Print

Best Easy Caramelized Maple Roasted Delicata Squash

caramelized maple roasted delicata squash - featured image
Print Recipe

This caramelized maple roasted delicata squash is a quick and easy side dish that comes together in under 40 minutes. With no peeling required and simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for fall gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total), sliced into ½-inch rounds and seeded
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (use ¼ teaspoon if using Morton’s)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (optional but recommended)
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing (e.g., Maldon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. Wash and dry the squash thoroughly. Trim the ends off each squash, cutting about ¼ inch from both the stem and blossom ends.
  4. Slice the squash into ½-inch thick rounds (crosswise, not lengthwise). You should get about 8-10 rounds per squash.
  5. Scoop out the seeds from each round using a small spoon or your fingers.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne until fully combined.
  7. Arrange the squash rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Use two sheets if needed.
  8. Pour the maple mixture evenly over the squash. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to coat each round on both sides.
  9. Roast for 15 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time.
  10. Remove the pan from the oven and flip each round using tongs or a spatula. If using fresh thyme, scatter the sprigs over the squash now.
  11. Roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the edges are deep golden brown and caramelized, and a fork slides easily into the flesh.
  12. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 2 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
  13. Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For extra caramelization, double the maple-butter mixture and brush on a second coat after flipping. If your squash slices are thinner than ½ inch, check at the 20-minute mark. Thicker slices may need an extra 5 minutes. The caramelized spots should be dark brown, not black. If they start smoking, your oven may run hot. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/best-easy-caramelized-maple-roasted-delicata-squash/