Crispy Maple Roasted Delicata Squash Rings
These crispy maple roasted delicata squash rings are a quick and easy fall side dish or snack, made with simple ingredients and ready in 30 minutes. No peeling required, naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium delicata squash
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal; reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using fine sea salt)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (for finishing, e.g., Maldon)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Wash delicata squash thoroughly, pat dry, and trim off about ¼ inch from each end. Do not peel.
- Slice squash crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. Scoop out seeds and stringy bits from the center of each ring.
- Place rings in a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toss gently with hands to coat each ring.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange rings in a single layer with space between them (use two pans if needed).
- Scatter fresh thyme sprigs over the rings (optional).
- Roast on middle rack for 15 minutes. Remove pan, flip each ring using tongs or a spatula. Return to oven and roast for another 10-12 minutes, until edges are deep golden brown and rings are tender.
- Remove from oven. Let rest on baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer to serving platter, sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t skip the flaky salt at the end—it adds crunch and contrast. Watch the rings during the last 5 minutes of roasting to prevent burning (maple syrup can burn quickly). For best results, use two pans if needed to avoid overcrowding. Let rings rest 2 minutes off heat to crisp up further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 rings
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 290
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 3
Keywords: delicata squash, maple roasted squash, crispy squash rings, fall side dish, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy recipe