Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette
If you’ve been dreaming of a dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with fall flavors, then you’re in for a treat with this Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette. This rustic, flaky tart combines the sweet tenderness of roasted butternut squash with a golden Parmesan crust that’s perfectly crunchy. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for cozy dinners or holiday feasts, offering a luscious balance of savory and subtle sweetness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet impressive: The Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette looks gourmet but comes together with basic ingredients and easy steps.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a festive gathering, this dish fits right in with its elegant look and comforting flavors.
- Balanced textures: Enjoy the crisp, salty Parmesan crust paired with the creamy, tender roasted squash inside.
- Versatile and customizable: This galette is a culinary canvas, ready to adapt with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or seasonal veggies.
- Vegetarian and crowd-pleasing: It’s a great plant-based option that satisfies meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette is all about combining a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each play a vital role. The ingredients blend fresh fall flavors with a crispy, cheesy crust that’s utterly irresistible.
- Butternut Squash: Peeled, sliced thinly to ensure it roasts evenly and melts into creamy sweetness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that rich, nutty crust that browns to perfection.
- Pie Dough: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade dough to create the golden, flaky base.
- Olive Oil: Brushed on the squash and crust for a lovely golden finish and enhanced flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme or sage work beautifully to complement the squash’s natural sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the best in every component.
- Garlic: Minced or powdered, it adds an aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
Variations for Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette
One of the best parts about the Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap ingredients for dietary needs or add a unique twist, these variations will help inspire your creativity.
- Cheese swaps: Try Gruyere or fontina instead of Parmesan for a different creamy, melty crust.
- Add greens: Incorporate sautéed spinach or kale for added color and nutrients.
- Nuts and seeds: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the squash for a subtle kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pie crust to make this delicious galette accessible to all.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
Start by peeling and thinly slicing the butternut squash to about 1/8 inch thick so it roasts quickly and evenly. Toss the slices with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs. This step enhances the natural sweetness and ensures the squash melds beautifully with the crust.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pie dough into a roughly 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy handling. Be sure to keep the edges slightly thicker for folding later.
Step 3: Layer the Squash and Cheese
Sprinkle a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese across the dough’s surface, leaving about a 2-inch border free from cheese. Arrange the seasoned butternut squash slices in a single layer on top of the cheese, overlapping slightly for a full, even cover.
Step 4: Fold and Crimp the Edges
Carefully fold the edges of the dough up over the squash, creating pleats and leaving the center exposed. This rustic fold captures moisture and keeps the cheese and squash snugly in place while baking.
Step 5: Add the Final Parmesan Crust
Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with extra Parmesan cheese. This final step guarantees a beautifully golden, crispy crust with an irresistible cheese crunch.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the galette in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the squash is tender. Let the galette cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette
- Use room temperature dough: Allows for easier rolling and folding without cracking the pie crust.
- Slice squash uniformly: Thin, even slices roast uniformly, preventing any raw or overcooked spots.
- Don’t overload the filling: Enough squash to cover but avoid piling too high to keep the crust crisp.
- Chill before baking: Refrigerate the assembled galette for 15 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.
- Opt for freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that affect melting and browning.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette
Garnishes
Finish your galette with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a sharp contrast that elevates the subtle sweetness of the squash.
Side Dishes
This galette pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or a warm bowl of soup to round out a comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve this galette sliced into small wedges on a wooden board with a handful of roasted nuts and fresh herbs for an inviting rustic look everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing its texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled galette by wrapping it well in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh the crunchy crust and warm the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash for this galette?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes, acorn squash, or delicata squash all make delicious alternatives that maintain the texture and sweetness you expect.
Is the Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products, making it perfect for meat-free meals.
Can I make the pie dough from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and is easy to make with flour, butter, salt, and ice water.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Slicing the squash thinly and pre-roasting or seasoning it with oil helps reduce moisture. Also, chilling the galette before baking creates a crisp crust.
What drinks pair well with this galette?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity red like Pinot Noir complements the galette beautifully, as do herbal teas for a non-alcoholic option.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette is like welcoming a warm hug in slice form. The combination of crispy, cheesy edges with the soft, flavorful squash inside creates a memorable dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply craving a cozy meal, this galette is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every time.
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Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette
A rustic and flaky Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash Galette combining thinly sliced roasted butternut squash with a crispy, golden Parmesan cheese crust. This elegant yet simple savory tart is perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions, delivering a delightful balance of creamy sweetness and savory, cheesy crunch in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Fall Seasonal
- Diet: Vegetarian (optionally Gluten Free if gluten-free crust is used)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick), quantity as needed for a 12-inch galette
- Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated, about 1 to 1 ½ cups
- Pie Dough: 1 batch of store-bought or homemade dough (enough to roll into a 12-inch circle)
- Olive Oil: for tossing squash and brushing crust, about 2-3 tablespoons
- Fresh Herbs (thyme or sage): 1 to 2 teaspoons, chopped or whole leaves
- Salt: to taste, about ½ to 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: freshly ground, to taste, about ¼ teaspoon
- Garlic (minced or powdered): 1 to 2 cloves minced or ½ teaspoon powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel and slice the butternut squash thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even roasting. Toss the slices in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. This seasoning enhances the natural sweetness and melds the flavors with the crust.
- Roll Out the Pie Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pie dough into a rough 12-inch circle, keeping the edges slightly thicker for folding. Transfer the dough carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy handling.
- Layer the Squash and Cheese: Evenly sprinkle a generous layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the dough, leaving a 2-inch border free of cheese. Arrange the seasoned squash slices on top in a single overlapping layer.
- Fold and Crimp the Edges: Fold the edges of the dough up over the squash to form rustic pleats, leaving the center exposed. This helps trap moisture and keeps the filling secure during baking.
- Add the Final Parmesan Crust: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. This step creates a beautifully golden, crispy crust with a cheesy crunch.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the galette in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the squash is tender. Let the galette cool a few minutes before slicing so the filling sets perfectly.
Notes
- Use room temperature dough for easier rolling and folding without cracking.
- Slice the squash uniformly thin to ensure even roasting and texture.
- Avoid overloading the filling to keep the crust crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Refrigerate the assembled galette for 15 minutes before baking to maintain its shape.
- Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of galette)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Parmesan crust, butternut squash galette, fall recipe, cheesy tart, vegetarian appetizer, flaky pie crust, roasted squash
