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Easy & Best Crispy Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Rings

crispy maple roasted acorn squash rings - featured image
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These crispy maple roasted acorn squash rings are caramelized on the edges, tender and sweet on the inside, and made with simple ingredients. A perfect fall side dish that looks impressive but is quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large or 2 small acorn squash
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the squash: Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut off both ends of the acorn squash. Stand the squash upright on one flat end and slice it crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring.
  3. Make the cornstarch coating: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Toss the rings in the dry mixture: Add the squash rings to the bowl with the cornstarch mixture. Use your hands to gently toss and coat each ring evenly.
  5. Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the coated rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ring.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil: Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the rings. Use your hands or a brush to make sure each ring is lightly coated.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Flip the rings: After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Use a metal spatula to carefully flip each ring over.
  9. Brush with maple syrup: Using a pastry brush, brush half of the maple syrup (about 1.5 tablespoons) onto the tops of the rings. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
  10. Final glaze: Remove the baking sheet again. Flip the rings once more and brush the remaining maple syrup onto the other side. Bake for a final 5 to 8 minutes, or until the rings are deeply golden, caramelized, and crispy on the edges.
  11. Rest and serve: Let the rings cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Do not skip the cornstarch; it creates the crispy coating. Cut rings evenly (½-inch thick) for even cooking. Pat the squash dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Add maple syrup in stages to prevent burning. Let rings rest for a few minutes after baking to set the glaze.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/easy-and-best-crispy-maple-roasted-acorn-squash-rings/