Delicata Squash Roast with Maple Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Delicata Squash Roast with Maple Balsamic Glaze Recipe

This recipe for Roasting Delicata Squash delivers tender, caramelized squash rings coated in a sweet and tangy glaze. The delicata squash is sliced into rings, tossed with a balanced mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and warming spices, then roasted to a perfect golden finish. It’s an easy, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with fall and winter meals.

CourseSide Dish
CuisineAmerican
KeywordRoasting delicata squash, roasted delicata squash recipe, winter squash side dish, caramelized delicata squash, fall vegetable recipes, easy roasted squash, vegetarian side dish, Baking
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds delicata squash (2 medium squash)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or substitute brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme (or substitute rosemary)
  • Pinch cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a 13×18-inch baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Wash and dry the outside of the delicata squash. Trim off both ends carefully.
  3. Stand the squash upright on a cutting board and slice lengthwise from top to bottom. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds from each half.
  4. Lay each squash half cut-side down on the board and slice into ¾-inch thick rings.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, ground cinnamon, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
  6. Add the sliced delicata squash rings to the bowl and gently toss to evenly coat with the glaze.
  7. Place the squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure slices do not touch. Reserve any leftover glaze.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  9. Remove the baking sheet, brush the tops of the squash slices with the remaining glaze, flip each slice over, then return to the oven.
  10. Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until squash is tender and caramelized to your liking.

Notes

  • Storage: Allow roasted delicata squash to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Flash-freeze cooled squash slices in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag, remove excess air, label with date, and freeze up to 3-4 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat frozen or thawed squash, spread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed thoroughly.
  • For a sweeter glaze, increase the brown sugar or maple syrup slightly.
  • If you prefer a different herb, rosemary can be used instead of thyme.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference or omit it for no spice.

Delicata Squash Roast with Maple Balsamic Glaze Recipe https://linadinner.com/delicata-squash-roast-with-maple-balsamic-glaze-recipe/ December 12, 2025