Description
Rustic fall bruschetta blends seasonal harvest flavors with crisp bread and creamy spreads. Hearty Italian-inspired appetizers provide warmth and comfort for autumn gatherings you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ciabatta baguette, cut into 0.25 in (0.6 cm) slices
- 1 cup (240 ml) butternut squash, cut into small cubes
- 1 red apple, diced
- 5 oz (140 g) goat cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tbsps olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 3 tbsps pecans, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsps dried cranberries
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 1 pinch allspice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bread Preparation: Arrange ciabatta bread slices on the baking sheet, thoroughly coating both sides with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Autumn Mixture: Combine diced butternut squash and apple pieces with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, ensuring an even and aromatic coating of spices across the ingredients.
- Roasting Process: Spread the spiced squash and apple mixture on the baking sheet alongside the bread, roasting for 20 minutes until bread turns golden and crisp, and squash becomes tender and caramelized.
- Assembly: Spread a generous layer of creamy goat cheese on the toasted ciabatta slices, then top with the roasted squash and apple mixture.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle crunchy pecans and tart dried cranberries over the bruschetta, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and optionally garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finish.
- Serving: Present immediately while warm or allow to cool to room temperature, offering a delectable seasonal appetizer that captures the essence of autumn flavors.
Notes
- Prep for Perfect Roasting: Use a large baking sheet to ensure ingredients have enough space, preventing steaming and promoting caramelization.
- Slice Strategically: Cut bread and vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced flavor in every bite.
- Spice Balance Matters: Adjust spice quantities to personal taste, but maintain proportions to preserve the autumnal essence of the dish.
- Temperature Timing: Watch closely during roasting to prevent burning, as butternut squash and bread brown quickly at high temperatures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg