Description

These caramelized brown sugar roasted delicata squash rings are sweet enough to feel like a treat but savory enough to sit next to a main dish. Roasted at a lower temperature to achieve perfectly caramelized edges, this recipe is a fall go-to that even squash skeptics will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 lbs total)
3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Fresh thyme or sage leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Wash and dry the delicata squash. Trim about ¼ inch from both ends of each squash.
Slice the squash crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. You should get about 12-16 rings total.
Use a small spoon or your fingers to gently push the seeds and stringy bits out of each ring.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Arrange the squash rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush or spoon, spread the butter-sugar mixture evenly over both sides of each ring.
Roast for 15 minutes. Remove the sheet from the oven and use tongs to carefully flip each ring. Rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees.
Roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the rings are tender and the edges are dark golden brown with caramelized spots.
Let the rings rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh thyme or sage leaves if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan; use two baking sheets if needed. For a vegan version, substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter. For a sugar-free version, use a monk fruit brown sugar blend. Leftover rings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4-5 rings
Calories: 185
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 300
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 4
Protein: 2

Keywords: delicata squash, roasted squash, caramelized squash, brown sugar squash, fall side dish, easy squash recipe