Go Back
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the air carries a crispness that signals the arrival of fall, one seasonal ingredient stands out in autumn kitchens: acorn squash. This unique winter squash, with its distinct ridged surface and nutty flavor, not only captures the essence of the season but also serves as a versatile canvas for a variety of flavors. When roasted, acorn squash transforms into a tender, caramelized delight, making it a perfect addition to any fall menu.

Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Rings

Warm up your fall gatherings with Sweet & Savory Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Rings! This dish highlights the nutty flavor of acorn squash, enhanced by the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup and aromatic spices. Perfectly roasted for a tender and caramelized texture, these rings can serve as a delightful side or impressive appetizer. With their vibrant colors and nutritional benefits, they’re a beautiful addition to any autumn menu. Discover how easy it is to create this seasonal favorite that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 medium acorn squash

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added spice)

Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Crumbled feta cheese (optional topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it's hot enough to roast the squash perfectly.

    Prepare the Squash: Carefully cut the acorn squash in half from top to bottom. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and any stringy pulp, ensuring the inner cavity is clean. Next, slice each half into approximately 1-inch thick rings, making sure the rings retain their shape for even cooking.

      Make the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, olive oil, salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if you enjoy a bit of heat). Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended; this will create a delicious glaze for the squash.

        Coat the Squash: On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup, lay out the squash rings. Using a pastry brush, generously coat both sides of each ring with the maple glaze, ensuring an even layer for optimal flavor.

          Roast the Rings: Arrange the glazed squash rings in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they aren't overlapping. Place them in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Turn the rings halfway through the cooking time for even browning, until they become golden and tender.

            Serve: Once roasted, carefully remove the squash rings from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Using a spatula, transfer them to a decorative serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if desired. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining glaze over the rings for extra sweetness.

              Enjoy: These Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Rings are best enjoyed warm and serve beautifully as a unique side dish or a charming appetizer that will impress your guests.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings