Print

Easy Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Rings

maple roasted acorn squash rings - featured image
Print Recipe

These easy maple roasted acorn squash rings are a quick and delicious side dish, ready in under 35 minutes. Sliced into rings for faster cooking and more caramelization, they’re glazed with a sweet maple mixture and roasted to tender perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium acorn squash (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional garnish)
  • Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional garnish)
  • Toasted pecans or pepitas (optional garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Prepare the squash: Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice off both ends of the acorn squash to create flat surfaces. Stand the squash upright on one flat end. Starting at the top, slice crosswise into rings about 1/2-inch thick. You should get 4 to 6 rings. Use a spoon or your fingers to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring.
  3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
  4. Glaze the rings: Arrange the squash rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops and sides of each ring with the maple mixture. Flip each ring and brush the other side. Pour any remaining glaze over the rings, especially into the center cavities.
  5. Roast for 15 minutes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Set a timer.
  6. Flip and brush again: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a metal spatula, flip each ring over. Brush with any accumulated juices or extra glaze from the pan.
  7. Roast for another 10 to 15 minutes: Return to the oven and roast until the rings are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are golden brown and slightly crispy. Total roasting time is typically 25 to 30 minutes.
  8. Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the rings rest on the pan for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, fresh herbs, or your chosen garnishes.

Notes

If rings are browning too quickly but aren’t tender yet, loosely tent them with foil for the last 5 minutes of roasting. For best results, cut rings uniformly 1/2-inch thick and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, maple roasted, squash rings, easy side dish, fall recipe, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/easy-maple-roasted-acorn-squash-rings/