Vegan Butternut Squash Crostini With Maple-Balsamic Drizzle
50 min
|
easy
|
lactose-free,
vegan
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 30 min | 50 min |
Introduction
These vegan butternut squash crostini are a cozy, bite-size appetizer with crispy baguette, creamy ricotta, and caramelized squash.
The maple-balsamic drizzle adds a glossy, sweet-tangy finish that makes each bite feel extra special and restaurant worthy.
They’re perfect for holiday parties, date nights at home, or any time you want an easy, elegant plant-based starter.
Ingredients (8 servings)
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Homemade Balsamic Glaze:
Get Ingredients →Order the ingredients from your local store for pickup or delivery. You'll check out through Instacart.
When you purchase through this link, we'll receive a small fee at no extra cost to you.
How to Make Vegan Butternut Squash Crostini With Maple-Balsamic Drizzle
-
Prep the squash and bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into even 1/2-inch cubes.
Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds if it is not already sliced.
-
Season and roast the squash
In a mixing bowl, toss the squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and vegetable bouillon.
Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon salt and the black pepper, then toss again until everything is well coated.
Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan so the cubes have space to caramelize.
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway, until the squash is tender with browned edges.
-
Toast the crostini
While the squash roasts, arrange the baguette slices on another sheet pan in a single layer.
Brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, making sure the surface is lightly and evenly coated.
Slide the pan into the oven during the last 8 to 10 minutes of the squash roasting time.
Toast until the bread feels crisp at the edges but still has a little softness in the center.
-
Make the maple-balsamic glaze
While the bread toasts, add the 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon maple syrup to a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook until slightly thick and syrupy.
This should take about 10 to 15 minutes, and the glaze will thicken more as it cools.
Remove from the heat and let the glaze cool to warm room temperature before drizzling.
-
Season the vegan ricotta
In a small bowl, stir a pinch of the remaining salt into the vegan ricotta to brighten its flavor.
-
Assemble the crostini
Arrange the toasted baguette slices on a serving platter so you have space to work comfortably.
Spread each slice with a generous spoonful of vegan ricotta, creating a soft cushion for the squash.
Top with a spoonful of warm roasted squash, letting a few caramelized edges peek over the ricotta.
Finish with a light drizzle of the maple-balsamic glaze and a tiny pinch of the remaining salt, if desired.
Substitutions
- Butternut squash -> Sweet potato cubes
- Use peeled, 1/2-inch sweet potato cubes instead of butternut squash for a slightly sweeter, even creamier bite. They roast in about the same time and keep that gorgeous orange color on the crostini.
- Vegan ricotta -> Whipped hummus
- Swap the vegan ricotta for a smooth, lightly garlicky hummus to give the crostini more savory depth. Blend the hummus with a splash of water or olive oil so it spreads like a creamy cheese.
- Maple syrup -> Agave nectar
- Agave nectar keeps the recipe vegan and brings a gentle sweetness that lets the balsamic flavor shine. Use the same amount, but taste the glaze and adjust with a tiny extra splash if you like.
Tips
- Cut the squash evenly
- Aim for squash cubes that are all close to 1/2 inch so they roast through at the same pace. Uneven pieces either burn at the edges or stay a little hard in the center.
- Do not overcrowd the pan
- Give the squash plenty of breathing room on the sheet pan so moisture can escape and edges can caramelize. If the pan looks packed, divide the squash between two pans for best browning.
- Watch the glaze closely
- Balsamic glaze goes from perfect to over-reduced quickly, so keep the heat low once it starts to thicken. If it seems very thick while hot, remove from the heat and whisk in a teaspoon of water.
- Serve the crostini right after assembling
- For the best texture, keep the components separate and build the crostini just before serving. If they sit too long, the bread slowly softens from the ricotta and warm squash.
- Use warm squash and glaze
- Slightly warm squash and glaze make the ricotta feel extra creamy and cozy against the crisp bread. You can briefly rewarm them on low heat if they cool while you prep the bread.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 247 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 4 | g |
| Total Fat | 4 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I make these crostini ahead of time for a party?
- You can prep all the components ahead, then assemble right before guests arrive. Roast the squash, make the glaze, toast the bread, and store everything separately at room temperature or chilled. Warm the squash and glaze briefly, then build the crostini within about 30 minutes of serving.
- What if my balsamic glaze becomes too thick or sticky?
- If the glaze turns very thick, whisk in a teaspoon or two of water while it is still warm. You can gently rewarm it over low heat, but avoid boiling again so the sugars do not burn.
- How can I make this gluten-free for guests who need it?
- Use your favorite gluten-free baguette or small gluten-free rolls sliced into rounds for the crostini base. Toast them the same way and double-check that your vegetable bouillon is certified gluten-free.
- What can I use instead of vegan ricotta if I cannot find it?
- Soft vegan cream cheese, cashew cream, or a very smooth hummus all work nicely here. Choose something thick enough to spread but soft enough to cradle the squash pieces securely.
Serving Suggestions
These vegan butternut squash crostini pair beautifully with sparkling wine, hard cider, or a big pot of tomato soup.
Try adding toasted pepitas, a sprinkle of chopped sage, or a twist of black pepper for extra flavor and crunch.
Reviews
-
pf_792, Los Angeles, CA: These turned out fantastic and looked really impressive on a platter. Roasting the squash with the balsamic, maple, and bouillon gave it great caramelized edges and a savory-sweet flavor. I made everything ahead, then assembled right before serving and the crostini stayed crisp. Next time I’ll add toasted pepitas and a little chopped sage on top for extra crunch and fall flavor.
: So happy these came out fantastic and held their crunch for you! Toasted pepitas and a bit of chopped sage sound like a perfect finish. 😊
Made this recipe? How did it go?
Please leave your feedback below. We’d love to hear from you!
