ABC Kitchen’s Butternut Squash on Toast Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Serves a Crowd

by: Kenzi Wilbur

October1,2014

4.5

10 Ratings

  • Serves Serves 4 to 6, with leftover squash

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Author Notes

This recipe’s bones come from ABC Kitchen in New York, and it’s too good not to share here. I’ve adapted it a bit, both in cooking method and in type of squash -- feel free to roast your squash instead of the way I do it, and also feel free to swap in another kind of winter squash. No one will be worse off for it. Whatever you do, don’t forget the chile -- without it, the squash tends to skew sweet. —Kenzi Wilbur

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

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ABC Kitchen’s Butternut Squash onToast

Ingredients
  • one 3-pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cupextra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/2 teaspoondried chile flakes, more to taste
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1 yellow onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cupapple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cupmaple syrup
  • 1 large loaf of Pugliese, or smaller, thick slices country bread
  • 1 heaping cup ricotta
  • Flaky salt, for finishing
  • 1/4 cupchopped mint
Directions
  1. Dump the squash into a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven, add a 1/4 cup of olive oil, the chile flakes, and a hefty, 3-finger pinch of salt. Place the pan over medium-high heat, and cover it. Cook until the squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes, lifting the lid occasionally to stir. (As per Amanda Hesser's method, the idea is that the squash quickly sauté and steam.) Adjust the heat if necessary so the squash doesn’t burn. (Alternatively, you can roast your squash at 425° F until tender.)
  2. While the squash is cooking, make the onion jam: In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of oil over medium heat, and add the onions, stirring, and cook until they begin to soften and darken, about 15 minutes. Add the vinegar and syrup, and reduce until everything is jammy. Depending on the surface area of your pan, this could take as little as 15 minutes or as long as 30. When it looks as though it’s ready to be spread on toast and it tastes tart-sweet, it’s ready.
  3. Add the onion mixture to the cooked squash, stirring gently so as to preserve a few chunks of squash. Taste, and season with salt or more chile if needed -- the mixture should have a nice heat.
  4. Cut your loaf of bread in half along its equator, and lightly toast the bottom half. (If you’re using smaller slices, don’t worry about this step!) Save the top for all manner of things: breadcrumbs, croutons, cheese…
  5. Spread a thick layer of ricotta on the bread, and then the same of the squash-onion mixture. Sprinkle with a bit of flaky salt and a bit of olive oil, then scatter the chopped mint on top.

Tags:

  • Sandwich
  • Toast
  • American
  • Vegetable
  • Mint
  • Vinegar
  • Serves a Crowd
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Christmas
  • Thanksgiving
  • Appetizer

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Alma Delucchi

  • Nancy

  • Cheryl

  • Amanda Newman

  • Erika Mayo

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26 Reviews

ARay May 10, 2020

Utter perfection. This method of doing squash on the stove is genius--a repeat! I agree with the reviewer below who mentions maybe dropping the olive oil a wee bit, and, I skipped the drizzle entirely and it was outrageously good. I also think it can take being very heavy-handed with the red pepper flakes. I swapped mint for sage and it was delightful.

Alma D. July 9, 2019

Thanks for this recipe. I’m an avocado toast fan. I had a beet toast recently but I was disappointed. I have some fresh baked sweet potatoes so I thought this recipe might work with those. I’ll try and report back.

Mica G. October 9, 2018

This was so dang delicious, I used the garlic naan from trader joes as my base and switched the ricotta for goat cheese (cause I already had it on hand). They were more like individual pizzas than an app. It was a HUGE hit, everyone kept telling me how yummy it was. Will make again, maybe next time with sage instead of mint:)

ghainskom November 15, 2017

Chili is a must. Harmonizes well with the ricotta. Great for breakfast.

Nancy December 8, 2016

Completely agree with Karen, this was a knockout. People kinda grumbled at first (squash haters!) and were then blown away. I made it a day ahead. Next time I will freeze it, great idea! I think the mint is a must so don't skip that. Making again for Christmas apps. I just love this recipe!

