A creamy take on this classic appetizer! Made with french bread, a butternut squash puree, a cheesy pesto, creamy ricotta, and topped with blueberries, this dish delivers elegance and the perfect bite of flavour.
SERVES
4
Ingredients
Bruschetta
4 slices French bread (1-inch thick)
Extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 cloves garlic
Butternut Squash Puree
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Kosher salt and ground black pepper to season, plus more for garnish
Pesto
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons walnuts
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Ricotta
1 cup whole milk ricotta
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
Garnish
1 cup blueberries or blackberries, halved, for garnish
Fresh basil leaves, hand torn, for garnish
Directions
Bruschetta
Preheat the oven to 425° F.
Place the slices of bread onto a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Toast on the center rack until golden, 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Rub the tops of the bread with the garlic cloves. Set aside for serving.
Butternut Squash Puree
In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine the butter, butternut squash, and season with salt and ground black pepper. Cook until the butternut squash is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Transfer to a food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside for serving.
Pesto
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, grated Parmesan, olive oil, walnuts, garlic, black pepper and kosher salt and blend until mostly smooth.
Set aside for serving.
Ricotta
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta, lemon juice, and honey until very smooth. Set aside for serving.
Assemble
Divide and spread the ricotta onto each bruschetta.
Followed by a layer of pesto and butternut squash puree.
Garnish with blueberries, fresh basil, ground black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.