These Roasted Butternut and Bacon Toast are the perfect light meal or appetizer full of the flavors of fall. . I love how simple they are to put together, but still have a great depth of flavor!
What Makes This Simple Dish So Good?
The sweetness and texture of the butternut pair perfectly with the salty bacon and garlic herbs spread.
Also, this dish is really quick to put together. I know the butternut takes a bit to roast, but even with that, this dish is very simple.
Another thing I love is this dish really celebrates the fall flavors. It can also be made with pumpkin or other winter squash as well.
It is a favorite light meal of ours. It certainly seems like an appetizer, but we also love it for a light meal.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash- you can also buy this cubed if you want. I will show you below how to cube on your own if you want to learn!
- Bacon- Use the kind you prefer.
- Spread- I used Rondele Garlic and Herb spread, but you can always use an herb cream cheese, or just butter
- Bread- Sourdough is my go-to, but use any bread of choice. I recommend a heartier more substantial bread, sorry Wonderbread fans...
Roasting Butternut Cubes
Butternut squash is easy to buy prepped, cubed, and ready to go. If you need a shortcut, take this one! I had the time, and the butternut squash whole, so I diced my own. I only used the neck for this batch though, as I wasn't making that many.
All you need to do is cut the neck off, then peel with a veggie peeler. That sounds gruesome, doesn't it? Well, it's only squash, we are okay! :)I cut mine into dice about ½ inch. You can cut it larger or smaller if you prefer. I just liked this size on the toast I was planning.
Drizzle the cubed butternut with olive oil. Then sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I mean, you don't have to use the parchment, but clean up is so much easier if you do! Bake at 425 degrees until the butternut is tender and golden brown.
Bacon Recommendations And Prep
Now on to the bacon. We love thick-cut peppered bacon pepper bacon. This of course if a personal preference.
You could also use turkey bacon, or even vegetarian or vegan bacon if you prefer.
Cut it into small chunks. Mine were about ¾ inch. Actually, who am I to tell you how to cut your bacon? Cut it to the size you want!
Then fry up that bacon until crispy.
What Bread Should I Use?
I used whole wheat sourdough for my bread. You can use whatever you prefer. You could even use a good, hearty cracker if you prefer.
I sliced mine fairly thick and toasted it in the broiler.
Putting The Butternut and Bacon Toasties Together
I spread my toast with Rondele's garlic and herb spread after toasting. This isn't necessary, but I loved the flavor.
Top with the roasted butternut cubes and the crispy bacon. I then drizzled with a little more olive oil and a good sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
See, I told you this recipe was so simple!!
Other Appetizer Ideas
- Filet and Burrata Crostini– If Crostini are your thing, you are going to love this crostini!
- Marinated Feta– I love serving this marinated feta on appetizer platters. Plus, it is make-ahead, so super simple to do!
- Roasted Tomato Caprese– One of my all-time favorite hot appetizers. It is so simple to make and delicious.
- Healthy Broccoli and Cheese Bites– If you are looking for a healthy appetizer option, how about these tasty little bites??
- Shrimp and Avocado Crostini- I love these tasty little bites. Another app that makes a great light meal.
- Asparagus wrapped in Puff pastry– I can eat so many of these, I really should make it a meal
Roasted Butternut Squash and Crispy Bacon Toasties
Ingredients
- 8 slices sourdough or other bread of choice
- 3-4 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oiil plus more for brushing after baking
- salt and pepper
- 3 slices thick cut pepper bacon If you prefer another bacon, you can use that!
- ¼ cup garlic herb spread This is optional, but tastes really good!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside. This step isn't necessary, but makes cleanup so much easier! Drizzle the butternut cubes with olive oil. Mix well. Spread on baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in oven. Bake until the butternut squash is tender. While the squash is baking, start frying your bacon. I cut my bacon into small ¾ inch chunks. You can cut your bacon bigger or smaller, this is a personal preference. Add to a heated frying pan over medium heat. Cook your bacon. I like mine crispy, so I cooked mine to this point. If you aren't into crispy cook for a little less time. Take your bread slices and cut in half. You can leave them whole if you prefer, but I used this for an appetizer, so I wanted smaller pieces. I chose to toast my sourdough, but again this is optional. Once it is toasted, everything should be ready, so let's start putting it together!Spread the spread onto your toasties. Top with the roasted butternut squash, then add your bacon. Now, top the toasties with a light drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with a touch more ground black pepper. That's it. These are ready to go!Now, these are best made and eaten the day of. You can serve the next day, but quality definetly isn't what it should be!Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!