Butternut Squash Tart with Sage is a savory and elegant dish that showcases the natural sweetness of butternut squash paired with the aromatic earthiness of fresh sage. Encased in a flaky pastry shell, this tart is perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday meals, brunches, or as a sophisticated appetizer. Its beautiful presentation and delightful combination of flavors make it a standout addition to any menu.
1.Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage leaves, finely chopped (plus additional for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup ricotta or goat cheese for added creaminess
For Garnish:
- Fresh sage leaves
- Drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze (optional)
2.Instructions
1. Prepare the Tart Crust:
a. Combine Dry Ingredients: – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
b. Cut in the Butter: – Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. – Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
c. Add Ice Water: – Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. – You may not need all the water; add just enough for the dough to hold together when pressed.
d. Form and Chill the Dough: – Gather the dough into a disk shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
- Trim any excess dough from the edges.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the weights and lining, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
3. Roast the Butternut Squash:
a. Prepare Squash: – In a large bowl, toss the peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
b. Roast: – Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. – Roast in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized. – Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Filling:
a. Sauté Aromatics: – In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. – Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. – Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh sage leaves; sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. – Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
b. Blend Ingredients: – In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted butternut squash, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, eggs, heavy cream, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and grated Parmesan cheese. – Blend until smooth and well combined. – If desired, add 1/4 cup of ricotta or goat cheese for added creaminess and blend until smooth. – Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Tart:
- Pour the butternut squash filling into the pre-baked tart crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Optionally, sprinkle a few additional fresh sage leaves on top for garnish and added flavor.
6. Bake the Tart:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the tart for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is slightly golden.
- If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes.
- Once cooled, remove the tart from the pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
7. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh sage leaves and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze if desired.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
3.Tips for Success
- Chilling the Dough: Ensure the tart dough is well-chilled before rolling to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to handle. Cold butter creates a flaky crust.
- Preventing Soggy Crust: Blind baking the crust fully before adding the filling helps prevent it from becoming soggy. Using pie weights ensures the crust maintains its shape.
- Uniform Squash Cubes: Cut the butternut squash into uniform cubes to ensure even roasting and a consistent texture in the filling.
- Flavor Depth: Adding fresh sage to both the filling and as a garnish enhances the overall flavor profile, complementing the sweetness of the butternut squash.
- Mix-ins: For added texture, consider folding in toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling before pouring it into the crust.
- Freezing: This tart can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4.Variations
- Goat Cheese and Sage: Substitute Parmesan cheese with goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with sage.
- Herb Infusion: Add other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for a more complex herbal note.
- Spiced Nuts: Incorporate spiced, toasted nuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of maple syrup or honey to the filling for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Vegan Option: Use a vegan tart crust, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives, use silken tofu or cashew cream for the filling, and replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute.
- Gluten-Free Tart: Use a gluten-free flour blend or gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
5.Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
6.Background & Popularity
Butternut Squash Tart with Sage is a harmonious blend of seasonal ingredients that celebrate the flavors of autumn. Butternut squash, with its sweet and nutty profile, is a staple in fall cuisine, often featured in soups, roasts, and baked goods. Sage, an aromatic herb, complements the squash by adding a savory depth that balances the dish’s inherent sweetness.
The tart format offers an elegant and versatile way to present these ingredients, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and formal gatherings. Its beautiful presentation, with the golden crust and vibrant filling, makes it a visually appealing centerpiece on any table.
This dish has gained popularity due to its adaptability and the increasing trend of incorporating vegetables into savory tarts and pies. It caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan (with modifications), and gluten-free diets, broadening its appeal.
Moreover, the combination of textures—from the crisp pastry crust to the creamy, smooth filling—provides a satisfying eating experience that resonates with many. The use of fresh herbs like sage also aligns with the farm-to-table movement, emphasizing the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Butternut Squash Tart with Sage continues to be a beloved dish as it embodies the essence of comfort food while offering sophistication and versatility. Whether served as a main course alongside salads and roasted vegetables or as an appetizer for larger gatherings, this tart remains a favorite for its delightful flavors and elegant presentation.
Angel Food Cake PanWhether you’re an experienced chef looking to expand your savory dessert repertoire or a home cook eager to create a stunning and delicious dish, Butternut Squash Tart with Sage offers a perfect balance of ease and sophistication. Its rich flavors, comforting warmth, and beautiful presentation are sure to make it a cherished addition to your culinary creations.