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Crispy Maple Glazed Delicata Squash

crispy maple glazed delicata squash - featured image

A quick and easy fall side dish featuring delicata squash with crispy caramelized edges and a tender, creamy center, glazed with maple syrup for a sweet and savory treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for glaze)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the delicata squash well under running water and pat dry. Trim off the stem end and the very bottom tip—about ¼ inch from each end.
  3. Cut the squash crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. Use a small spoon or your finger to pop out the seeds from each ring.
  4. Arrange the squash rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly, then spread them back into a single layer. Roast for 15 minutes.
  5. While the squash roasts, whisk together the maple syrup, 1 tablespoon olive oil, cinnamon, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use tongs to flip each ring over. Brush or drizzle the maple glaze over the tops of the rings in a thin, even layer.
  7. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, watching closely during the last 5 minutes, until the edges are deep golden-brown and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.
  8. Let the squash rest on the pan for 2-3 minutes before serving. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.

Notes

Don’t skip the first roast—glazing too early can cause the sugar to burn. Use room-temperature maple syrup for easier spreading. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crispiness. Save the seeds to roast as a garnish. For best results, serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, maple glazed squash, crispy squash, fall side dish, easy vegetable recipe, roasted squash, vegan side dish, gluten-free side dish