Irresistibly Sweet & Spicy Maple Butternut Squash Recipe

Spicy maple glazed butternut squash reinvents an ordinary vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with unexpected flavor combinations.

Sweet maple syrup meets fiery spices, creating a harmonious dance of heat and sweetness on your plate.

butternut squash absorbs these bold seasonings, developing a rich, caramelized exterior that promises depth and complexity.

crispy sage leaves add an aromatic crunch, elevating the dish from simple side to gourmet sensation.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, highlighting the squash natural buttery texture and subtle nutty undertones.

The recipe balances rustic comfort with sophisticated techniques, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that celebrates autumn’s bounty and culinary creativity.

Making Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Massage The Squash

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon
• Paprika
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper

Toss until every cube glistens with flavor.

Step 3: Roast To Perfection

Spread seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Slide into the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Give the squash a gentle stir, then continue baking 10-15 minutes until edges turn golden and squash becomes fork-tender.

Step 4: Create Crispy Sage Magic

While squash roasts, heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Lay sage leaves in a single layer, cooking until edges turn crisp and golden. Flip carefully to brown both sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and crisp up.

Step 5: Plate With Flair

Transfer roasted squash to a serving dish. Drizzle with remaining glaze from the mixing bowl. Sprinkle crushed crispy sage leaves on top for a stunning final touch.

Tips for Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

• Slice Evenly: Cut butternut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure consistent cooking and beautiful caramelization.
• Spread Strategically: Arrange squash pieces with space between them on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and promote crispy edges.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Check Moisture: Pat squash dry before seasoning to help achieve maximum crispiness and better maple glaze absorption.
• Handle Sage Carefully: Use tongs when frying sage leaves to prevent burning and maintain their delicate, crisp texture.

Storing and Reheating Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

• Refrigeration: Store cooled butternut squash in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Reheating: Warm the squash in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, spreading pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. This method helps restore the crispy edges and prevents sogginess.
• Sage Preservation: Keep crispy sage leaves separately in a sealed container at room temperature. Add them fresh to reheated squash just before serving to maintain their delicate crunch and prevent softening.

Pairing Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

• Pair with Warm Bourbon Cocktail: Blend the spicy-sweet squash with a smooth bourbon drink featuring maple syrup and cinnamon, complementing the dish's warm flavors and enhancing the maple undertones.
• Match with Creamy Goat Cheese Salad: Create a light salad with tangy goat cheese, arugula, and toasted pecans to balance the squash's rich, spicy profile and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside Roasted Pork Tenderloin: Combine the glazed squash with herbed pork tenderloin, allowing the meat's savory notes to harmonize with the squash's sweet and spicy glaze, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Complement with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet Riesling wine that can stand up to the dish's spiciness while highlighting its maple and cinnamon characteristics, creating a delightful flavor interaction.

Variations for Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

• Honey Pecan Butternut: Swap maple syrup with honey and sprinkle chopped pecans over the squash before roasting for a nutty, sweet variant.
• Mediterranean Herb Roast: Replace cayenne with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary, then add crumbled feta cheese after roasting for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky Chipotle Squash: Substitute paprika with ground chipotle pepper and add a touch of smoked paprika for a deeper, spicier flavor profile that brings warmth to the dish.
• Apple Cider Glaze: Use apple cider instead of maple syrup and incorporate diced apples during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a seasonal, fruity interpretation of the original recipe.

Why Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage is a Winner

• Flavor Explosion: Experience a mouthwatering blend of sweet maple syrup, warming cinnamon, and spicy cayenne that creates an incredible taste sensation in every single bite.
• Texture Magic: Enjoy the perfect contrast between crispy, caramelized squash edges and tender, soft interior, complemented by the delicate crunch of sage leaves that adds an exciting textural dimension.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Master this impressive side dish in just 35 minutes with minimal prep work, making it an ideal recipe for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Celebrate autumn's bounty with a dish that transforms humble butternut squash into a gourmet experience, perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or elegant potluck contributions.

Ingredients for Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

Main Ingredients:

Butternut Squash: A sweet, nutty winter squash that provides a hearty base for the recipe, great for roasting and absorbing flavors.

Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that creates a rich glaze and caramelizes beautifully during roasting, adding depth to the dish.

Sage Leaves: Aromatic herb with earthy flavor that becomes crispy when fried, providing a crunchy texture and robust taste.

Spice and Seasoning:

Cinnamon, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Warm spices that add complexity, heat, and depth to the squash, creating a balanced and exciting flavor profile.

Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and balances the other spices.

Oil and Cooking Ingredients:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil used for roasting the squash and crisping the sage, adding richness and helping spices adhere to the squash.

Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that prevents squash from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash With Crispy Sage Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage delivers a perfect balance of sweet and heat, elevating autumn’s favorite vegetable. Roasted to golden perfection and drizzled with maple-chili glaze, sage leaves add a crisp, aromatic finish that makes this side dish unforgettable.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash (3 lbs / 1.36 kg), peeled, seeds removed, and cut into ¾ inch cubes (about 4 cups)
• 10 fresh sage leaves, washed and dried

Seasoning and Glaze:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Oil for Cooking:

• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and arrange a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal roasting preparation.
2. Combine butternut squash cubes with extra virgin olive oil, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and ground cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring each cube is thoroughly coated with the aromatic seasoning blend.
3. Distribute the seasoned squash pieces in a uniform single layer across the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to promote even caramelization and crisp edges.
4. Roast the squash in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, then gently stir the cubes to promote uniform browning and continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes until the edges turn golden and the interior becomes fork-tender.
5. Meanwhile, warm of olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat, carefully positioning fresh sage leaves in a single layer to crisp and develop a delicate, nutty flavor.
6. Gently brown sage leaves on both sides, transferring them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and achieve maximum crispness.
7. Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a serving platter, drizzling any remaining glaze from the preparation bowl and generously garnishing with the crushed crispy sage leaves for a visually stunning and flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

• Versatile Veggie Hack: Butternut squash transforms from bland to bold with a spicy maple glaze, creating a restaurant-worthy side dish at home.
• Temperature Matters: High-heat roasting (425°F) caramelizes natural sugars, developing deep, complex flavors and creating crispy exterior edges.
• Seasoning Secret: Balancing sweet maple syrup with cayenne and paprika creates a flavor explosion that elevates this simple squash recipe.
• Sage Crispy Technique: Carefully browning sage leaves in olive oil adds a crunchy, aromatic garnish that brings unexpected texture and earthy notes.
• Meal Pairing Perfection: This dish complements roasted meats, works beautifully in autumn-inspired meals, and can easily become a vegetarian main course.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare squash and crispy sage separately, then reheat and assemble just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 138 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 244 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg