If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors all on a crispy bite, the Butternut Squash Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to appetizer. It features tender roasted butternut squash and tart cranberries nestled atop creamy goat cheese on toasted baguette slices, creating a mouthwatering medley of flavors and textures that feels both cozy and festive. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to impress guests with something unique and vibrant, this crostini recipe checks all the boxes for a simple yet sophisticated snack.

Butternut Squash Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Butternut Squash Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe lies in its few but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each contributes a distinct element—from the richness of goat cheese to the earthiness of thyme and the sweetness of cranberries—making every bite memorable.

Extra virgin olive oil (2 1/2 tablespoons + 1 1/2 tablespoons): Adds a smooth richness and helps crisp the bread and sauté the veggies to perfection.
Sourdough baguette (1 12-inch, sliced thinly): Provides the perfect crunchy vehicle to hold the toppings.
Goat cheese (3 ounces, softened): Its tangy creaminess contrasts beautifully with the sweet butternut squash and cranberries.
Shallot (1, minced): Offers subtle onion flavor that deepens the savory notes of the dish.
Butternut squash (1 1/2 cups, diced): The star ingredient, naturally sweet and tender when cooked, creating a luscious base for toppings.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses warmth and aroma, rounding out the flavor profile.
Dried cranberries (1/2 cup, roughly chopped): Provide bright pops of tartness and chewy texture.
Thyme (2 1/2 tablespoons, minced): Brings an earthy, herbal note that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing each ingredient’s natural flavors.

How to Make Butternut Squash Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the crostini base

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and slicing your sourdough baguette into thin 1/4-inch pieces. If your bread feels a bit dry, a quick zap in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel will soften it just enough to slice and crisp easily. Then, brush each slice generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for that irresistible savory kick.

Step 2: Toast the bread

Arrange the oiled baguette slices on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes. Flip them afterward and bake for another 3 to 4 minutes. The edges won’t necessarily turn golden but expect them to be delightfully crisp — the perfect foundation for piling on your topping.

Step 3: Sauté the aromatics and butternut squash

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the remaining olive oil, then add minced shallot and sauté it gently for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Toss in your diced butternut squash and cook everything for 4 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning and to let the squash start to tenderize.

Step 4: Add garlic, thyme, and cranberries

Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the minced garlic and most of the thyme, allowing the mixture to cook for 5 more minutes. Next, add the chopped dried cranberries along with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer gently for a further 4 to 10 minutes, depending on how tender you want your squash cubes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble the crostini

Once your crostini base is cooled and your topping is flavorful and tender, spread a layer of softened goat cheese onto each crostini. Then spoon on a generous amount of the butternut squash and cranberry mixture. Gently press the topping into the cheese to ensure every bite stays intact. Finish with a sprinkling of the remaining thyme to add that lovely herbal hint and a pop of color.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe

Garnishes

You can elevate this crostini with fresh herbs like a little extra thyme or rosemary spring on top. A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze works wonders to add a gentle sweetness that complements the tang of goat cheese and tartness of cranberries.

Side Dishes

These crostini make a fantastic appetizer before soups or salads, especially in fall and winter. Pair them with a crisp green salad tossed with walnuts and pecans or alongside a velvety roasted tomato or butternut squash soup for a cozy meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, consider serving the crostini on a large wooden board adorned with extra cranberries, fresh thyme sprigs, and lemon wedges. You could also top the crostini with candied pecans or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover topping or crostini, store the squash and cranberry mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the toasted bread separate to maintain crispness.

Freezing

While freezing the assembled crostini is not recommended as the bread will lose its texture, you can freeze the squash and cranberry topping in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat the tops, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a touch of olive oil or microwave briefly before assembling on fresh or toasted baguette slices. Avoid reheating the crostini base alone to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and may release more moisture when cooked, which could affect the texture of the topping. If you want to use fresh, consider cooking them down a bit longer to reduce the tartness and excess liquid.

What type of goat cheese works best?

Soft, fresh goat cheese with a creamy texture works best for this recipe. It spreads easily and provides a nice tang that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory topping.

Can I use a different bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough baguette adds a lovely tang and crunch, you can also try ciabatta, French baguette, or even a sturdy whole-grain loaf thinly sliced and toasted.

Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

The recipe itself is gluten-free if you swap the traditional baguette for a gluten-free bread option that toasts well. Otherwise, all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare the topping in advance?

Yes, the butternut squash and cranberry mixture can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Just reheat gently before spreading onto crostini with goat cheese for an easy, last-minute appetizer.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe is a delightful celebration of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser. It’s approachable but impressive, bright yet comforting, and packed with autumnal goodness perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try — I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!