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Best Easy Crispy Maple Glazed Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

crispy maple glazed roasted delicata squash - featured image

This crispy maple glazed roasted delicata squash has become our go-to fall side dish. The edges get all caramelized and crunchy, while the inside stays tender and almost buttery, with a maple glaze that seeps into every little ridge and crevice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (use ¼ teaspoon if using fine table salt)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 45 fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and dry the squash. Pat it dry thoroughly.
  3. Trim about ¼ inch from both ends of each squash.
  4. Slice the squash crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. If rings have large seed cavities, cut them in half to create half-moons. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the squash rings with 1½ tablespoons of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and the black pepper. Toss gently with your hands until every piece is coated.
  6. Arrange the squash pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side down if using half-moons. Give them space to avoid crowding.
  7. Roast for 15 minutes.
  8. While the squash roasts, whisk together the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon of salt, the cinnamon (if using), and the red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
  9. After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully flip each piece using tongs or a spatula. Brush or drizzle the maple glaze over the top of each piece.
  10. Roast for another 8-10 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling and the edges are deep golden brown and crispy.
  11. Let the squash rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring.
  12. Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting step after roasting; it allows the glaze to set. For best results, avoid overcrowding the pan. Use convection setting if available for crispier results. The flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

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