Jul 14 2026

Butternut Squash & Apple Recipe

Time50m
Serves12

on Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini

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Ingredients

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Crostini

Method

Crostini

  1. 1

    Prepare and toast bread

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbs olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Brush both sides of each slice lightly with the oil mixture. Toast in the oven until golden and crisp, 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove and cool slightly.

Whipped Goat Cheese

  1. 2

    Whip cheese mixture

    In a food processor or using a hand mixer, combine 8 oz goat cheese, 2 oz cream cheese, 2 tbs heavy cream, 1 tbs honey, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Process or beat until smooth and airy, scraping down the bowl once. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate while you prepare remaining components to let it firm slightly (about 10 minutes).

Roasted Butternut Squash

  1. 3

    Roast squash

    Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) if crostini are done; otherwise keep at 400°F but allow a few extra minutes. Toss 2 cups cubed butternut squash with 1 tbs maple syrup, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast until tender and caramelized at the edges, 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway. Remove and let cool slightly.

Apple & Finish

  1. 4

    Prep apple and walnuts

    While squash roasts, thinly slice 1 medium apple (leave skin on) and toss slices gently with a light squeeze of lemon if desired to prevent browning. Chop and toast 1/2 cup walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring, 3–4 minutes until fragrant; cool.

  2. 5

    Assemble crostini

    Spread about 1–1 1/2 tbs of whipped goat cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Top each with a small spoonful (about 1–2 tbsp) of roasted butternut squash cubes, then fan 2–3 thin apple slices atop. Sprinkle with toasted chopped walnuts and scatter fresh thyme leaves over the crostini. Drizzle each crostini lightly with remaining 1 tbs honey and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

  3. 6

    Serve

    Arrange crostini on a platter and serve immediately while crostini are still crisp. Leftover whipped goat cheese can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 3 days; roasted squash and apples are best used the same day.