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Caramelized brown sugar roasted delicata squash rings with cinnamon, fresh thyme, and toasted pecans.

Easy Brown Sugar Roasted Delicata Squash Rings

Tender roasted delicata squash rings coated with butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon, then roasted until beautifully caramelized around the edges.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium delicata squash
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves optional
  • ¼ cup toasted chopped pecans optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan.
  3. Thoroughly wash and dry the delicata squash.
  4. Trim both ends.
  5. Slice crosswise into approximately ½-inch rings.
  6. Scoop the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring.
  7. Combine melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
  8. Place the squash rings in a large bowl.
  9. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the squash and toss gently until evenly coated.
  10. Arrange the rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  11. Roast for 12–15 minutes.
  12. Carefully flip each ring.
  13. Continue roasting for another 10–15 minutes, until tender with caramelized golden-brown edges.
  14. Remove from the oven and taste for seasoning.
  15. Add fresh thyme and toasted pecans if desired.
  16. Serve warm.

Notes

Don't peel: Delicata squash skin becomes tender during roasting.
Avoid overcrowding: Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Watch carefully toward the end: The brown sugar can move from caramelized to burned quickly.
Slice consistently: Approximately ½-inch rings provide a good balance between creamy centers and browned edges.