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Cozy Maple Glazed Roasted Acorn Squash Rings (Easy, 30-Minute Side)

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These maple glazed roasted acorn squash rings are a quick and easy 30-minute side dish with caramelized edges and a sweet, buttery glaze. Perfect for fall and winter dinners, they’re a crowd-pleaser that turns a simple weeknight meal into something special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash (about 1.5 pounds each)
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (60 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (42 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (3 grams)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Prepare the squash: Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut off both ends of the acorn squash—about ¼ inch from each tip. Stand the squash upright on one flat end and slice it in half vertically. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
  3. Slice into rings: Lay each squash half cut-side down on the cutting board. Slice crosswise into ½-inch thick half-rings. You should get about 6-8 half-rings per squash half.
  4. Make the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using) until fully combined.
  5. Arrange the rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t overlap them.
  6. Brush the glaze generously over each ring, coating both sides. Use all of the glaze.
  7. Roast for 15 minutes. The squash should be starting to soften and the glaze bubbling.
  8. Remove the sheet from the oven. Using a metal spatula, carefully flip each ring. Brush any remaining glaze from the bowl over the rings again.
  9. Roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the rings are tender all the way through and the edges are browned and caramelized.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the rings rest on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if using. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the parchment paper to prevent sticking. Watch the edges during the last 10 minutes to avoid burning. Cut uniform rings for even cooking. For a vegan version, use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of butter. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: acorn squash, maple glazed, roasted squash, fall side dish, easy side dish, 30-minute recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/cozy-maple-glazed-roasted-acorn-squash-rings-easy-30-minute-side/