Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Rings
Try this easy and delicious recipe for maple glazed acorn squash rings. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, especially during the holidays.
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Maple glazed acorn squash rings are one of those side dishes that look fancy but are secretly very simple. Thick golden rings roast in the oven until they’re tender and caramelized around the edges, with a glossy maple-brown sugar glaze that clings to every curve. The cinnamon and nutmeg give just enough warm spice to feel cozy and seasonal without overpowering the natural sweetness of the squash.
They’re especially nice for fall and holiday meals, but this is easy enough to make on any cool evening when you want something a bit more special than plain roasted vegetables. The rings hold their shape beautifully on the plate, making them a great choice when you want a colorful, make-ahead-friendly side that feels right at home beside roast chicken, turkey, ham, or pork tenderloin.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- Beautiful presentation with minimal effort. Cutting the squash into rings instantly makes the dish look restaurant-worthy, but the actual technique is straightforward—slice, glaze, and roast. The rings roast up with pretty caramelized edges and a shiny maple finish.
- Warm, cozy flavors. Maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring classic fall sweetness and spice. They enhance the natural flavor of acorn squash without turning it into dessert, so it still works beautifully as a savory side.
- Simple ingredient list. You only need one squash, a few pantry staples, and some butter to pull this together. It’s an easy side to add to the menu when your main dish is already taking most of your attention.
- Oven-friendly and mostly hands-off. Once the squash is sliced and the glaze is made, the oven does the rest. A quick baste or two while roasting is all that’s needed, leaving you free to focus on the main course or other sides.
Ingredient Notes
- Acorn squash – One large or two small squash (about 2 pounds) will give you plenty of rings. Look for squash that feel heavy for their size with firm, unblemished skin. The ridged shape creates attractive scalloped edges once you slice it.
- Maple syrup – Use real maple syrup for the best flavor; it brings a deep, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with winter squash. Amber or dark maple syrup both work well here.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar reinforces the caramel notes from the maple syrup and helps the glaze thicken and cling to the squash as it roasts. Light brown sugar gives a milder flavor, while dark brown adds a bit more molasses depth.
- Butter – Melted butter adds richness and helps the glaze brown and bubble in the oven. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt level, but salted will also work—just reduce the added salt slightly.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg – These warm spices make the squash feel cozy and holiday-ready. Nutmeg is potent, so the small amount listed is plenty; you can grate it fresh for a more aromatic result.
- Kosher salt – A modest amount of salt balances the sweetness from the maple and sugar and keeps the dish firmly in the savory category. Taste the glaze if you’d like and adjust the salt slightly to your preference.
How to Make Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Rings
- Prepare the pan by lining a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil so cleanup is easy and any extra glaze doesn’t burn onto the pan.
- Slice the acorn squash into thick rounds, about 3/4 inch each, using a sturdy sharp knife, and carefully cut out the seedy center from each slice so you’re left with neat rings.
- Arrange the squash rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not overlapping so they roast and caramelize rather than steam.
- Make the glaze by combining the maple syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small saucepan and warming it gently just until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Brush a generous layer of the warm maple mixture over the tops of the squash rings, reserving some glaze in the pan for basting as they roast.
- Roast the squash in a preheated oven, basting the rings once or twice with the remaining glaze, until they are fork-tender and the edges are caramelized and lightly browned.
- Let the rings rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet so the glaze sets slightly, then transfer them carefully to a serving platter, spooning over any extra syrupy juices.
Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Rings Tips
- Stabilize the squash while slicing by trimming a thin slice from one side so it sits flat on the cutting board; this makes cutting rings safer and more controlled.
- Aim for even thickness on the rings so they cook at the same rate and become tender at the same time. Thicker slices will take longer but are less likely to collapse.
- Watch the glaze near the end of roasting; the natural sugars can go from perfectly caramelized to too dark quickly, so check a few minutes before the earliest suggested time.
- Flip the rings once, if you like, halfway through roasting to promote even browning, brushing with more glaze after you turn them.
- Use the extra glaze from the pan to drizzle over the finished squash or even over other roasted vegetables on the tray for a little extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Savory-herb maple squash. Reduce the brown sugar slightly and add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the glaze. The herbs bring a more savory, earthy balance that’s excellent with roast chicken or pork.
- Spiced maple-chile squash. Stir in a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chili powder with the cinnamon and nutmeg for gentle heat. The sweet-and-spicy combination is great alongside grilled or roasted meats.
- Orange-maple glazed squash. Add a tablespoon or two of orange juice and a bit of grated orange zest to the glaze. The citrus adds brightness and makes the dish feel even more special for holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken for a comforting side.
- Add to a grain bowl with farro, greens, and goat cheese.
- Pair with pork chops or sausage for a cozy fall dinner.
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Let leftover squash rings cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container in single layers separated with parchment or wax paper; refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat: Arrange the rings in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a moderate oven until heated through, brushing with any leftover glaze or a little extra maple syrup and butter if they seem dry.
- Freeze: For best texture this dish is enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooled squash rings in a single layer, then transfer them to freezer bags and freeze for up to 1 month; reheat from thawed in the oven, knowing the glaze may be slightly softer.
Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Rings
Try this easy and delicious recipe for maple glazed acorn squash rings. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, especially during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 large acorn squash , or 2 small, about 2 pounds
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Chopped pecans or fresh herbs, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Slice the acorn squash into 3/4-inch rounds. Cut the center soft pulp out of the center of each round to make the rings.
- Arrange the rings on the baking sheet.
- Combine the maple syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until the sugar is melted. Brush some of the mixture over the squash rings, saving the rest for basting.
- Roast the squash for 25 to 35 minutes, basting with the maple syrup mixture occasionally, until fork-tender.
- Finish with chopped pecans or herbs, if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 511mgPotassium: 435mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 659IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
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