Welcome to a delightful culinary journey where simplicity meets gourmet! This exquisite Butternut Squash and Goats’ Cheese Tart with Walnuts and Rosemary is a true weeknight hero, effortlessly transforming humble ingredients into a spectacular meal. Paired with a fresh, vibrant side salad, it promises a quick, fuss-free, and incredibly delicious dining experience perfect for any occasion, especially when you crave comfort without complexity.
Hello, Friends! As we navigate the demands of daily life, particularly during the colder months, the quest for meals that are both nourishing and easy to prepare becomes paramount. This is precisely where our savoury butternut squash tart shines. It’s a dish designed to minimize your time in the kitchen while maximizing flavour and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or when you simply want to unwind with a comforting plate of food.
Effortless Elegance: Butternut Squash & Goats’ Cheese Tart for Any Evening
In a world buzzing with complex recipes and elaborate culinary techniques, there’s a unique joy in discovering a dish that delivers exceptional taste with minimal fuss. Our butternut squash and goats’ cheese tart epitomizes this philosophy. Crafted from just eight core ingredients, this vegetarian tart is not only a fantastic option for those meat-free days but also a testament to how simple ingredients can create profound flavours. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’d rather curl up under a blanket than spend hours over a hot stove – a feeling many of us can relate to, especially as the days grow shorter.
The Irresistible Appeal of This Savoury Butternut Squash Tart Recipe
Much like our beloved mixed tomato & cheese tartlet, this butternut squash tart boasts a simplicity that makes it utterly appealing. What sets this recipe apart, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire? Let’s delve into its many advantages:
- Uncomplicated Ingredients: You won’t need an exotic pantry to bring this tart to life. The ingredient list is short, sweet, and typically found in any well-stocked grocery store, simplifying your shopping experience.
- Remarkably Quick Preparation: From start to finish, this goats’ cheese tart can be on your table in under an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for last-minute dinner decisions or when time is of the essence.
- Foolproof Technique: Forget fancy kitchen gadgets or intricate culinary skills. This recipe relies on straightforward steps: chop, bake, scatter, and bake again. It’s a testament to the power of uncomplicated cooking.
- The Magic of Pre-Rolled Puff Pastry: The secret weapon behind this speedy savoury tart is pre-rolled puff pastry. It’s a brilliant shortcut that eliminates the need for dough preparation, saving you considerable time and effort without compromising on that coveted flaky, golden crust.
- Versatile and Adaptable: While the core recipe is a winner, it’s also incredibly flexible. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, herbs, or even other seasonal vegetables to make it your own.
- Delicious and Satisfying: Despite its ease, the flavour profile is anything but basic. The sweet, earthy notes of butternut squash, the tangy creaminess of goats’ cheese, the crunch of walnuts, and the aromatic touch of rosemary create a harmonious blend that is deeply satisfying and comforting.
This butternut squash and goats’ cheese tart isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to enjoy delicious, homemade food without the stress, proving that sometimes, the simplest recipes yield the greatest rewards.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Savoury Tart
As highlighted, this easy savoury tart only requires a handful of basic ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating its delectable flavour and texture. Let’s explore what you’ll need and why these ingredients are star performers:
Butternut Squash: The Sweet Foundation
The star of our show, you’ll need approximately 350g of butternut squash. This versatile winter squash brings a natural sweetness and creamy texture when roasted, perfectly complementing the other rich flavours of the tart. When selecting your squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size, with firm, unblemished skin. While 350g is a good starting point, don’t hesitate to add a little more if you’re a big fan of its vibrant flavour and colour.
Walnuts: A Crunchy, Earthy Contrast
Next on our list are walnuts, providing a wonderful textural contrast and an earthy, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the squash and the tang of the cheese. While walnuts are highly recommended, feel free to get creative! Hazelnuts offer a richer, sweeter profile, while pine nuts provide a buttery, delicate crunch. Choose whichever nut you prefer to enhance your butternut squash tart.
