Squash Tartlets Recipe

I absolutely love this butternut squash and goat cheese tartlet recipe because it combines the perfect blend of savory and sweet, creating a symphony of flavors with every bite. Plus, the ease of using puff pastry makes it super simple to whip up an impressively delicious dish that never fails to wow my friends at brunch!

I adore this recipe for Squash Tartlets because it brings together the colors, flavors, and textures of my favorite fall produce. The butternut squash in this dish is so much better than what you find in the cans, and it pairs beautifully with goat cheese.

You’ve got to do this with puff pastry, and that’s my recipe for puff pastry, too. You can’t really do this dish without puff pastry.

And then there’s thyme, which is so good in this dish. Red onion is a particular type of sweet onion that works really well in these tartlets.

Squash Tartlets Recipe Ingredients

• Puff Pastry: Light, flaky carbohydrate base for tartlets.
• Butternut Squash: Rich in vitamins A and C; sweet, nutty flavor.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat with antioxidants, enhances flavor.
• Thyme Leaves: Herbal aroma, contains vitamins C and A, adds freshness.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy protein, with calcium; complements squash.

Squash Tartlets Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)

How to Make this Squash Tartlets Recipe

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper.

2. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a surface that has been lightly floured and slice it into four equal squares. Put the squares on the baking sheet you’ve prepared.

3. In a bowl, mix the butternut squash slices with olive oil, thyme leaves, sea salt, and black pepper until well coated.

4. Evenly arrange the squash slices on each square of puff pastry, taking care to leave a small border around the edges.

5. Spread the paper-thin red onions evenly across the butternut squash on each tartlet.

6. Spread the goat cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of each tartlet.

7. Gild the edges of the puff pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish when baked.

8. Cook the tartlets in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and puffed pastry and tender squash tell you it’s time to eat.

9. Take the tartlets from the oven and allow them to cool a bit.

10. If you would like, you can drizzle some honey over it for a touch of sweetness before you serve it. You don’t have to do this, but I think it’s a nice addition. Serve it warm.

Squash Tartlets Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Mixing bowl
8. Measuring spoons
9. Pastry brush
10. Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
11. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of squash?You can substitute acorn or kabocha squash in place of butternut to get a slightly different taste and texture.
• What can I use instead of goat cheese?Feta or ricotta cheese can serve as substitutes for goat cheese, delivering a comparable creaminess.
• Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?To make this recipe suitable for vegans, use vegan puff pastry, a plant-based cheese alternative, and no egg wash.
• How do I store leftovers?Leftover tartlets can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3 days. To preserve crispiness, reheat in the oven or toaster oven.
• Can I prepare these tartlets in advance?Certainly! The tartlets can be put together a few hours in advance and kept in the fridge. For the best results, bake them right before you plan to serve.
• Is the honey drizzle necessary?Adding the honey drizzle is optional. It is a touch of sweetness that complements the savory elements, but you can leave it off if you prefer.
• What size should I cut the puff pastry for individual tartlets?To create individual tartlets, cut the puff pastry into squares or circles of approximately 4-5 inches. This will yield tartlets that are just the right size for serving.

Squash Tartlets Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use phyllo dough or a homemade shortcrust pastry to replace puff pastry.
Acorn squash or sweet potatoes can be used in place of butternut squash.
Thyme leaves can be swapped for sprigs of rosemary or dried thyme.
Feta cheese or ricotta cheese can be used in place of goat cheese.
Shallots or yellow onions can be used in place of red onions.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Even Thawing For the best results with puff pastry, ensure it’s properly thawed before use. If it’s thawed unevenly, it might break when unfolding or cooking. Leave it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight for a more uniform texture.

2. Pre-Cook Squash For a more tender squash, consider partially roasting the butternut squash slices before assembling the tartlets. This will help ensure they are fully cooked and slightly caramelized, enhancing their sweetness and texture.

3. Use Chilled Pastry Keep your puff pastry as cold as possible right up to baking. This will help it rise more effectively, giving a crispier, flakier texture. Consider placing the assembled tartlets back in the fridge for a few minutes before baking.

4. Layer Flavor Add an extra layer of flavor by sprinkling some crushed nuts, like walnuts or pistachios, over the top before baking. This adds a nice crunch and complements the cheeses and squash.

5. Onion Caramelization For deeper flavor, consider sautéing the red onion slices in olive oil until caramelized before adding them to the tartlets. This brings out a sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.