Savory Acorn Squash Tart with Maple Thyme Glaze and Crispy Pecans
Get ready to cozy up with this Savory Acorn Squash Tart! Sweet, nutty squash, a rich maple thyme glaze, and the crunch of crispy pecans—it's autumn on a plate. Whether for a festive feast or a dinner to impress, this tart will steal the show. Let’s bake some magic together!
5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
- •1 acorn squash, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
- •1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •2 tablespoons maple syrup
- •1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- •1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- •1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- •1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Place the thinly sliced acorn squash in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- 3
Spread the seasoned squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly.
- 4
While the squash roasts, prepare the maple thyme glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the maple syrup and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- 5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edges with a knife without cutting through the pastry, then use a fork to prick the center area to prevent it from puffing too much.
- 6
Brush the center of the pastry with a thin layer of the maple thyme glaze, reserving some glaze for later.
- 7
Layer the roasted acorn squash slices evenly over the pastry, keeping them within the scored border. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese (if using) and the chopped pecans over the top.
- 8
Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- 9
Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
- 10
Remove the tart from the oven, drizzle the remaining maple thyme glaze over the top, and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
320 calories
Protein
4g
Carbs
35g
Fat
18g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of squash instead of acorn squash?
A: Yes, you can substitute acorn squash with other varieties like butternut squash or delicata squash. Just ensure the slices are thin and evenly sized so they roast properly. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the squash you choose.
Q: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the roasted squash and maple thyme glaze up to 24 hours in advance. Store the roasted squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat slightly before assembling the tart. The puff pastry should be assembled and baked fresh for the best texture.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for goat cheese?
A: If you don't have goat cheese or prefer a different option, you can use feta cheese, ricotta, or even a dollop of cream cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, try sprinkling nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or omit the cheese entirely.
Q: How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
A: To avoid soggy puff pastry, make sure the roasted squash is not overly wet. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel if needed before layering them on the pastry. Additionally, lightly pricking the center of the pastry with a fork and brushing it with the glaze will help maintain a crisp texture.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispiness of the puff pastry. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Q: Can I make this tart vegan?
A: Yes, with a few substitutions. Use a vegan puff pastry (check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain butter), replace the butter in the glaze with a plant-based alternative, and omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese option. For the egg wash, you can brush the pastry edges with a mixture of plant-based milk and a little maple syrup for a golden finish.
Q: What can I serve with this tart?
A: This tart pairs well with a fresh green salad, such as one with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, dressed with a light vinaigrette. It also works beautifully as a side dish for a larger meal or as part of a brunch spread alongside roasted vegetables or a bowl of hearty soup.
Make This Recipe Your Own
AI Chef Assistant
Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef
Smart Scaling
Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs
Ingredient Swaps
Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions
Search for "Savory Acorn Squash Tart with Maple Thyme Glaze and Crispy Pecans" in the DigiDish app to get started!
More Recipes You'll Love
Get ready to wow your taste buds! This Grilled Nectarine Caprese is a fresh twist on a classic, pairing smoky-sweet nect...
Fire up those taste buds because this grilled lemon herb halibut is a flavor fiesta you don’t want to miss! Paired with ...
Ready to bowl over your taste buds? This Savory Coconut Kale and Lentil Bowl is a hearty, flavor-packed meal topped with...
Ready to fire up the grill? These Spicy Honey Lime Tofu Skewers are a flavor explosion! Sweet grilled pineapple meets ze...
Get ready to dazzle your taste buds! These crispy chickpea cakes are golden perfection, paired with tangy sumac yogurt a...