Description
Rustic Italian fall bruschetta celebrates autumn’s harvest with roasted butternut squash, crisp sage leaves, and creamy goat cheese atop crusty bread. Rich flavors mingle on each bite, inviting you to savor seasonal warmth and Mediterranean charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ciabatta baguette, cut into 0.25 inch (0.6 cm) slices
- 1 cup (240 ml) butternut squash, cut into small cubes
- 1 red apple, diced
- 5 ounces (140 grams) goat cheese, at room temperature
Seasonings and Spices:
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pinch allspice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 3 tablespoons pecans, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
- Balsamic glaze
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a spacious baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Position ciabatta bread slices in a uniform layer across one section of the baking sheet, thoroughly coating each side with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Create a harmonious autumn blend by mixing diced butternut squash and apple pieces with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, ensuring every morsel is evenly coated with the fragrant spices.
- Distribute the spiced squash and apple mixture onto the remaining area of the baking sheet, allowing for even roasting.
- Roast the ingredients in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, monitoring until the bread turns golden and crisp while the squash becomes tender and caramelized.
- Craft each bruschetta by generously spreading creamy goat cheese across the toasted ciabatta slices.
- Layer the roasted squash and apple mixture atop the cheese, creating a rich autumnal foundation.
- Garnish with a scattering of crunchy pecans and tart dried cranberries for textural contrast.
- Finish the bruschetta with an elegant drizzle of balsamic glaze and optional fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately while warm or allow to cool to room temperature, presenting a delightful seasonal appetizer.
Notes
- Elevate your autumn appetizer game with this easy-to-make Fall Bruschetta that combines sweet and savory seasonal flavors.
- Toasting ciabatta and roasting butternut squash together saves time and creates a deliciously caramelized base for this rustic dish.
- Use fresh, ripe butternut squash and crisp apples for the best texture and most vibrant fall taste profile.
- Experiment with different goat cheese varieties or swap pecans with other nuts like walnuts for personalized variations.
- Balsamic glaze adds a tangy-sweet finish that beautifully complements the warm spices and roasted vegetables.
- Prepare ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain the perfect balance of crispy bread and tender toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg