Description
This maple roasted delicata squash recipe transforms a humble winter squash into a sweet and savory side dish with caramelized edges, warm spices, and a glossy maple glaze. Easy to prepare, nutrient-rich, and beautifully golden, it’s the perfect seasonal dish for any table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium delicata squash (about 2–3 pounds total)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Optional: 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- Optional: Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash delicata squash, slice in half lengthwise, and scoop out seeds. Cut into 1/2-inch half-moons.
- In a large bowl, whisk maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Toss squash slices in maple mixture until well coated.
- Arrange in a single layer on baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If using pecans, add them during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Remove from oven when edges are caramelized and flesh is tender.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure proper caramelization. The thin, edible skin eliminates the need for peeling, making preparation faster than acorn squash. For a variation, swap maple syrup with honey or use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 92
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: delicata squash, maple roasted squash, fall side dish, healthy roasted vegetables, acorn squash alternative
