Ricotta Crostini with Butternut Squash & Crispy Sage

These are super yummy and a perfect appetizer for guests in the Fall.

INGREDIENTS

 1 1/2   cups whole-milk ricotta
2 Tbsp heavy cream
Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)
¼ tsp salt, plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
1 baguette, sliced
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
1 2-pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2" cubes (about 4 cups)
1 Tbsp maple syrup
30 sage leaves
Flaky sea salt

DIRECTIONS

• Whisk the ricotta, heavy cream, and zest if using in a mixing bowl until combined. Add in the ¼ teaspoon of salt and a few cranks of black pepper. Taste the ricotta and adjust the seasoning as necessary. 

• Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lay the baguette slices out on a sheet pan and drizzle each with a little olive oil. Toast until they are golden brown, about 6 minutes. In a large bowl, toss the squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper. 

• Arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, tossing occasionally, until squash is golden and tender, 25-30 minutes. Let cool on sheet. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add sage leaves and cook until edges begin to curl and turn dark green, 1-2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer to paper towels to drain. 

• Spread the ricotta mixture over the toasted baguette slices. Add a spoonful of the roasted butternut squash and crispy sage leaf to each crostini, then drizzle with olive oil and season with freshly cracked black pepper and flaky sea salt.