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Cozy Maple Glazed Delicata Squash Rings: Easy Fall Side Dish

maple glazed delicata squash rings - featured image

These caramelized maple glazed delicata squash rings are a quick and easy fall side dish that’s both impressive and effortless. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal; use ¼ teaspoon if using table salt)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4–5 fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the delicata squash well under cold water and pat dry. Trim off the tip and stem end, then slice crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, maple syrup, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Place the squash rings in a large bowl. Pour the glaze over them and toss gently with your hands until every ring is coated.
  5. Arrange the glazed squash rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching.
  6. Roast for 15 minutes. The bottoms should be golden brown and the glaze bubbling.
  7. Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Flip each ring over using a metal spatula. If there’s any glaze left in the bowl or on the parchment, brush or drizzle it over the rings.
  8. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 5-10 minutes, until the rings are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are deeply caramelized and slightly crispy.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the parchment paper for easy cleanup. Watch the oven closely in the last few minutes to prevent burning. For uniform cooking, slice rings as close to ½-inch thick as possible. Use your hands to coat the rings for even coverage. These are delicious hot or at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, maple glazed, fall side dish, easy, roasted squash, vegetarian, gluten-free