Name: Butternut Squash Crostini with Sweet Shallot Jam and Fresh Mint Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing bread; 2 lb butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes; 1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 2 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced; 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar; 1 tablespoon organic apple juice; 2-3 tablespoons honey; 6-8 slices of bread or baguette; 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese or goat cheese; 2-3 teaspoons fresh mint, chopped

If you’re looking to impress your friends with a flavorful and cozy appetizer, you’ve got to try this Butternut Squash Crostini with Sweet Shallot Jam and Fresh Mint Recipe. I absolutely love how the sweet, roasted butternut squash pairs with the tangy shallot jam and fresh mint—it’s like a little bite of fall on toasted bread. When I first made this, my family went crazy for it, and I’m betting you’ll find it’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to throw together with just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautiful Fall Flavors: The roasted butternut squash and sweet shallot jam create a warming, seasonal combo you’ll crave all year.
Easy to Make: With some simple roasting and a quick stovetop jam, you can pull this together without any stress or fancy equipment.
Versatile Serving: This crostini works as a snack, appetizer, or party pleaser that’s sure to get compliments.
Fresh and Bright Finish: The chopped fresh mint adds a pop of freshness that really lifts the whole dish.

The image shows small toasted bread slices on a wooden board, each piece topped with a layer of white creamy spread, followed by a chunky orange-colored mixture with slight browning, likely roasted vegetables or squash. The orange topping has a rough texture with small bits visible. Fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top of each slice, with some larger green leaves garnishing the front piece. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the front slice and a few other pieces arranged behind it on the wooden board. A sprig of green fresh herbs lies on the board near the front slice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Butternut Squash Crostini with Sweet Shallot Jam and Fresh Mint Recipe plays its part in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. You’ll want to find ripe butternut squash and fresh shallots to really make this pop. Pro tip: buying pre-cut butternut squash saves a lot of time and effort!

Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, and keep some extra on hand for brushing the bread.
Butternut squash: Fresh is best, but pre-cut cubes are a game changer for speed.
Dried chili flakes or cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the sweetness.
Kosher salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every component perfectly.
Shallots: Their sweetness is key to the jam’s flavor, so fresh and firm shallots are important.
Distilled white vinegar: Brings the needed tang to the sweet shallot jam.
Organic apple juice: A subtle sweetness that rounds out the jam beautifully.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps with that jammy texture.
Bread or baguette: Choose crusty bread that holds the toppings well without becoming soggy.
Ricotta or goat cheese: Creaminess is necessary here—it balances the flavor and texture.
Fresh mint: Bright and fragrant, it really adds freshness and color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Butternut Squash Crostini with Sweet Shallot Jam and Fresh Mint Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried a few twists that let you make it your own and suit different occasions or dietary preferences.

Cheese choice: I once swapped ricotta for creamy goat cheese, and it added a tangier edge that my guests adored.
Nut addition: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a great crunch and nutty flavor, perfect for holiday parties.
Spice level: If you like it spicy, try adding a pinch more cayenne or some smoked paprika to the squash for an extra layer of heat.
Vegan option: Using a plant-based cheese alternative keeps the recipe vegan without sacrificing that creamy element.

How to Make Butternut Squash Crostini with Sweet Shallot Jam and Fresh Mint Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash to Sweet Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the chili flakes (or cayenne if you prefer), and a good pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Spread the cubes out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer—crowding them will steam rather than roast, which we want to avoid. Roast for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the squash is tender and caramelized at the edges. This roasting gives it that deep, sweet flavor that’s the backbone of the dish.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Shallot Jam

While the squash roasts, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced shallots and a pinch of salt to coax out their sweetness. Stir occasionally, letting the shallots soften and brown—it takes about 10 minutes, so be patient here for the best flavor. Once softened, stir in the white vinegar, apple juice, and honey, reducing the heat to medium. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens and becomes jammy, roughly another 10 minutes. This shallot jam adds an incredible sweet and tangy base that’s truly unique.

Step 3: Toast Your Bread to Crispy Golden Crunch

Slice your bread or baguette into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Arrange them on a sheet pan and broil on high for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully to avoid burning—this step creates that perfect sturdy crunch to hold all your toppings without sogginess.

Step 4: Assemble the Crostini

When your squash is roasted, take it out and gently mash it together with the sweet shallot jam—don’t overdo it; you want some texture. Next, spread a generous layer of ricotta or goat cheese on each toasted bread slice. Top with a spoonful of the squash and shallot mixture, then sprinkle chopped fresh mint over everything. The mint adds a fresh brightness that makes every bite exciting.

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Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Crostini with Sweet Shallot Jam and Fresh Mint Recipe

Don’t Skip the Roasting: Roasting the squash brings out a depth of flavor that steaming or boiling just can’t match—it’s a game changer.
Keep an Eye on the Broiler: Crostini toast quickly and can burn in seconds; stand close and watch so you hit that perfect golden crispness.
Use Fresh Mint Generously: The fresh herb really lifts the dish from heavy to bright—don’t skimp on it!
Mash Gently for Texture: I learned not to over-mash the squash with the jam so the crostini keeps a lovely rustic feel rather than becoming mushy.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Crostini with Sweet Shallot Jam and Fresh Mint Recipe

The image shows several pieces of toasted bread topped with two visible layers: a thick white creamy spread and an orange chunky mixture with small green herb leaves scattered on top. There are two of these pieces placed on a white plate with raised ridged edges, and more pieces are arranged on a wooden board in the background. The surface beneath the plate and board is a white marbled texture with fresh green herb sprigs placed nearby, along with a white cloth with black stripes on one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish these crostini with an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a little drizzle of honey if I want to amplify the sweetness. Sometimes I add a few toasted pine nuts or a sliver of Parmesan for contrast. The fresh mint is non-negotiable for me—it makes the whole thing sing.

Side Dishes

When I serve these crostini, I love pairing them with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of butternut squash soup for a full-on autumnal vibe. They’re also fantastic alongside a charcuterie board, making a lovely vegetarian option among the meats and cheeses.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arrange these crostini on a large wooden board and scatter edible flowers and sprigs of fresh mint around for extra color. I also like serving them in small individual dishes or on a large platter with tiny spoons of shallot jam on the side so guests can build their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), keep the mashed butternut squash and shallot jam mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep toasted bread separate and assemble crostini just before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze the assembled crostini because the bread loses its crunch, but the squash and shallot jam mash freezes beautifully in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat the squash mixture, warm it gently over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Toast fresh bread slices at the last minute to keep that crisp texture. Then, assemble as usual with cheese and mint.

FAQs

Can I make the shallot jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! The shallot jam can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better after sitting a bit as the flavors meld. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
What type of bread works best for crostini?

Use a sturdy, crusty bread like a baguette or rustic country loaf. The bread should be able to hold toppings without getting soggy quickly. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread.
Can I substitute butternut squash with another squash?

Yes, other winter squashes like delicata or kabocha would work well and bring slightly different flavors. I recommend roasting them the same way for best results.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

By swapping the ricotta or goat cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative and confirming the honey substitutes, this recipe can be vegan-friendly without losing any of its deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Butternut Squash Crostini with Sweet Shallot Jam and Fresh Mint Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to appetizers, and I’m certain you’ll love it too. The combination of sweet, spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors always sparks happy faces around my table. It’s approachable to make but feels fancy enough for guests, especially during fall gatherings or cozy nights in. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine!