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Crispy Delicata Squash Rings with Easy Maple Drizzle

crispy delicata squash rings - featured image
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These crispy delicata squash rings are oven-baked to shatteringly crunchy perfection, then drizzled with a warm, salty-sweet maple butter sauce. A light, snackable fall side dish or appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium delicata squash (about 1–1.5 lbs)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil spray
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash delicata squash, trim ends, and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rings. Remove seeds and stringy pulp from center of each ring. Pat rings dry with paper towel.
  2. Set up breading station: In first shallow bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. In second bowl, whisk eggs with water until smooth. In third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, rubbing oil into panko until evenly moistened.
  3. Dredge each squash ring: first in seasoned flour (shake off excess), then in egg wash (let excess drip off), then in panko mixture (press gently to adhere). Place coated rings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, leaving space between each ring.
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until deeply golden brown and squash is tender when pierced with a fork. No need to flip if using a wire rack.
  5. While rings bake, make maple drizzle: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine maple syrup and butter. Stir until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt. Set aside to cool slightly (it will thicken).
  6. Transfer hot rings to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with maple butter sauce or serve sauce on the side for dipping. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat squash rings very dry to help breading stick. Don’t skip oil in panko for best crunch. Use a light hand with egg wash. Bake in batches if making more than one sheet. Maple drizzle can be made a day ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash rings, crispy squash rings, maple drizzle, fall appetizer, oven-fried squash, vegetarian appetizer, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/crispy-delicata-squash-rings-with-easy-maple-drizzle/