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Crispy Maple Glazed Delicata Squash Rings – Easy Fall Appetizer

crispy maple glazed delicata squash rings - featured image

These crispy maple glazed delicata squash rings are a quick and easy fall appetizer with a sweet and smoky glaze. The seeds are left in for an extra crunchy texture, making this a unique and crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1½ pounds total)
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for finishing
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Wash and dry the delicata squash thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Slice the squash into ½-inch thick rings. Leave the seeds in.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Add the squash rings to the bowl and use your hands to coat each ring evenly. Let them sit in the glaze for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Arrange the rings on the baking sheet in a single layer, not touching each other.
  7. Roast for 12 minutes.
  8. Flip the rings and brush with remaining glaze.
  9. Roast for another 8-10 minutes, until deeply golden with crispy edges and tender centers.
  10. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure crispiness. Watch the glaze closely as maple syrup can burn quickly. Let the rings rest for 2-3 minutes after roasting to allow the glaze to set. For extra crispiness, use an air fryer at 375°F for 8 minutes, flip, then another 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, maple glazed, crispy squash rings, fall appetizer, easy squash recipe, roasted squash, vegan, gluten-free