Ready-Rolled Puff Pastry: The Ultimate Time-Saver
A true lifesaver for busy cooks, a pack of ready-rolled puff pastry is essential. This convenient shortcut delivers a light, flaky, and golden base without any of the hassle of making pastry from scratch. It’s one of the key elements that makes this a genuinely easy recipe.
Goats’ Cheese: Tangy and Creamy Delight
For that signature tangy creaminess, you’ll need some good quality soft goats’ cheese. Its distinctive flavour pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the squash and the earthy notes of rosemary and walnuts. Look for a chèvre that’s fresh and spreadable for best results. If goats’ cheese isn’t your preference, feta or even a soft cream cheese could offer interesting alternatives.
Tomato Chutney: A Burst of Savoury Sweetness
A couple of tablespoons of tomato chutney provide a foundational layer of savoury sweetness and a hint of acidity that brightens the entire tart. If tomato chutney isn’t available, any fruit-based chutney or even a good quality balsamic glaze could work wonders, adding a complex layer of flavour.
Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic Herbaceousness
Fresh rosemary is crucial for its fragrant, piney aroma that beautifully complements all the other ingredients. Its robust flavour stands up well to roasting and adds an undeniable touch of gourmet elegance to your savoury tart. If fresh rosemary is hard to find, a sprinkle of dried rosemary or even fresh thyme could be substituted, though the flavour profile would slightly shift.
Kitchen Essentials: Olive Oil, Egg, and Seasoning
Finally, complete your ingredient list with simple kitchen staples: quality olive oil for roasting and drizzling, an egg for an enriching egg wash that gives the pastry its golden sheen, and salt and pepper to season and enhance all the flavours. These fundamental components tie everything together, ensuring a perfectly cooked and seasoned tart.
Mastering the Preparation of Your Butternut Squash & Goats’ Cheese Tart
The beauty of this butternut squash and goats’ cheese tart lies in its simplicity. Follow these straightforward steps to create a show-stopping dish:
- Roast the Squash and Walnuts: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Place the peeled and chopped butternut squash wedges in a medium roasting tin. Drizzle generously with a tablespoon of olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and has started to caramelize to a beautiful golden hue. For the last couple of minutes of roasting, add the walnuts to the tin with the squash. This brief roasting time helps to deepen their flavour and adds extra crunch.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: While your squash is roasting, unroll your ready-rolled puff pastry onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, gently score a 1cm border around the perimeter of the pastry. Be careful not to cut all the way through! This border will puff up beautifully, creating a defined edge for your tart. Next, using a fork, prick the inside area of the border thoroughly. This prevents the base from puffing up too much during baking, ensuring a crisp foundation for your fillings.
- Assemble Your Tart: Now comes the fun part – layering the flavours!
- Layer the Fillings: Spread the tomato chutney evenly over the pricked area of the pastry, keeping within the scored border. Next, crumble or scatter generous chunks of goats’ cheese over the chutney – no need to be too precise; the rustic look is part of its charm! Once the squash and walnuts are slightly cooled, arrange them artfully over the cheese.
- The Final Bake: Whisk a small egg to create an egg wash, and then brush it gently over the scored pastry border. This will give your crust a gorgeous golden-brown finish and a lovely shine. Drizzle the entire tart with the remaining olive oil, and add another pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Return the tart to the oven for another 20 minutes, or until the pastry is gloriously crisp and golden brown, and the cheese is beautifully melted and slightly caramelized.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the tart to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the fillings to set slightly, making it easier to cut. Serve warm with your favourite crisp green salad for a truly satisfying and elegant meal. It’s truly that simple to create something so delicious!
Can This Butternut Squash Tart Be Prepared in Advance?
One of the many benefits of this savoury tart recipe is its flexibility when it comes to preparation. Yes, this butternut squash and goats’ cheese tart can indeed be made ahead of time, which is a fantastic advantage for meal prepping or entertaining. Simply assemble the tart on a baking tray, ensuring all the delicious toppings are perfectly arranged on the pastry. Once assembled, carefully cover the tray with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to bake, remove the tart from the fridge and allow it to come closer to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven. You might find that it requires an additional couple of minutes in the oven to achieve that beautifully crisp, golden crust and thoroughly heated filling, especially if it’s going in cold. While it reheats well, this tart is truly at its peak when enjoyed fresh out of the oven, allowing the pastry to be at its flakiest and the cheese at its creamiest. However, preparing it ahead means less stress and more enjoyment when dinner time rolls around!
