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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and arrange a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal roasting preparation.
- 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.
- Distribute the seasoned squash pieces in a uniform single layer across the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to promote even caramelization and crisp edges.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently brown sage leaves on both sides, transferring them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and achieve maximum crispness.
- 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