Print

Crispy Maple Roasted Delicata Squash Rings: Easy Fall Side

crispy maple roasted delicata squash rings - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy maple roasted delicata squash rings are the perfect fall side dish. Quick to make with simple ingredients, they feature caramelized edges and a sweet maple-spice glaze that will convert even the biggest squash skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal; reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt like Maldon (optional finishing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly under running water. Pat dry. Trim off about ¼ inch from each end and discard.
  3. Slice the squash crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  5. Place the squash rings in a medium mixing bowl. Pour the maple-spice mixture over them and toss gently until every ring is evenly coated. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Arrange the coated rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ring. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the bowl over the rings.
  7. Roast for 12 minutes. The rings should be starting to brown on the bottom edges.
  8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully flip each ring over using tongs or a spatula. Rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees for even cooking.
  9. Return to the oven and roast for another 10-13 minutes, until the edges are deep golden-brown with some darker caramelized spots and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the rings rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley if using, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Notes

For extra-crispy edges, let the rings roast an additional 2-3 minutes but watch closely as maple syrup can burn quickly. If making a large batch, keep roasted rings warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for best crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the rings soggy.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, roasted squash, maple roasted squash, fall side dish, easy side dish, healthy side dish, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/crispy-maple-roasted-delicata-squash-rings-easy-fall-side/