Pomegranate & Butternut Squash Tart with Ricotta – Festive Recipe

A vibrant holiday tart featuring sweet roasted butternut squash, creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and ruby-red pomegranate arils on a flaky puff pastry base.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed and roasted
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Score a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Bake the pastry for 10 minutes, then press down the center with a fork to create a base.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the tart base.
5. Arrange the roasted butternut squash cubes on top of the ricotta layer.
6. Bake the tart for an additional 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and puffed.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with pomegranate arils and fresh thyme leaves. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

this RECIPE

Helpful Tips for Pomegranate & Roasted Butternut Squash Tart with Ricotta and Herbs

1. Roasting Perfection:
   • To enhance the flavor, roast the butternut squash with olive oil, a pinch of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. This adds a caramelized sweetness that complements the tart.
2. Prevent a Soggy Crust:
   • Brush the puff pastry base with a beaten egg or a thin layer of ricotta before baking to create a moisture barrier.
3. Even Cubes for Roasting:
   • Cut the butternut squash into evenly-sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
4. Ricotta Mixture:
   • For a creamier texture, whip the ricotta before spreading it onto the tart base. Add a splash of heavy cream if needed.
5. Pomegranate Tip:
   • To easily deseed a pomegranate, cut it in half and gently tap the back with a spoon over a bowl. The seeds will fall out without the bitter pith.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

1. Butternut Squash:
   • Substitute with sweet potatoes, acorn squash, or roasted carrots for a similar sweetness and texture.
2. Ricotta Cheese:
   • Use goat cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone for a richer and tangier flavor profile.
3. Puff Pastry:
   • Replace with a shortcrust pastry or phyllo dough for a different texture.
4. Pomegranate Seeds:
   • Try dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or fresh red currants as a fruity alternative.
5. Fresh Thyme:
   • Swap with rosemary, sage, or parsley for a slightly different herbal note.

Variations:

1. Savory Twist:
   • Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for a deeper, umami flavor.
2. Cheesy Upgrade:
   • Sprinkle the tart with grated Gruyère or Parmesan for an extra cheesy layer.
3. Nutty Addition:
   • Top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds for a crunchy texture.
4. Seasonal Touch:
   • Incorporate roasted cranberries or figs for a festive holiday variation.
5. Mediterranean Flair:
   • Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of za’atar for a Mediterranean-inspired tart.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart shell and roast the butternut squash up to 1 day ahead. Store the baked tart shell in an airtight container at room temperature and the roasted squash in the refrigerator. Assemble the tart with ricotta and toppings just before serving to maintain freshness.

2. Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Absolutely! Thaw the frozen butternut squash and pat it dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture in the tart.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free puff pastry or substitute the base with a gluten-free tart crust. Ensure all other ingredients, such as ricotta, are labeled gluten-free.

4. What other herbs work well in this tart?

Fresh rosemary, sage, or parsley are excellent alternatives to thyme. Each herb brings a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the squash and ricotta.

Relevant Recipes

Explore these similar recipes for more inspiration and delightful variations:

1. Herbed Ricotta Tart by David Lebovitz
   A classic tart featuring herbed ricotta, perfect for a savory and elegant meal.
2. Herbed Ricotta Tart by Food and Journeys
   A Mediterranean-inspired ricotta tart filled with fresh herbs for a simple yet delicious dish.
3. Herbed Ricotta & Tomato Tart by Beyond Sweet and Savory
   A flavorful tart that combines herbed ricotta with roasted tomatoes for a vibrant, colorful presentation.

Pomegranate & Butternut Squash Tart with Ricotta – Festive Recipe

---

★★★★

4 from 1 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A vibrant holiday tart featuring sweet roasted butternut squash, creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and ruby-red pomegranate arils on a flaky puff pastry base.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed and roasted
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

---

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Score a 1-inch border around the edges.
• Bake the pastry for 10 minutes, then press down the center with a fork to create a base.
• In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the tart base.
• Arrange the roasted butternut squash cubes on top of the ricotta layer.
• Bake the tart for an additional 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and puffed.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with pomegranate arils and fresh thyme leaves. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

See also  Fig & Prosciutto Ricotta Towers - Festive Appetizer Delight

Notes

• Substitute goat cheese for ricotta for a tangier flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Butternut squash tart, pomegranate tart, holiday tart, festive tart, puff pastry tart