Appetizer Recipes

Delicata & Goat Cheese Party Bites

Sweet, creamy delicata squash is the perfect base for this simple appetizer. The heat from the chiles, the creamy tartness of the goat cheese and the acid from the lime juice balance out the sweetness of the squash for a nice savory bite; almonds add a satisfying crunch.

If you do your roasting and chopping ahead of time, these bites can be assembled very quickly before any event. Even better, they can be served warm but are also delicious at room temp, so they’re great for potlucks or parties where they may sit out for a while.

Our tip: delicata squash skin is fully edible and delicious — don’t peel it!

Servings: 4 to 6

Delicata & Goat Cheese Party Bites
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Appetizer

Delicata & Goat Cheese Party Bites

Ingredients

3 large delicata squash
1 Tbsp Gelson’s 100% California extra-virgin olive oil
2 ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
8 oz soft goat cheese, such as chèvre, room temperature
⅓ cup buttermilk
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 red jalapeño, seeded and thinly sliced
½ cup toasted and crumbled almond slices
Torn Gelson’s fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400º.

  2. Using a sharp knife, cut off the ends of the delicata squash, slice in half lengthwise. Use a spoon, to remove the seeds and pith. Slice each half in half lengthwise, again. Cut the squash into 1”-wide pieces.

  3. Toss the squash pieces with the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of the salt, and the black pepper. Place them skin-side down on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

  4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the squash is easily pierced with a knife, but still holds its structure. Allow to cool slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.

  5. In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, buttermilk, lime juice, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt and mix with a rubber spatula until smooth.

  6. Arrange the squash pieces skin side down on a serving platter and top each piece with a dollop of the cheese spread. Place a slice of the red jalapeno on top of the cheese and garnish the dish with the almonds and mint leaves. Enjoy!

  7. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Calculate nutrition information for this recipe.