Crispy Butternut Squash Samsa

Crispy Butternut Squash Samsa is a savory pastry inspired by Central Asian street food, filled with tender, spiced squash and wrapped in a flaky golden crust. The contrast of warm, soft filling and crisp outer layers makes it irresistibly satisfying. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these vegetarian samsas bring comfort and bold flavor in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

butternut squash (peeled, finely diced)oniongarlicground cumin ground corianderground black pepperchili flakes or paprikaolive oilsaltfresh cilantro or parsley (optional for garnish)store-bought puff pastry or homemade doughegg (for egg wash)sesame seeds (optional)

directions

this recipe

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and golden.

Add finely diced butternut squash and season with cumin, coriander, black pepper, chili flakes, and salt.

Cook until squash is tender but not mushy, about 10-12 minutes. Let the mixture cool.

Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares or circles, depending on your preferred samsa shape.

Spoon a small amount of squash filling into the center of each piece.

Fold and seal the dough into triangles or parcels, pinching the edges tightly to enclose the filling.

Place on the prepared baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 samsas.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Add crumbled feta or goat cheese to the filling for extra richness.
Include sautéed spinach or kale with the squash.
Use sweet potato instead of butternut squash for a different flavor.
Serve with yogurt or herb dip on the side.
Spice it up with garam masala or curry powder.

storage/reheating

Store cooled samsas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy again.
They can be frozen before or after baking—just adjust baking time if cooking from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked squash?
Yes, just dice and lightly sauté to combine with the other filling ingredients.

What dough is best for samsa?
Puff pastry gives a light, crispy texture. Traditional homemade dough works well too if you prefer a chewier crust.

Do I need to cook the filling first?
Yes, cooking ensures the squash is tender and well-seasoned before baking.

Can I bake without egg wash?
Yes, but the crust will be less shiny. Use milk or cream as an alternative.

Are these spicy?
They have a mild heat from chili flakes, which you can adjust to taste.

Can I deep fry samsas instead?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will differ—baking keeps them lighter and less greasy.

Are they vegan?
Use vegan pastry and skip the egg wash or replace with plant-based milk.

Can I make mini versions?
Absolutely—just reduce the baking time by 5 minutes or so.

Can I prep them ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.

What can I serve with them?
Yogurt sauce, chutney, or a light salad pair wonderfully with samsas.

Conclusion

Crispy Butternut Squash Samsa is a flavorful and satisfying twist on a beloved classic, combining the sweetness of roasted squash with warm spices and a buttery crust. Whether for a cozy snack, party platter, or unique appetizer, these golden parcels are sure to impress with every flaky, savory bite.

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