-sized butternut squash tarts are the perfect fall and holiday appetizer
- Buttery puff pastry shells are filled with a savory squash, onion, and sage mixture
- Butternut squash is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber
- These tarts are easy to make and can be prepared in advance
- Serve these elegant appetizers at your next gathering for a delicious seasonal treat
Irresistible Bite-Sized Treats
Featuring the Beloved Butternut Squash
These butternut squash appetizer tarts are perfect for holiday parties and gatherings2. They have a rich, creamy filling with roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and fresh sage. The filling is inside a flaky, buttery puff pastry shell2. These tarts need some prep work but can be done early, making them easy for your events3.
Bite-sized treats are now very popular as hors d’oeuvres. They offer many flavors and textures in a handy size3. You can find everything from savory Watermelon Feta Skewers to rich Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites3. These small plates suit many tastes and diets3. The butternut squash tarts turn this winter squash into a tasty, must-have treat2.
Bite-Sized Treat | Description |
---|---|
Watermelon Feta Skewers | A summer favorite combination |
Chicken Nuggets | A recipe that technically serves 2 to 4 people |
Lobster Mac & Cheese Bites | A decadent party starter |
Pesto Zucchini Roses | For repurposing surplus zucchini |
Peach Bruschetta | Celebrating summer flavors |
These butternut squash tarts look great and taste amazing2. They have 141 calories per serving and are full of nutrients2. Enjoy these tasty treats and wow your guests with the delicious butternut squash234.
Puff Pastry Perfection
The secret to these elegant tarts is the use of pre-made puff pastry. This turns a simple filling into an impressive appetizer5. The puff pastry makes a light, flaky shell that goes well with the savory filling6. This recipe is great for large gatherings or events, serving 12 people6.
Using store-bought puff pastry sheets5, making these tarts is easy6. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare with pre-made pastry6. And the total cooking time is around 38 minutes6.
The puff pastry dough needs to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours6. This step makes sure it turns out flaky and crisp6. The filling includes butternut squash, mushrooms, onions, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and nutmeg6.
Butternut squash makes the tart soft and slightly sweet6. You can slice or chop the mushrooms, and any type works6. Bake the tart for 30 minutes first, then add more cheese and bake until it’s golden brown6.
These puff pastry tarts show how versatile this dough is6. Its light, flaky texture and tasty fillings make it perfect for impressive appetizers65.
Savory Flavors of Fall
Caramelized Onions and Fresh Sage
These butternut squash appetizer tarts have a mix of caramelized onions and roasted butternut squash. They also have the fresh aroma of sage7. The onions cook slowly until they’re sweet and rich7. The squash is roasted to highlight its sweetness7. Sage adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the mix7.
Butternut squash is a favorite in fall recipes8. These tarts show it off in a great way9. The filling is sweet and savory, with caramelized onions and sage adding to the squash’s sweetness7. This mix of flavors is perfect for any fall event or a cozy night in.
“The flavors of these tarts are truly a taste of autumn, with the buttery richness of the crust, the creamy sweetness of the butternut squash, and the aromatic notes of the sage creating a harmonious symphony on the palate.”
Preparing the Filling
To make the filling for these tasty butternut squash tarts, start by roasting the squash. Peel, seed, and cut the squash into small pieces. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper10.
Then, spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast in a 375-degree oven for about 20 minutes. They should be tender and caramelized11. While the squash cooks, cook the onions in olive oil and butter. Let them turn golden-brown slowly.
When the squash is done and the onions are caramelized, mix them together. This creates a rich, flavorful filling for the tarts.
Now, add the filling to the puff pastry shells. This mix of flavors and textures will impress your guests. Next, bake the tarts until they’re perfect.
Assembling the Tarts
Making butternut squash appetizer tarts is fun and easy. Start by cutting puff pastry sheets into 16 squares and placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets12. Then, score the edges and dock the centers with a fork to keep the filling inside13.
Next, add a bit of creamy ricotta cheese, caramelized onions, and roasted butternut squash cubes to each square12. Chill the tarts in the fridge before baking to make them extra fluffy and tasty13.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit12.
- Cut the puff pastry sheets into 16 even squares and transfer them to parchment-lined baking sheets13.
- Score the edges of each square with a knife or pastry wheel, and dock the centers with a fork13.
- Place a small dollop of ricotta cheese in the center of each square, followed by the caramelized onions and roasted butternut squash cubes12.
- Chill the assembled tarts in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking13.
- Bake the tarts for 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through13.
- Remove the tarts from the oven and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and Maldon sea salt as desired13.
Follow these easy steps to make beautiful and tasty butternut squash appetizer tarts13. They’re perfect for impressing your guests with their mix of flaky pastry, creamy ricotta, and savory flavors12.
Tips and Tricks
To get the best results with these tasty butternut squash appetizer tarts, chill them before baking. This step keeps the puff pastry cool and crisp, leading to a perfectly puffed shell14.
You can make the tarts up to 24 hours before baking, making them perfect for parties14. Chilling them also ensures the puff pastry is cool when baked, which helps it puff up well. Warm puff pastry won’t puff up as much15.
For the best taste and texture, caramelize the onions well before adding them to the tarts. This makes the onions sweet and adds a nice contrast to the butternut squash14.
