Maple Glazed Butternut Squash

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Maple Glazed Butternut Squash is a simple, yet elegant side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the squash with a delightful maple twist. Perfect for fall and winter meals, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a dish that's sure to impress.

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is the star here, offering a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the maple glaze. Olive oil helps the squash caramelize and adds a rich texture. Pure maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a hint of complexity without overpowering the dish. Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, making the dish feel cozy and inviting. A touch of salt and black pepper balances the sweetness, while fresh rosemary adds an aromatic, earthy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your squash is particularly large, you might need to increase baking time by a few minutes.
  • For an extra caramelized finish, broil the squash for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
  • Use fresh, high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with roasted chicken or turkey for a complete meal. It also works well as a hearty addition to a vegetarian grain bowl, alongside quinoa or farro and some greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, but thaw it first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before roasting.
What if I don't have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary can be used, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon since it's more potent.
Is there a substitute for olive oil?
Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can work as substitutes.

Maple Glazed Butternut Squash Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. While the oven warms up, grab your butternut squash. Peel it, and cut it into cubes about an inch in size. This size is perfect for roasting, as it ensures that the squash cooks evenly and gets nicely caramelized.

In a large bowl, combine the cubed squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together until the squash is well-coated. The goal here is to ensure each piece has a bit of the glaze, so take your time to mix it thoroughly.

Next, spread the squash out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and allows each piece to get that nice, caramelized exterior. Pop the sheet into your preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give the squash a stir to promote even roasting.

Once the squash is tender and caramelized, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary. The rosemary adds a wonderful aroma and flavor right at the end, making the dish feel fresh and vibrant.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Combines sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
  • Perfect for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal.
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the squash pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh rosemary before serving.

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