Print

Cozy Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Rings

cozy maple roasted acorn squash rings - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender acorn squash rings roasted with a sweet maple-cinnamon glaze until caramelized and golden. This easy fall side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash (about 1.5 pounds each)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Prepare the squash: Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut off about ¼ inch from the top and bottom of each acorn squash to create flat surfaces. Slice the squash crosswise into rings about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring.
  3. Arrange the rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ring so they caramelize instead of steam.
  4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne (if using), and salt until well combined.
  5. Using a pastry brush or spoon, coat both sides of each squash ring with the glaze. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of glaze for later.
  6. Roast for 20 minutes. The edges should start to look golden and caramelized.
  7. Carefully flip each ring using a spatula. Brush the reserved glaze over the tops. If using fresh thyme sprigs, tuck them between the rings on the pan.
  8. Roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the rings are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are deeply caramelized. Total roasting time is usually 30-35 minutes.
  9. Optional: In the last 3 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the rings if using.
  10. Let the rings cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh thyme or a sprinkle of flaky salt, and serve warm.

Notes

For best caramelization, do not overcrowd the pan and flip the rings halfway through roasting. If rings are thinner than ½ inch, reduce roasting time by 5 minutes; if thicker than ¾ inch, add 5-10 minutes. To prevent maple syrup from burning, add glaze in two stages. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, maple roasted squash, fall side dish, roasted acorn squash rings, easy fall recipe, Thanksgiving side dish, maple cinnamon squash

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/cozy-maple-roasted-acorn-squash-rings-easy-fall-recipe/