Beyond the Basic Side Salad: Serving Suggestions
While a simple side salad is a perfect accompaniment for this butternut squash and goats’ cheese tart, don’t limit your imagination! Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Elevated Green Salad: Instead of just plain greens, consider a mixed leaf salad with a light vinaigrette, toasted pine nuts, and perhaps some thinly sliced red onion or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
- Grain Salad: A quinoa or couscous salad with roasted vegetables (like bell peppers or zucchini) and a lemon-herb dressing would add substance and complex carbohydrates, making the meal even more filling and nutritious.
- Soup Pairing: For a heartier meal, especially on a chilly evening, serve a slice of tart alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup, roasted red pepper soup, or a creamy mushroom soup.
- Crusty Bread: A simple slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette would be wonderful for soaking up any juices or accompanying the tart, adding to the rustic, comforting feel.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would complement the tangy goats’ cheese and earthy squash beautifully.
This savoury tart is versatile enough to fit into various meal plans and occasions. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering, its vibrant flavours and elegant presentation are sure to impress.
Tips for Success & Variations
Achieving the Perfect Roast:
Don’t overcrowd your roasting tin when cooking the squash. Giving the pieces enough space allows them to roast rather than steam, ensuring those delicious caramelized edges. If your tin is too small, roast in batches or use two trays.
Pastry Perfection:
Ensure your puff pastry is cold but not frozen when you unroll it. This makes it easier to handle and prevents it from shrinking too much in the oven. Pricking the inside border firmly is key to avoiding a puffy base in the middle of your tart.
Flavour Variations:
- Herb Swaps: Experiment with fresh thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
- Cheese Alternatives: If goats’ cheese isn’t your favourite, consider crumbled feta, creamy ricotta, or even a sharp cheddar for a distinct taste.
- Vegetable Boost: Add thinly sliced red onion or bell peppers to the roasting tin with the squash, or sprinkle some spinach over the chutney before adding the cheese.
- Nutty Additions: Pine nuts, pecans, or even roasted almonds can be used in place of walnuts.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the chutney or squash would add a subtle warmth.
By following these tips and feeling free to experiment, you can make this butternut squash and goats’ cheese tart truly your own, tailoring it to your preferences and what you have on hand.
Thank you for exploring this wonderful recipe with us today! We hope you feel inspired to try this easy and incredibly rewarding savoury tart. If you do, please share your experience! Leaving a comment and a rating below helps us and other home cooks discover new favourites. We genuinely love hearing from you and seeing your delicious creations!
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Have a fantastic week, and happy cooking!
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Butternut Squash & Goats’ Cheese Tart
Equipment
- medium roasting tin
Ingredients
- 350 g butternut squash peeled and chopped into wedges
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 50 g walnuts
- 1 pack ready rolled puff pastry 320 g
- 2 tablespoon tomato chutney or any chutney of your choice
- 100 g goats cheese
- 2 medium rosemary sprigs roughly chopped
- 1 small egg beaten, for glazing
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 200 C (180 C fan). Place the butternut squash in a medium roasting tin and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and roast for about 15 minutes until it begins to soften and turns golden. Add walnuts and roast for a couple more minutes.
- Roll out the puff pastry onto a baking tray. Score about 1 cm boarder around it and prick the inside of the boarder with fork, all the way to the bottom of the baking tray. Spread the chutney up to the scored boarder and scatter the small chunks of goats’ cheese all over.
- Add roasted butternut squash and walnuts. Brush the scored boarder with some egg wash. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil, season some more and place back in the oven for about 20 minutes until crisp and golden. Allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Serve with side salad. Enjoy!
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for a more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Did you make this?Tell me how you like it? Leave a comment or take a picture and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram. I love seeing your take on my recipes!
Recipe adapted from Waitrose.