Karen D. November 25, 2016

Literally one of the best things I've ever made. I made the topping 2 weeks ahead and froze it. I don't even like squash all that much and it was wonderful. Making it again for a second Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday

Nancy November 15, 2016

Please! Any reason this couldn't be made a few days ahead? This sounds so amazing but I have no last minute time this year!

Kenzi W. November 15, 2016

Yes! I've made the squash mixture up to two days ahead before.

Nancy November 15, 2016

Wow Thank you for the quick reply!

Kenzi W. November 15, 2016

Here for you :)

Cheryl November 13, 2016

Totally delicious. Can't wait for a second serving. I already had roasted Delicata squash in the refrig. Made the onion jam and subbed Agave for maple syrup. Next time I would use just 1 Tbsp. Agave. Put red pepper flakes in the onion jam and when done, mixed in the squash to heat it. I had vegan cashew cream/creme fraiche previous prepared so used that for the cheese. No mint, which I'm sure would be good. I read that sliced green onions would be good to sprinkle on top. My bread was GF: Whole Foods Prarie Bread, which is substantial when toasted. Yum!

Cheryl November 13, 2016

Oh dear. I posted this in the wrong recipe: meant to post in: ABC Kitchen’s Butternut Squash on Toast

Cheryl December 6, 2016

Next time I would caramelize onions in about 2 Tbsp oil and cook on low heat.

Amanda N. October 5, 2016

Anybody have any ideas of a vegan substitute that would work instead of the ricotta? Thanks!

Cheryl November 13, 2016

I know there are commercially prepared vegan cheeses, including ricotta. You can also make your own cashew cream or cashew creme fraiche (I probably got this from somewhere on this site).
2 cups raw cashews
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1.the day before using, put the cashews in a bowl and add enough cold water to cover them. Cover and let soak overnight in the refrigerator.
2.Drain the soaked cashews, rinse under cold water and drain again.
3.Transfer to a blender. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, water and salt and process until smooth. The mixture will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I find it is better the next day when flavors have blended.

Erika M. November 23, 2015

I love this recipe! I made loads of it as a snack/side dish for a party—it looked and tasted professional. Leftovers for breakfast? Yes, please.

andrea S. January 5, 2015

This is nearly the same as SmittenKitchen's recipe, however she roasts in the oven for a good carmalized flavor. Yours and her pictures are even very similar (I thought this was a link to her recipe at first)

Kenzi W. January 5, 2015

Hi Andrea,
This recipe actually comes from neither of us -- it's from Dan Kluger at ABC Kitchen, with very slight adaptations. And it's been circling the internet for quite some time now -- we're both just faithful toast disciples.

sarah S. December 31, 2014

This is so yummy! But, after having made it, I think that there is way too much oil in it. I would recommend roasting the squash in the oven instead, so that you seriously cut down on the oil level.

Smaug November 11, 2016

No reason you couldn't do it stovetop with much less oil- you might have to be a little more careful about the temperature.

Rachel C. December 20, 2014

This is the best. I made it for dinner for 2 of us and it lasted for a few meals, getting better each tip. About to make it on small toasts for a party!

Natalie B. December 2, 2014

Soooo good!

chez_mere November 8, 2014

Just made this and wow!! Loved it. I couldn’t make up my mind on what cheese to use, so I stirred a little feta into my whole-milk ricotta (I’ve finally come to realize it isn’t worth it to buy anything else), along with just a wee bit of fresh sage. It is a squash dish after all! Excellent meal for the harried med student, and a nice addition to my collection of “Things on Toast for Dinner” recipes

lydiaencyclopda October 28, 2014

Made this for dinner recently and drizzled chile oil on top. Later I repurposed the leftover squash in The Minimalist Baker's vegan pot pie recipe -- it was absolutely delicious with a nice kick. This is a recipe worth writing down for the recipe box.

LauriL October 26, 2014

I hate when squash skews sweet...chile flakes are my friend(s).

jamcook October 1, 2014

Hi Kenzi, I can't wait to try this. Martha Stewart has a similar recipe called "Spicy Squash Pasta" which is served over spaghetti ( which is sort of like toast, right? ) with some ricotta on the side. Toast is ,of coarse, a crunchier profile.

