Butternut Squash Puff Pastry Tart with Brown Butter and Sage
Butternut Squash Puff Pastry Tart with Brown Butter and Sage is a savory and elegant dish combining flaky puff pastry, roasted sweet butternut squash, nutty brown butter, and aromatic fresh sage. This vegetarian-friendly tart offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal centerpiece for cozy gourmet meals throughout the year.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Squash and Roasting
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Puff Pastry and Toppings
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Brown the Butter with Sage: Melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Add fresh sage leaves towards the end and cook until crisp, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry Base: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Score a border around the edges without cutting through to allow the sides to rise during baking.
- Assemble the Tart: Evenly distribute the roasted butternut squash within the scored border on the puff pastry. Drizzle the browned butter and crispy sage leaves over the squash. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the tart in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are puffed and golden and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the tart to cool for a few minutes to let the flavors settle. Slice and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature puff pastry that is fully thawed but kept cool to ensure maximum flakiness and to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t skip browning the butter; it adds a rich, nutty depth that transforms the dish.
- Cut squash cubes evenly to ensure even cooking and perfect tenderness.
- Score the puff pastry border instead of cutting through to make sure the edges rise beautifully.
- Use fresh sage leaves for vibrant flavor and a crispy texture when browned in the butter.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze the unbaked tart wrapped tightly for up to one month; bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness; avoid the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of tart)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: butternut squash, puff pastry tart, brown butter, sage, vegetarian, fall recipe, appetizer, savory tart