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Light & Crispy Maple Roasted Delicata Squash Rings

light & crispy maple roasted delicata squash rings - featured image
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These Light & Crispy Maple Roasted Delicata Squash Rings are a quick and easy 30-minute side dish, featuring tender squash with caramelized edges and a subtle maple sweetness. Perfect for weeknights or holiday tables, this recipe proves that leaving the skin on adds the best texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal; use ¾ teaspoon if using table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Fresh thyme leaves (optional garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly under running water. Cut off both ends (about ¼ inch from each tip). Stand the squash upright on one flat end and slice it crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center of each ring. You should get about 12-14 rings from two medium squash.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
  4. Place the squash rings in a large bowl. Pour the glaze over them and toss gently with your hands or a spatula until every ring is coated. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes if you have time.
  5. Place the rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each ring.
  6. Roast for 15 minutes on the middle rack.
  7. After 15 minutes, remove the sheet from the oven. Use tongs to carefully flip each ring. Return the sheet to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the edges are deep golden and crispy, and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork. Total time is usually 25-30 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the rings cool on the sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip flipping the rings halfway through for even cooking. Watch the maple syrup as it can burn quickly if your oven runs hot. Cut rings evenly for uniform cooking. Let rings rest for 2 minutes after roasting to set the caramelized bits. For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet. For an air fryer version, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, maple roasted squash, crispy squash rings, easy side dish, 30-minute recipe, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, fall recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/light-and-crispy-maple-roasted-delicata-squash-rings-easy-30-minute-side/