Description
These Savory Squash Pastry Bites are the ultimate fall appetizer or snack! Featuring a buttery, flaky pastry filled with sweet, roasted butternut squash, creamy ricotta, and salty Parmesan, these bites are perfect for any gathering. They offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, from the crispy pastry to the smooth, cheesy squash filling. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or just looking for a fun kitchen project, these pastry bites are sure to impress. 🍂✨
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the dough, offering structure and flakiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed – Ensures a rich, flaky texture.
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water – Binds the dough and keeps it cool for flakiness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Helps create a tender dough with a subtle tang.
For the Filling:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups) – Provides sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for roasting the squash, adding a rich, fruity flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) – Adds an earthy, herbal note.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory aspect of the filling.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning the filling.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese – Adds a creamy, mild flavor to balance the sweetness of the squash.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty flavor.
- 1 egg (for egg wash) – Helps the pastry achieve a golden-brown, shiny finish.
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the ice-cold water and apple cider vinegar, gently stirring until the dough begins to come together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period helps firm the butter, ensuring the pastry becomes flaky during baking.
2. Roast the Butternut Squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. The squash should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and allow the squash to cool before assembling the filling.
3. Make the Filling:
- Once the squash is cool, place it in a large mixing bowl and mash it slightly, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, creating a creamy, savory mixture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
4. Assemble the Pastry Bites:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter (or a glass), cut out circles of dough.
- Place a spoonful of the squash filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Arrange the pastry bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake the Pastry Bites:
- Brush each pastry bite with the egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the pastry dough and filling ahead of time. Simply store the dough in the fridge and the filling in an airtight container, then assemble and bake when ready.
- Squash Alternatives: If you don’t have butternut squash, you can substitute acorn or delicata squash for a slightly different flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out the Parmesan and ricotta for other cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella, or feta.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pastry bites. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer,dessert
- Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Nutrition
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg