Swap Out Avocado And Top Your Toast With Another Creamy, Nutty Option

Roasting your squash plus sweet and savory variations

Whether you intend to top your toast with crunchy cubes of butternut squash or smooth dollops of puree, the first step is roasting it. While you can certainly peel and roast a fresh squash, frozen squash is also a great option and is available throughout the year. The secret to cooking either variety properly is to place your squash on the lowest oven rack, which guarantees even roasting at the ideal temperature. You'll know it's ready when it's tender enough to pierce with a fork and has crispy brown edges.

At this stage, you can use your butternut squash as it is, or blend it with your preferred seasonings and a bit of butter. Puree until smooth — the butter will help create a creamy texture. For seasonings, you can keep it straightforward with just salt and pepper, or enhance the flavor with garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. For a sweeter twist, consider adding cinnamon or a pumpkin spice blend, a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or even a tablespoon of brown sugar.

The final step is to decide on a flavor profile. For a savory option, you might opt for a hearty slice of sourdough topped with gooey, melted smoked gouda, caramelized onions, butternut squash cubes, and a light drizzle of apple cider vinegar dressing. Alternatively, you could create a breakfast-inspired dish with white cheddar, garlicky pureed butternut squash, and one or two over-easy eggs. If you prefer sweet brunch items, simply blend mashed butternut squash with marshmallow fluff, spread it on buttered cinnamon-raisin toast, and finish with spiced pecans and dried cranberries.