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Kid-Approved Roasted Delicata Squash with Maple Butter

roasted delicata squash with maple butter - featured image
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Crispy, caramelized delicata squash rings brushed with a rich maple butter sauce. This quick and easy side dish is naturally sweet, kid-approved, and perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday tables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly, pat dry, and trim off about ¼ inch from each end. Discard the ends.
  3. Slice the squash crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. You should get about 8-10 rings per squash.
  4. Use a small spoon or your fingers to gently push the seeds out of each ring.
  5. Place the squash rings in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Toss with your hands to coat evenly.
  6. Arrange the rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  7. Roast for 10 minutes.
  8. While the squash roasts, make the maple butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the melted butter and maple syrup. Stir gently until combined. Keep warm on the lowest heat, but do not let it boil.
  9. After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use tongs to flip each ring over. Brush the tops with about half of the maple butter mixture. Reserve the rest for serving.
  10. Return the sheet to the oven and roast for another 8-10 minutes, until the rings are golden brown at the edges and tender when pierced with a fork.
  11. Transfer the roasted squash rings to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining maple butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip flipping the rings halfway through for even caramelization. Watch your oven temperature as it may run hot or cold. For best results, let squash sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting. Maple butter should not boil to prevent crystallization. For batch cooking, use two racks and swap positions halfway through.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/kid-approved-roasted-delicata-squash-with-maple-butter/