Rustic Butternut Squash Tartlets Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Crispy, golden butternut squash tartlets dance with delicate flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Autumn’s warmth embraces each delicate bite of these miniature pastries.

Delicate pastry shells cradle smooth, velvety squash with unexpected elegance.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly into a stunning appetizer that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Small yet stunning, these tartlets bring remarkable depth to any gathering.

Delightful textures and rich, earthy notes promise a memorable culinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these irresistible little treasures.

Butternut Squash Tartlet Q&A—Quick Answers Inside

• Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with pumpkin or acorn squash for similar results.

• Is filo dough hard to work with?

Filo dough requires gentle handling and can dry out quickly, so cover unused sheets with a damp towel while working.

• What if I don't have a food processor?

You can mash the roasted squash with a potato masher or fork, then mix ingredients by hand for a slightly chunkier texture.

• How do I know when the butternut squash is properly roasted?

The squash should be golden brown, tender when pierced with a fork, and have slightly caramelized edges.

Why Butternut Squash Tartlets Steal the Show Every Time

• Savor Gourmet Elegance: Elevate your appetizer game with these sophisticated butternut squash tartlets that blend rich, creamy flavors with delicate filo shells.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Roasting butternut squash brings out deep, caramelized notes while the food processor creates a silky-smooth filling with minimal effort.
• Impress Guests Effortlessly: These bite-sized delights are perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or elegant cocktail events, showcasing your culinary skills without complicated preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap Asiago for other cheeses, adjust sage intensity, or experiment with garnishes to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.

What You’ll Need to Make Butternut Squash Tartlets

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that serves as the primary flavor and base for the tartlet filling.
• Filo Shells: Delicate, crispy pastry shells that provide a light and flaky base for the appetizer.
• Whipping Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the butternut squash mixture.

• Asiago Cheese: A sharp Italian cheese that provides a savory and tangy flavor to the tartlets.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the roasted butternut squash.

• Garlic, Sage Leaves: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the tartlet filling, with sage providing a classic autumn flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat the butternut squash for even roasting and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Foil: Used to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.

How to Bake Butternut Squash Tartlets Like a Champ

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Spread butternut squash on a large baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil, ensuring each piece gets coated.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Slide the baking sheet into a hot oven preheated to 425°F.

Roast for 30-40 minutes, giving the squash a gentle stir halfway through. Look for beautiful golden-brown edges and tender texture.

Once done, transfer to a cooling rack and let rest for half an hour. Lower the oven temperature to 400°F.

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Filling

• Minced garlic
• Whipping cream
• Chopped sage leaves

Pulse and blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Scrape down the sides occasionally to ensure everything combines perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare the Tartlet Shells

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Take your delicate filo shells and fill each one with a rounded teaspoon of the squash mixture. Sprinkle Asiago cheese over the top for an extra flavor kick.

Step 4: Bake and Garnish

Pop the tartlets into the oven for 7-9 minutes. Watch for those gorgeous golden edges that signal they’re perfectly crisp.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a rack. For a final touch, garnish with fresh sage leaves and an extra sprinkle of pepper if you’re feeling adventurous.

Serve these little bites while they’re still warm and watch your guests swoon.

Genius Tips for Butternut Squash Tartlets That Pop

• Roast butternut squash at high heat to caramelize edges and enhance natural sweetness, creating deeper flavor profile.
• Use fresh sage leaves for maximum aromatic impact, chopping finely to distribute evenly throughout the creamy squash mixture.
• Choose high-quality filo shells to ensure crispy texture and delicate base for tartlets, preventing soggy bottoms.
• Select aged Asiago cheese for robust, nutty undertones that complement the sweet roasted squash perfectly.
• Let tartlets cool slightly before serving to allow filling to set and prevent burning your mouth, maintaining ideal temperature and texture.

Flavor Swaps to Elevate Butternut Squash Tartlets

• Harvest Medley Tartlets: Replace butternut squash with a mix of roasted pumpkin, sweet potato, and carrots for a colorful autumn-inspired variation.
• Mediterranean Herb Tartlets: Swap sage for rosemary and thyme, and add crumbled feta cheese instead of Asiago for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Tartlets: Incorporate roasted green chiles, cumin, and top with a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Caramelized Onion Tartlets: Blend roasted butternut squash with caramelized onions and goat cheese for a rich, sweet, and tangy version of the original recipe.

Tasty Pairings for Butternut Squash Tartlets

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy tartlet richness, offering a bright, zesty contrast that enhances the butternut squash's subtle sweetness.
• Create a Nutty Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with toasted walnuts, shaved parmesan, and a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the tartlets' earthy sage and creamy texture.
• Match with Sparkling Aperitif: A chilled prosecco or champagne adds effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the delicate filo shell and smooth squash filling.
• Serve Alongside Herbed Charcuterie: Select a selection of soft goat cheese, prosciutto, and rosemary-infused salami to provide savory depth that balances the tartlets' mild, creamy profile.

Butternut Squash Tartlets: Keep ‘Em Crisp and Savory

• Refrigerate: Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual tartlets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to preserve texture and flavor.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tartlets on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Quick Option: Heat tartlets on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature and avoid overheating to maintain crispy filo shell texture.

Butternut Squash Tartlets Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Delightful Butternut Squash Tartlets invite gourmet adventurers into a world of rustic French-inspired elegance. Buttery pastry shells cradle sweet roasted squash, promising a luxurious bite that celebrates seasonal harvest flavors you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (3 cups or approximately 450 grams)
• 2 packages (1.9 ounces/54 grams each) frozen mini filo shells, 30 shells, thawed
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces/56 grams) finely grated Asiago cheese

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves

Garnish Ingredients (Optional):

• Fresh sage leaves
• Additional ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Roast butternut squash on an ungreased baking sheet at 425°F for 30-40 minutes, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir midway through cooking until caramelized and tender. Allow to cool completely for 30 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 400°F.
2. Blend roasted squash with garlic, whipping cream, and chopped sage in a food processor until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency. Pause occasionally to scrape down processor sides.
3. Carefully arrange filo shells on a foil-lined baking sheet, filling each with a rounded teaspoon of the creamy squash mixture. Generously sprinkle Asiago cheese over the tartlets.
4. Bake for 7-9 minutes until shell edges turn golden and crisp. Transfer to a cooling rack for brief resting, allowing flavors to settle and texture to crisp.
5. Garnish with delicate fresh sage leaves and an optional light dusting of cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while warm to preserve optimal texture and flavor profile.

Notes

• Roast butternut squash until deeply caramelized edges develop for maximum flavor complexity and sweetness.
• Ensure filo shells are crisp and not soggy by patting roasted squash mixture dry before filling to prevent moisture buildup.
• Make tartlets gluten-free by substituting filo shells with almond flour-based mini pastry cups for celiac or low-carb diets.
• Experiment with alternative cheese options like goat cheese or pecorino for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg