Maple-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe – A Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dish
As the leaves change colors and the air grows crisper, our thoughts turn to the warmth and comfort of the Thanksgiving table. This year, why not elevate your holiday feast with a dish that embodies the very essence of autumn? Maple-glazed roasted butternut squash is a masterclass in balance, blending the sweetness of maple syrup with the savory depth of roasted squash, all in under 30 minutes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Cubes of butternut squash, tossed in a mixture of maple syrup, olive oil, and fragrant rosemary, roast to caramelized perfection in the oven. It's a side dish that's as much at home on a casual weeknight dinner table as it is on the holiday spread. And with its quick prep time and effortless cooking, it's the perfect recipe for busy home cooks looking to impress without fuss.
But what truly sets this dish apart is its versatility. Whether you're a fan of traditional Thanksgiving flavors or looking to mix things up with something new, maple-glazed roasted butternut squash is sure to please. It pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of roasted turkey and mashed potatoes, yet also complements the bright, citrusy notes of a winter green salad. It's a true chameleon of a side dish, adapting effortlessly to whatever menu you have in mind.
So why not give your Thanksgiving table a little something extra this year? With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, maple-glazed roasted butternut squash is the ultimate seasonal side dish. It's a recipe that will leave your guests talking long after the meal is over, and one that you'll return to again and again as the seasons change.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed butternut squash and toss until the squash is evenly coated with the maple glaze.
- Step 3: Spread the squash cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Step 4: Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, garnished with additional rosemary sprigs if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick and Easy
This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday entertaining.
👥 Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
Maple-glazed roasted butternut squash is a side dish that's sure to please both kids and adults, and can be easily scaled up or down to feed any size crowd.
🌟 Perfect Balance of Flavors
The combination of maple syrup, rosemary, and roasted butternut squash creates a dish that's both sweet and savory, with a depth of flavor that's sure to impress.
🍴 Seasonal and Delicious
This recipe celebrates the flavors of autumn, with the warmth of maple syrup and the earthiness of rosemary complementing the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Butternut Squash
You can also use other varieties of winter squash, such as acorn or delicata, in place of butternut squash. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the size and density of the squash.
Maple Syrup
If you don't have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave nectar. Keep in mind that these alternatives will change the flavor profile slightly, so you may need to adjust the amount used to taste.
Rosemary
Fresh rosemary is essential to this recipe, but you can also use dried rosemary in a pinch. Simply reduce the amount used to 1 tsp, as dried rosemary is more potent than fresh.
Pro Tips for Perfect Maple-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash
💡 Choose the Right Squash
Look for a butternut squash that's heavy for its size and has a matte, creamy skin. This will ensure it's sweet and tender when roasted.
🌿 Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
Make sure to leave some space between each squash cube on the baking sheet. This will allow them to roast evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of caramelizing.
🕰️ Keep an Eye on the Squash
Check the squash after 15 minutes of roasting and flip it to ensure even browning. This will help you achieve that perfect balance of tender and caramelized.
👌 Let it Cool
Resist the temptation to serve the squash as soon as it comes out of the oven. Letting it cool for a few minutes will help the flavors meld together and the texture to set, making it even more delicious.
Variations and Substitutions
Spicy Maple-Glazed Squash
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple glaze for a spicy kick. This pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the squash and adds a nice depth of flavor.
Lemon Rosemary Squash
Replace the maple syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and add some chopped garlic to the rosemary for a bright and citrusy twist on the classic recipe.
Squash and Sage
Swap out the rosemary for sage and add some crumbled blue cheese to the squash for a rich and savory side dish that's perfect for the holidays.
Roasted Squash Seeds
Don't throw away the seeds! Toss them with some olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices, and roast them in the oven until crispy. They make a delicious snack or garnish for the squash.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted turkey: The classic pairing for Thanksgiving, and for good reason. The sweetness of the squash complements the savory flavors of the turkey perfectly.
- Mashed potatoes: A comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with the caramelized squash. Try adding some garlic or rosemary to the mashed potatoes for extra depth of flavor.
- Green beans: Quickly sautéed with some garlic and lemon, green beans make a light and refreshing side dish that cuts the richness of the squash and other holiday favorites.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
For a truly festive touch, try pairing the maple-glazed roasted butternut squash with a dry Riesling or a seasonal apple cider. The sweetness of the squash will be beautifully balanced by the acidity and fruitiness of the wine or cider.
Make-Ahead Instructions and Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the squash and maple glaze up to a day in advance. Simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you're ready to roast.
Refrigerator Storage
Cooked squash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezer Storage
Let the cooked squash cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, place the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
Q: My squash isn't caramelizing. What am I doing wrong?
A: Make sure you're not overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can prevent the squash from browning properly. Also, check your oven temperature to ensure it's at the correct level.
Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
A: While you can use frozen squash, it's best to use fresh for this recipe. Frozen squash can be too moist, leading to a less caramelized final product.
Q: How do I prevent the squash from becoming too mushy?
A: To prevent the squash from becoming too mushy, make sure to not overcook it. Check on it after 15 minutes of roasting and flip it to ensure even browning. If it's tender but still holds its shape, it's ready.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it - a simple yet elegant side dish that's sure to become a new Thanksgiving tradition. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, maple-glazed roasted butternut squash is a dish that will leave your guests talking long after the meal is over. So why not give it a try this year? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.
Happy cooking, and don't forget to pin this recipe for later!
