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Best Easy Candy-Like Maple Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate

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A happy accident turned into the most requested side dish—delicata squash roasted with maple syrup until caramelized and candy-like, then topped with fresh pomegranate seeds for a burst of tartness. Perfect for weeknights or holiday tables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • Optional: ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly and pat dry. Cut off both ends (about ¼ inch from each tip). Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Slice each half into ½-inch thick half-moons.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add the fresh thyme leaves and stir to combine.
  4. Add the sliced squash to the bowl with the maple mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to toss until every piece is evenly coated.
  5. Spread the squash pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching or overlapping.
  6. Roast for 20-25 minutes. After 12 minutes, remove the sheet and flip each piece with tongs. Return to the oven and roast for another 10-13 minutes, until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are golden brown and slightly crispy.
  7. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh pomegranate seeds. Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves and, if using, crumbled feta or toasted pecans.
  8. Serve immediately, while the squash is still warm and the edges are crispy.

Notes

Don’t skip flipping the squash halfway through for even caramelization. Watch the maple syrup carefully as it can burn quickly. Cut squash evenly (½-inch thick) for consistent cooking. Use room temperature maple syrup for easier mixing. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure caramelization instead of steaming. Toast nuts separately to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, maple roasted squash, candy-like squash, pomegranate, fall side dish, Thanksgiving side, easy vegetable side

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