Autumn Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, Bacon & Hazelnut Tart
Introduction
This Autumn Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, Bacon & Hazelnut Tart is a beautifully comforting seasonal dish that brings together sweet roasted butternut squash, creamy goat cheese, smoky bacon, crunchy hazelnuts, and fragrant herbs. With its golden crust and rich filling, it is perfect for a cozy family dinner, weekend brunch, or convivial autumn gathering.
Origin
This tart is inspired by the rustic savory tarts of French home cooking. French cuisine has a long tradition of combining seasonal vegetables with pastry, eggs, cream, and flavorful cheeses. The use of butternut squash, goat cheese, bacon, and hazelnuts creates a modern autumn-inspired interpretation while preserving the comforting character of a traditional homemade tart.
Cultural Significance
Savory tarts are a popular part of French family cooking because they are practical, adaptable, and ideal for sharing. Seasonal ingredients often play an important role, allowing cooks to transform whatever is freshest into a satisfying meal. This autumn version celebrates the flavors of the harvest season and the pleasure of gathering around a warm homemade dish.
Ingredients Quantity
Serves: 6
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 35–40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
1 shortcrust pastry, homemade or store-bought
500 g butternut squash, cut into small cubes
150 g smoked bacon lardons
100 g fresh goat cheese
50 g chopped hazelnuts
1 onion, finely sliced
2 large eggs
200 ml heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Herbes de Provence or fresh thyme
Optional Additions
For additional flavor, consider adding:
1 clove of minced garlic
A pinch of nutmeg
A drizzle of honey over the finished tart
A handful of baby spinach
Grated Parmesan
A few walnut pieces instead of hazelnuts
A little caramelized onion
Fresh sage or rosemary
Tips for Success
Cut the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes so they cook at the same rate. Avoid adding too much moisture to the filling, as this can make the pastry soggy.
For an especially crisp crust, lightly blind-bake the pastry for about 8–10 minutes before adding the filling.
The smoky lardons and goat cheese already provide plenty of flavor, so add salt gradually.
Let the tart rest for approximately 5–10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to slice and allows the creamy filling to set slightly.
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Place the diced butternut squash on a baking tray. Toss with the olive oil, a little pepper, and thyme or Herbes de Provence.
3. Roast for approximately 15–20 minutes, until the squash begins to soften. Set aside.
4. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon lardons for several minutes until lightly browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
5. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and lightly golden.
6. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Season with black pepper, herbs, and a small amount of salt if needed.
7. Place the shortcrust pastry into a tart pan and gently press it into the edges. Trim any excess pastry.
8. Spread the roasted butternut squash and onion mixture evenly over the pastry.
9. Scatter the cooked lardons over the top.
10. Add small pieces of fresh goat cheese throughout the tart.
11. Pour the egg-and-cream mixture evenly over the filling.
12. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the top.
13. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the surface is beautifully golden.
14. Allow the tart to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
15. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.
Description
Every slice offers a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. The butternut squash provides natural sweetness, while the goat cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy character. Smoky bacon brings savory depth, and toasted hazelnuts provide a delightful crunch. The crisp pastry brings everything together into a comforting autumn meal.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: 500–560
Protein: 14–18 g
Carbohydrates: 35–42 g
Fat: 32–38 g
Fiber: 4–5 g
Sugar: 6–8 g
Sodium: 650–850 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the pastry, cream, goat cheese, and bacon used.
Conclusion
This Autumn Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, Bacon & Hazelnut Tart is a delicious celebration of seasonal flavors. It is elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a family meal. The combination of creamy, smoky, sweet, and crunchy elements makes every bite satisfying.
Recommendation
Serve the tart warm with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple soup for a complete autumn meal. For entertaining, prepare it slightly ahead and gently reheat it before serving.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This tart is naturally rich and satisfying, so a moderate portion paired with plenty of vegetables makes a balanced meal. To lighten it slightly, use a lighter cream, reduce the amount of lardons, or replace some of the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Keeping the flavorful goat cheese and toasted hazelnuts allows you to maintain plenty of character without relying on excessive amounts of rich ingredients.
A golden, creamy, smoky, and crunchy autumn tart that brings the flavors of the harvest straight to your table.