unusual christmas side dishes

Step up your Christmas side dishes this year with a Roasted Butternut Squash and Chestnut Tart featuring sage and blue cheese. This unusual christmas side dishes recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the earthy richness of chestnuts and a pop of savory blue cheese. The crispy tart crust brings it all together, while sage adds a festive touch to create a holiday side that’s both comforting and memorable.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Chestnut Tart with Sage and Blue Cheese

Andrea

The Roasted Butternut Squash and Chestnut Tart with Sage and Blue Cheese is an unforgettable Christmas side dish. It combines the sweet, nutty flavors of squash and chestnuts with the savory richness of blue cheese and fragrant sage. Baked in a flaky tart crust, this deliciously unique recipe makes the perfect holiday complement to your main dishes.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 300g butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 150g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
• 100g blue cheese, crumbled
• 1 sheet of puff pastry (approximately 320g)
• 50g unsalted butter
• 20g fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
• 30ml maple syrup
• 15ml balsamic vinegar
• 5g salt
• 3g black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
• In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
• While the squash is roasting, melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter is lightly browned and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar.
• Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Score a 2cm border around the edge of the pastry with a knife, being careful not to cut all the way through. Prick the inner rectangle with a fork.
• Brush the border with beaten egg.
• Spread the roasted butternut squash evenly over the inner rectangle of the pastry.
• Sprinkle the chopped chestnuts and crumbled blue cheese over the squash.
• Drizzle the sage brown butter over the tart, followed by the maple-balsamic mixture.
• Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Here are some creative variations for the Roasted Butternut Squash and Chestnut Tart with Sage and Blue Cheese recipe that incorporate different flavors and ingredients:

1. Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Tart
   • Replace blue cheese with 100g of soft goat cheese for a milder flavor.
   • Add 150g of caramelized onions to the filling for sweetness.
   • Drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving.
2. Butternut Squash and Feta Tart with Spinach
   • Substitute blue cheese with 100g of crumbled feta cheese.
   • Add 100g of fresh spinach to the roasted butternut squash mixture.
   • Season with oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
3. Mushroom and Thyme Tart
   • Replace chestnuts with 150g of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
   • Add fresh thyme (10g) to the filling for aromatic depth.
   • Use Gruyère cheese instead of blue cheese for a nutty taste.
4. Spicy Butternut Squash and Chipotle Tart
   • Mix in 5g of chipotle powder or diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for heat.
   • Top with a sprinkle of smoked paprika before baking for an extra smoky flavor.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro after baking.
5. Sweet Potato and Maple Tart
   • Substitute butternut squash with 300g of roasted sweet potatoes.
   • Add 30ml of maple syrup to the filling for sweetness.
   • Top with toasted pecans instead of chestnuts for crunch.
6. Curried Butternut Squash Tart
   • Add 10g of curry powder to the roasted butternut squash mixture for a warm spice flavor.
   • Incorporate coconut milk (100ml) instead of some butter in the filling for creaminess.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
7. Herbed Ricotta and Butternut Squash Tart
   • Replace blue cheese with 200g of ricotta cheese mixed with fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme).
   • Add a layer of thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant on top before baking.
   • Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
8. Mediterranean Butternut Squash Tart
   • Add sun-dried tomatoes (50g) and olives (50g) to the filling for a Mediterranean twist.
   • Use Parmesan cheese instead of blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
   • Top with arugula or mixed greens before serving.

These variations allow you to explore different flavor profiles while maintaining the essence of the original tart, making each dish unique and delightful!

Keyword christmas appetizer, unusual christmas side dish

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.