Butternut Squash Bites: Thanksgiving Appetizers That Will Wow Your Guests

Butternut squash is a quintessential fall flavor, and these bite-sized appetizers are a perfect way to incorporate it into your Thanksgiving celebration. These recipes are designed to be crowd-pleasers, offering a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and sometimes even spicy elements. Get ready to impress your guests with these delicious and easy-to-make butternut squash bites.

Why Butternut Squash Bites are the Perfect Thanksgiving Appetizer

Thanksgiving is a feast, and starting it right is crucial. Appetizers should be delicious, relatively light, and not too filling, allowing guests to enjoy the main course. Butternut squash bites tick all these boxes, plus they offer several other advantages:

• Seasonal Flavor: Butternut squash is synonymous with fall, making it a natural fit for Thanksgiving. Its subtle sweetness complements the other flavors of the season.
• Versatility: Butternut squash pairs well with a variety of ingredients, from savory cheeses and herbs to sweet maple syrup and cranberries. This allows for endless customization and creativity.
• Easy to Eat: Bite-sized appetizers are easy to handle and enjoy, even while mingling. They don’t require utensils and minimize mess.
• Visual Appeal: The vibrant orange color of butternut squash adds a touch of warmth and festivity to your Thanksgiving spread.
• Dietary Considerations: Butternut squash is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets.

Delicious Butternut Squash Bite Recipes

Here are several variations of butternut squash bites that are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering:

Classic Butternut Squash & Sage Bites

This recipe is a simple and elegant way to showcase the flavor of butternut squash.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Baguette slices or crackers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

4. While the squash is roasting, prepare your baguette slices or crackers. You can lightly toast them if desired.

5. Once the squash is cooked, mash it slightly with a fork.

6. Top each baguette slice or cracker with a spoonful of mashed butternut squash.

7. Sprinkle with chopped sage and Parmesan cheese (if using).

8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Butternut Squash & Cranberry Brie Bites

This recipe combines the sweetness of cranberries with the creamy richness of brie and the savory flavor of butternut squash.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked butternut squash puree
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 4 ounces brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the puff pastry sheet.

3. Cut the puff pastry into small squares (approximately 2×2 inches).

4. Place the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Top each square with a spoonful of butternut squash puree, a few chopped cranberries, and a cube of brie cheese.

6. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with egg wash.

7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.

8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Spicy Butternut Squash & Chorizo Bites

For those who enjoy a little kick, this recipe combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the spicy flavor of chorizo.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ounces chorizo sausage, removed from casings and cooked
• Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Tortilla chips or crackers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

4. While the squash is roasting, cook the chorizo sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat.

5. Once the squash is cooked, mash it slightly with a fork.

6. Top each tortilla chip or cracker with a spoonful of mashed butternut squash and a spoonful of cooked chorizo.

7. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

8. Serve immediately.

Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Crostini

This recipe is an elegant and flavorful appetizer that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cooked butternut squash puree
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Honey, for drizzling (optional)
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.

3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly toasted.

4. Let the crostini cool slightly.

5. Top each crostini with a spoonful of butternut squash puree, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pecans or walnuts.

6. Drizzle with honey (if using) and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

7. Serve immediately.

Maple Glazed Butternut Squash Skewers with Bacon

Sweet and savory combine beautifully in these easy-to-eat skewers.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 8 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Arrange bacon and squash alternately on skewers.

4. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup with a dash of pepper.

5. Brush skewers with maple glaze.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until squash is tender and bacon is crisp.

Tips for Making the Best Butternut Squash Bites

Here are some tips to help you create the perfect butternut squash bites:

• Choose the right butternut squash: Look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a deep orange color.
• Roast the squash for best flavor: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.
• Don’t overcook the squash: Overcooked squash will be mushy and difficult to work with.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final product will taste.
• Prepare ahead of time: Many of these recipes can be prepped ahead of time, making them perfect for Thanksgiving. You can roast the butternut squash a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your own unique butternut squash bites.
• Consider dietary restrictions: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions your guests may have and adjust the recipes accordingly.

Serving and Presentation

Presentation is key when it comes to appetizers. Here are some tips for serving and presenting your butternut squash bites:

• Use attractive serving dishes: Choose serving dishes that complement the color and style of your appetizers.
• Arrange the bites artfully: Take the time to arrange the bites in an attractive manner on the serving dish.
• Garnish generously: Garnishes add visual appeal and enhance the flavor of the appetizers.
• Serve at the right temperature: Serve the bites at the appropriate temperature – warm, room temperature, or chilled.
• Offer a variety of options: If you’re serving multiple appetizers, offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes.
• Label your appetizers: Label any appetizers that contain common allergens, such as nuts or dairy.
• Provide napkins and small plates: Make it easy for guests to enjoy the appetizers by providing napkins and small plates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions people ask about butternut squash:

Q: How do you peel a butternut squash easily?

A: The easiest way to peel a butternut squash is to microwave it for a few minutes to soften the skin. Then, use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the skin.

Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash?

A: Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash puree in these recipes. Just thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

Q: How long does cooked butternut squash last in the refrigerator?

A: Cooked butternut squash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze butternut squash?

A: Yes, you can freeze cooked butternut squash. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months.

Q: What are some other ways to use butternut squash?

A: Butternut squash can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, pasta dishes, and desserts.

Q: Can I make these bites ahead of time?

A: Many of these bites can be assembled partially or completely ahead of time. Those with puff pastry are best baked right before serving. For the others, assemble up to a few hours in advance and keep refrigerated.