How To Make Miniature Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese

Craving a Flavor Explosion in a Bite?

Get ready to fall in love with these Miniature Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Empanadas! They’re not just cute; they’re packed with sweet and savory goodness, all wrapped up in a perfectly flaky crust. Plus, that chipotle crema? It’s the dreamy, spicy kiss that takes them from delicious to absolutely unforgettable. These little beauties are easy to make, impressive to serve, and disappear in minutes!

Why You’ll Love It

• The perfect balance of sweet roasted butternut squash and tangy goat cheese.
• A flaky, golden-brown crust that’s satisfyingly crisp.
• The chipotle crema adds a smoky, creamy, and spicy kick that’s totally addictive.
• They’re great as appetizers, light meals, or even a fun party snack.
• They can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making them perfect for entertaining.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe isn’t just throwing some squash and cheese into a pastry. Roasting the butternut squash with a touch of maple syrup brings out its natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that complements the goat cheese beautifully. The chipotle crema is where the real magic happens – it’s made with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture, and the chipotle peppers in adobo add a smoky heat that balances the sweetness and richness of the empanadas. The combination is just pure flavor bliss!

Ingredient List

• 1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts, or empanada discs
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• For the Chipotle Crema:
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (add more or less to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pinch of salt
• Olive oil for brushing the empanadas

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Let cool slightly.
4. In a medium bowl, lightly mash the roasted butternut squash. Gently mix in the crumbled goat cheese.
5. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pie crusts. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles, about 4 inches each (or use pre-made empanada discs).
6. Place a spoonful of the butternut squash and goat cheese mixture in the center of each circle.
7. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
8. Brush each empanada with the beaten egg.
9. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. While the empanadas are baking, prepare the chipotle crema. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well.
11. Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
12. Serve the empanadas warm with the chipotle crema for dipping or drizzling.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your empanadas to the next level? Try these ideas:

• Pepitas: Sprinkle some toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) on top before baking for a little extra crunch.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley after baking for a pop of color and freshness.
• A drizzle of honey: A light drizzle of honey will add an extra touch of sweetness.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the empanadas to prevent them from bursting during baking. Just a heaping spoonful is perfect.
• Seal Well: Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas tightly with a fork to avoid the filling from leaking out.
• Even Roast: Ensure that the butternut squash pieces are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the empanadas carefully while baking to prevent them from burning, as ovens vary.
• Adjust Spice: Taste the chipotle crema and add more or less chipotle peppers to control the level of spiciness to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use different cheese?
  

  Yes, you can! Feta cheese or ricotta cheese would be great substitutes for goat cheese.

• Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?
  

  Absolutely! You can assemble the empanadas and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes of baking time if you are baking from cold.

• Can I freeze these empanadas?
  

  Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze them before baking, then bake straight from frozen, just adding about 10-15 minutes of baking time.

• Can I substitute the maple syrup?
  

  Yes, honey or brown sugar can be used as substitutes for the maple syrup for roasting the butternut squash, but will change the flavor profile slightly.

• What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for the crema?
  

  Sour cream or Mexican crema can be used instead of Greek yogurt for the chipotle crema.

Variations and Customization Options

Feel like experimenting? Here are some tasty twists:

• Add some spinach: Wilted spinach can be added to the butternut squash mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spicy Squash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butternut squash mixture for an extra kick.
• Use sweet potato: Substitute the butternut squash with sweet potato for a similar flavor profile.
• Miniature size: For a party or appetizer version, use smaller cookie cutters and make mini empanadas.
• Add a little zest: Adding a little lime or lemon zest into the filling or the crema would brighten the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

These Miniature Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering, alongside a crisp salad for a light and satisfying lunch, or even as part of a tapas-style dinner. The chipotle crema is a must for dipping or drizzling on top!

Conclusion

These Miniature Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Empanadas with Chipotle Crema are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. So, why not give them a try? Snap a picture of your creations and share them! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.

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