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Cozy Roasted Acorn Squash Rings with Maple Butter

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These roasted acorn squash rings with maple butter are a sweet and savory side dish that comes together with minimal hands-on work. The maple butter caramelizes the edges while keeping the centers tender, making them perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium acorn squash (about 1 ½ pounds each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more for finishing
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional garnish: fresh thyme or sage leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Prepare the squash: Using a sharp chef’s knife, trim off the very tip of the stem end and the bottom of each acorn squash so they sit flat. Slice each squash crosswise into ½-inch to ¾-inch thick rings (about 4 to 5 rings per squash). Use a spoon or small paring knife to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring. Rinse the rings quickly under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Make the maple butter: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  4. Coat the rings: Arrange the squash rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the maple butter mixture generously over both sides of each ring, using all of the sauce.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes.
  6. Flip and baste: Remove the pan from the oven. Carefully flip each ring over. Spoon any pooled maple butter from the pan back over the rings. Return to the oven and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the rings are tender and the edges are deeply caramelized and slightly crispy.
  7. Finish and serve: Transfer the rings to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme or sage if desired, and finish with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve hot or warm.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the squash rings; excess moisture prevents caramelization. Slice evenly for uniform cooking. Oven times vary; start checking at 30 minutes. Use a silicone mat for easy cleanup. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted acorn squash, maple butter, fall side dish, Thanksgiving side, easy squash recipe

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-roasted-acorn-squash-rings-with-maple-butter/