Be gentle with the puff pastry to keep it flaky. Roll, cut, and assemble the tarts quickly. Avoid handling the dough too much for a crisp crust14.
Feel free to try new flavor mixes. The classic butternut squash and sage is great, but you can also add Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, or maple syrup for something different14.
“Chilling the tarts has the added bonus of ensuring the puff pastry is cool when it hits the oven, which will guarantee maximum puffiness (warm puff pastry will come out much flatter).”15
Baking for the Perfect Puff
After putting together the butternut squash tarts and chilling them, it’s time to bake. The secret to a great puff pastry crust is the right oven temperature and baking time16.
Heat your oven to a warm 400°F (200°C)17. This heat makes the puff pastry rise and get a golden-brown, flaky look16. Bake the tarts for 12-14 minutes, watching closely to make sure they puff up well without getting too brown16.
Baking at high heat is key for the puff pastry to work its magic. As the tarts cook, the dough layers will separate and rise. This creates a great contrast with the savory butternut squash filling17. It also makes the pastry’s delicate, buttery flavors come out.
- Make sure the oven is hot before putting the tarts in.
- Bake the tarts for 12-14 minutes, watching to avoid over-browning.
- Let the tarts sit for a few minutes before serving to let the puff settle.
With the perfect puff pastry and rich, caramelized butternut squash, these tarts will amaze your taste buds and wow your guests161718.
Serving Suggestions
Delightful Party Appetizers
These butternut squash tarts are perfect for holiday gatherings or parties19. You’ll want to have at least two tarts for each guest, as they’re a big hit20. They’re great whether they’re warm or at room temperature, making them easy for your holiday menu19.
For cocktail parties, aim for two tarts per person20. The mix of buttery crust, savory filling, and crispy topping is a hit with guests19.
These tarts are ideal for holiday spreads or party platters. They’re easy to grab and go, perfect for mingling19. Enjoy them with sparkling wine or a seasonal cocktail for a festive touch19.
“These tarts are the perfect holiday appetizer – they’re easy to make, can be served warm or at room temperature, and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.”
Whether it’s a big party or a small gathering, these butternut squash tarts will impress19. They’re versatile and delicious, perfect as part of a spread or the main event1920.
appetizers tarts butternut
These Butternut Squash Appetizer Tarts are a great choice for your holiday party. They mix flaky puff pastry with savory butternut squash and fragrant sage. This makes a delightful treat that will impress everyone21. They’re perfect as a passed hors d’oeuvre or part of a larger spread21.
Making these tarts is easy. Just mix roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and fresh sage for the filling21. Then, put the filling into pre-made puff pastry shells for a beautiful look21.
To add more flavor, top the tarts with feta cheese and Mama Lil’s pickled peppers21. These add sweet, savory, and a bit of spice, making each bite irresistible21.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Butternut Squash | 1/2 lb. |
Puff Pastry | 1 sheet per box |
Puff Pastry Cost | $3.99 per box |
Feta Cheese | ~1/3 c. |
Mama Lil’s Pickled Peppers | 3 T. |
Fresh Thyme | 2-3 sprigs |
These Butternut Squash Appetizer Tarts are a hit as a party snack21. They’re quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes to get ready and 20 minutes to cook21.
- 312 calories
- 20.5 g of fat (31.6% daily value)
- 6.3 g of saturated fat (31.7% daily value)
- 26.7 g of carbs (8.9% daily value)
- 2.1 g of fiber (8.3% daily value)
- 1.1 g of sugar
- 6.4 g of protein (12.9% daily value)
- 321.1 mg of sodium (13.4% daily value)
Enjoy the delicious taste of fall with these Butternut Squash Appetizer Tarts. They make a memorable party snack2122.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of the Butternut Squash Appetizer Tarts has 213 calories16. These tasty treats mix butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and puff pastry. They offer a good mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats22.
The recipe uses about 350 g of butternut squash, 50 g of walnuts, and 320 g of puff pastry16. It also includes 2 tablespoons of tomato chutney, 100 g of soft goats’ cheese, and 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary. These ingredients add to the dish’s savory taste16.
Each serving has 312 calories, 20.5 g of fat, and 6.3 g of saturated fat22. It also has 26.7 g of carbs, 2.1 g of fiber, 1.1 g of sugars, 6.4 g of protein, and 321.1 mg of sodium. These values make up 8.9%, 8.3%, 4.4%, 12.9%, and 13.4% of the daily needs, respectively22.
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes 40 minutes to cook16. For a nutritious and tasty appetizer, the Butternut Squash Appetizer Tarts are a great choice. They have a good mix of flavors and nutrients20.
Conclusion
These Butternut Squash Appetizer Tarts are a hit for your holiday party menu23. They mix flaky puff pastry with savory butternut squash and aromatic sage. This makes a fancy and tasty treat that will wow your guests24. Plus, you can make the tarts ahead and bake them just before serving. This makes them a stress-free choice for your holiday meals.
The tarts have a buttery crust and a creamy filling. Each part is made to bring out the warm, comforting taste of butternut squash25. They’re perfect for any event, from casual get-togethers to fancy holiday parties. Your guests will love them and want more.
Add these Butternut Squash Appetizer Tarts to your menu for great feedback from your loved ones232425. They look amazing and taste even better. These tarts will quickly become a holiday favorite in your home.