Roasted Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, & Walnut Crostini: A Perfect Autumn Appetizer
There comes a point in every wellness journey where the allure of moderation clashes with the undeniable comfort of truly exceptional food. For me, that moment arrived with a simple, yet utterly irresistible, creation: these incredible crostini. My resolve to temporarily break away from the delightful duo of goat cheese and freshly baked bread quickly dissolved into pure, unadulterated joy. One bite was all it took to remember just how profoundly satisfying and utterly delicious the combination of crisp bread and creamy, tangy goat cheese can be.
The Timeless Romance with Bread
If I were to confess a deep, abiding love affair with any single food, it would undoubtedly be bread. This isn’t a novel sentiment, as I happily discovered while engrossed in Jeffrey Steingarten’s insightful culinary masterpiece, The Man Who Ate Everything. Steingarten, with his characteristic wit and profound appreciation for gastronomy, dedicates an entire chapter to bread. His words resonated deeply with my own feelings, particularly this gem: “Bread is the only food I know that satisfies completely, all by itself. It comforts the body, charms the senses, gratifies the soul, and excites the mind.”
Just reading those lines evokes a visceral craving, doesn’t it? It makes you want to tear into a crusty, warm loaf, savoring every bite and questioning how one could ever go a day without such a fundamental source of comfort and delight. Bread, in its myriad forms, is more than just sustenance; it’s a universal language of hospitality, a cornerstone of countless cultures, and a simple pleasure that connects us to tradition and warmth. The aroma of baking bread alone is enough to soothe the busiest mind, while its varied textures, from chewy sourdough to airy baguette, offer a continuous journey of culinary discovery. For crostini, the right bread isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the crisp canvas upon which all the other exquisite flavors are painted.
Embracing the Flavors of Autumn: The Perfect Crostini
These roasted butternut squash, goat cheese, and walnut crostini are nothing short of an ode to the fall season, capturing its essence in every sweet, savory, and satisfying bite. The combination is a testament to the power of seasonal ingredients, transforming humble components into an appetizer that truly “screams harvest.” It’s also, as mentioned, a celebration of bread itself, providing the perfect crunchy foundation for the rich toppings. The magic lies in the interplay of textures and tastes:
- The Crunchy, Toasted Bread: We start with a high-quality French baguette, sliced and toasted to golden perfection. This creates a sturdy, crisp base that provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamier elements and holds up beautifully under the toppings. The importance of using truly *great* bread cannot be overstated here; it makes all the difference.
- Caramelized Butternut Squash: Roasting butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness, deepening its flavor and giving it a tender, almost jam-like consistency. A touch of honey and olive oil helps achieve a beautiful caramelization, adding warmth and depth that is unmistakably autumnal.
- Smooth, Tangy Goat Cheese: The creamy, slightly tart goat cheese provides a bright counterpoint to the sweetness of the squash. Its characteristic tanginess cuts through the richness, creating a balanced and incredibly addictive flavor profile that tantalizes the palate.
- Toasted Walnuts: A scattering of chopped, toasted walnuts adds another layer of texture—a pleasing crunch—and a subtle, earthy bitterness that complements both the squash and the cheese perfectly. Walnuts are a classic fall nut, adding to the seasonal appeal.
- Fresh Thyme: A final sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves introduces a fragrant, herbaceous note, tying all the components together with its delicate, aromatic presence. It’s the finishing touch that elevates this appetizer from delicious to truly gourmet.
This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients; it’s an experience. As I prepare and enjoy these crostini, my mind often wanders. I imagine myself in a quaint, cozy cottage, nestled deep within a vibrant forest ablaze with a tapestry of orange and red leaves. In this fantasy, I’m impeccably dressed in a pristine apron, orchestrating a magnificent fall feast for my family, with these crostini as the star appetizer – not a single thing burning in the oven, naturally.
The reality, though less picturesque in its aesthetic, is no less delightful. More often than not, you’ll find me in my own cozy home, comfortably clad in sweatpants and a favorite sweatshirt, eagerly devouring these crostini. My ever-hopeful dog sits patiently by my feet, pleading with big, expressive eyes for a share, while I sit in silent awe of my stomach’s seemingly endless capacity for the sheer joy that bread and its accompaniments bring.
But please, for my culinary ego’s sake, visualize the forest fantasy. Imagine the perfectly clean apron, the effortless preparation, and the impeccable host I aspire to be. The simple truth is, whether enjoyed in a dream setting or a comfortable reality, these crostini are a triumph.
Tips for Perfection and Pairing
To truly achieve the full potential of this appetizer, a few considerations are key. When selecting your butternut squash, look for one that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of blemishes. Fresh goat cheese, not the crumbly pre-packaged kind, will offer the best texture and flavor. And as emphasized, the bread is paramount. Opt for a fresh, crusty French baguette from a good bakery – the difference it makes is profound. If you can’t find a baguette, a rustic sourdough or ciabatta can also work beautifully, provided it toasts up crisp.
Prepping the butternut squash can sometimes be a bit daunting, but there are tricks to make it easier. Pierce the squash a few times and microwave it for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin, making it much easier to peel and cut. Ensure your squash cubes are roughly uniform in size for even roasting. Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; giving the squash pieces space allows them to roast and caramelize rather than steam.
These crostini are best served immediately after assembly to ensure the bread remains perfectly crisp and the goat cheese is at its optimal creamy consistency. However, you can prepare the roasted butternut squash and chop the walnuts in advance, storing them separately. Toast the bread and assemble just before serving. They make an ideal appetizer for Thanksgiving, a cozy dinner party, or simply a sophisticated snack on a chilly autumn evening. Pair them with a crisp white wine, a dry cider, or even a spiced apple martini for an ultimate fall experience.
Seriously, if you haven’t read it yet, you absolutely have to pick up Jeffrey Steingarten’s The Man Who Ate Everything. It’s a journey that will reignite your passion for food and deepen your appreciation for every bite. Fair warning: it will also make you intensely hungry, so do yourself a favor and have a batch of these delectable crostini within arm’s reach when you dive into its pages. You’ll thank me later.
Roasted Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, & Walnut Crostini
ingredients
- 1 medium-large butternut squash
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 French baguette sliced into 1/2” thick pieces & toasted
- 8 oz goat cheese room temperature
- 1/3 cup walnuts chopped
- Fresh thyme
instructions
-
Preheat oven to 420 degrees F (215 degrees C).
-
Cut the butternut squash into 1/2” to 3/4” cubes. Spread on a lined baking sheet in one even layer. Drizzle olive oil and honey over the squash, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place baking sheet in the oven and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, until roasted and fork tender. Remove from oven to cool slightly.
-
Add your toasted slices of bread to your serving tray. Spread an even layer of room-temperature goat cheese on each piece of bread. Top with the roasted butternut squash pieces and chopped walnuts. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.