ABC Kitchen’s Butternut Squash on Toast Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

ABC Kitchen’s Butternut Squash on Toast Recipe on Food52? ›

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? He first tosses the butternut squash in oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper and then cooks it in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? He first tosses the butternut squash in oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper and then cooks it in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes.

How do you roast butternut squash Jamie Oliver? ›

Method. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Wash and dry the whole squash, then place on a baking tray. Pierce once or twice with the tip of a sharp knife, then bake in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until golden and very soft.

How to cook butternut squash Paula Deen? ›

directions
  1. In a medium saucepan combine squash, onions, carrots,broth, and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.
  2. Puree soup in a blender or food processor with the butter. Whisk cream into soup. Serve in wide, shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

How to roast butternut squash Nigel Slater? ›

Set the oven at 180C fan/gas mark 6. Cut the squashes in half and use a spoon to remove the seeds and fibres. Place the squash hollow side up in a roasting tin, then divide the butter and thyme between them. Season with salt and black pepper and bake the squashes for 40 minutes until the flesh is soft and giving.

Do you cook butternut squash cut side up or down? ›

Cooking butternut squash halves
  1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Cut off ¼" from the top and bottom of the butternut squash. ...
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the butternut squash halves cut side down. Bake for 50-60minute or until tender.
Oct 23, 2021

Why is my roasted butternut squash mushy? ›

Squashes behave very differently when cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Generally, a squash that is roasted in the oven is going to have a much softer texture, one that can get mushy if mixed with other ingredients, but making it ideal for a purée, soup, or being mashed.

Why is my roasted butternut squash watery? ›

The key to avoiding watery butternut squash is to roast it rather than steam it. Steaming butternut squash causes the vegetable to absorb more water and doesn't impart much flavor. Roasting the squash prevents this and caramelizes the vegetable's natural sugars, adding another layer of flavor to your dish.

How do you know when butternut squash is done roasting? ›

Butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes, should be perfectly roasted after about 25 to 35 minutes in an oven heated to 400 degrees F. When it's done, the squash should be lightly browned and easily pierced with a fork.

What are 3 ways you can eat butternut squash? ›

7 ways to cook with butternut squash
  • Butternut squash soup. ...
  • Spicy squash and spinach soup. ...
  • Roasted butternut squash. ...
  • Butternut squash laksa. ...
  • Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce with roast vegetables and chickpeas. ...
  • Beef and butternut squash moussaka. ...
  • Chilled toffee apple creams.

Should you wash butternut squash before cooking? ›

That's why it's important that you wash all winter squash with warm water and soap before you place it on the cutting board for prep. When you place an unwashed squash on your cutting board or cut through the potentially contaminated surface with your knife, you're pulling germs right into the part you're going to eat.

Can you leave the skin on butternut squash when roasting? ›

You can either roast butternut squash in its skin, halved, or cut into wedges. It can be served stuffed as a stunning main, as a simple side dish, stirred into risottos, pasta or salads, or blitzed into a soup. By peeling and dicing, the cubes of squash will become more caramelised, with plenty of texture.

Can I eat the skin of roasted butternut squash? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

How do you cook Ina Garten acorn squash? ›

Place 1/2 tablespoon butter and ½ tablespoon maple syrup in the cavity of each squash. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle the squash with 3 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 40-60 minutes, depending on the size of the squash, until tender when pierced with a small knife.

Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash? ›

Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior.

Does butternut squash need to be peeled before cooking? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups.

How should the butternut be prepared for cooking? ›

How to Prep and Cook Butternut Squash
  1. Unpeeled, cut in half and baked face down on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper is by far the easiest. You don't even need to remove the seeds before cooking. ...
  2. Peel the uncooked squash (carefully), remove the seedy pulp, and then cut into slices or cubes.
Jan 10, 2024

Is it better to steam or boil butternut squash? ›

The squash also retains most of its nutrients when it is steamed and has a wonderfully sweet butternuttiness to it. Steamed butternut can also be used in a variety of ways – added to salads, mashed, puréed or enjoyed as is with a simple seasoning of your choice.

What is the best way to can butternut squash? ›

Caution: do not mash or puree!

To can pumpkin or squash: Cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes. Boil the cubes in water for 2 minutes. Fill the jars with cubes and cooking liquid, leaving 1-inch of headspace.

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