Rustic Cranberry & Butternut Squash Galette: A Harvest Celebration

As the days grow shorter and a gentle chill fills the air, my kitchen becomes a sanctuary. It’s a space where the vibrant hues of fall translate into nourishing, comforting meals. I remember one Thanksgiving in particular, a potluck hosted in my cozy little home. Everyone contributed their favorite dish, but I wanted to bring something unexpected, something that truly captured the essence of the season. That’s when I created this Rustic Cranberry & Butternut Squash Galette. The combination of sweet and savory, the flaky crust, and the cheerful colors made it an instant hit. It's a memory I cherish, and this galette recipe is a little piece of that gratitude I want to share with you.

Overhead view of the uncooked galette ingredients: Cubed butternut squash, fresh cranberries, and sage leaves arranged on a rustic wooden surface, ready to be used in the galette filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: A Celebration of Simplicity

This Cranberry & Butternut Squash Galette is more than just a pretty dish; it’s a celebration of simple, seasonal flavors and fuss-free baking. Here's why you'll fall in love with it:

• Effortless Elegance: Forget perfectly crimped pie crusts. A galette is inherently rustic, meaning even imperfections add to its charm. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and much easier than making a traditional pie. The crust can even be made a day in advance, saving you even more time!
• Seasonal Superstars: We’re showcasing the best of fall's bounty – sweet butternut squash and tart cranberries. These ingredients are at their peak flavor right now, bursting with vitamins and antioxidants. This galette is a delicious way to enjoy a farm-to-table, harvest meal.
• Sage Brown Butter Magic: This simple addition elevates the entire dish. The nutty, aromatic flavor of browned butter infused with fresh sage complements the sweetness of the squash and cranberries beautifully. It's a game-changer!
• Sharing is Caring: This galette is the perfect centerpiece for a potluck, holiday gathering, or a cozy family dinner. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy it as a sophisticated dessert, a unique brunch item, or even a light, flavorful dinner paired with a green salad. You can even add a drizzle of maple syrup for a bit of extra sweetness.
• [easy fall dessert]

A close-up shot of a slice of the finished galette. The golden-brown crust is flaky and crisp, and the filling showcases the vibrant colors of the cranberries and butternut squash. A sprinkle of fresh sage adds a touch of elegance.

Ingredients List: Simple, Natural Goodness

Here's what you'll need to create this seasonal masterpiece. Aim for the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find – especially locally sourced maple syrup if you have access to it!

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or try a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat for a nuttier flavor)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (or maple syrup, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped
• Pinch of salt and pepper

For the Sage Brown Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6-8 fresh sage leaves

An overhead shot showcasing all the key ingredients for the galette, arranged on a rustic wooden table. The ingredients include: cubed butternut squash, fresh cranberries, chopped sage, butter, flour, and brown sugar. The composition highlights the fresh, natural elements of the recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Harvest Masterpiece

Follow these simple steps to create a galette that's both beautiful and delicious:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pieces of butter, which will create flaky layers.
• Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix! A few streaks of butter are perfectly fine.
• Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). This chilling time is crucial for developing the dough's flakiness.

The galette dough is rolled out on a lightly floured surface, ready to be filled. A rolling pin is present, and the dough is thin enough to show slight imperfections, adding to the rustic charm.

2. Roast the Butternut Squash:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the cubed butternut squash with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Roasting the squash beforehand prevents a soggy galette bottom and enhances its sweetness.

Close up shot of roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and sage leaves mixed together in a glass mixing bowl. The squash is tender and slightly browned, and the cranberries add a burst of color. Sage leaves are interspersed throughout, adding aromatic depth.

3. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, fresh cranberries, brown sugar (or maple syrup), chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• If your cranberries are particularly tart, you may want to add an extra tablespoon or two of maple syrup to balance the flavors.

4. Assemble the Galette:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Don't worry about making it perfectly round; rustic is beautiful!
• Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Arrange the butternut squash and cranberry filling in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.

Close-up shot showing the process of folding the edges of the galette dough over the butternut squash and cranberry filling. The folds are rustic and imperfect, highlighting the galette's charm.

5. Create the Sage Brown Butter:

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the sage leaves to the melted butter.
• Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a nutty brown color and the sage leaves become crispy. Watch the butter carefully – it can burn easily! This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

A close-up shot of sage leaves simmering in melted butter within a saucepan. The butter is browning and infusing with the sage's aroma, essential for enhancing the flavor profile of the galette.

6. Finish and Bake:

• Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go.
• Brush the sage brown butter over the galette crust.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Image of the baked galette. The crust is golden brown and flaky, while the butternut squash and cranberry filling is bubbly and glistening. The overall appearance is warm and inviting, perfect for a fall harvest gathering.

Serving Suggestions: Autumn's Delicious Embrace

This galette is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Here are a few ideas to enjoy it to the fullest:

• Top with a dollop of crème fraîche, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad for a light and flavorful dinner.
• Include it as part of a holiday brunch spread alongside other seasonal favorites.

A slice of the cranberry and butternut squash galette, beautifully plated on a rustic plate. A dollop of crème fraîche sits atop the filling, adding a creamy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors. The setting suggests a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying this seasonal dessert.

Closing: Embracing the Season and Sharing the Joy

This Rustic Cranberry & Butternut Squash Galette is more than just a recipe; it's an invitation to embrace the beauty and abundance of the autumn season. It's a reminder that even imperfect baking can be beautiful and delicious. Experiment with different variations of the recipe, adding other fruits or spices to create your own unique masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. And, most importantly, share it with the people you love. Let’s celebrate the joy of homemade food together! Share your creations with us using #BetterHomesAndHarvests! Tag a friend or family member that you'd like to bake this galette with!

[cozy food] [quick weeknight dinner]