Zesty Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage & Maple Glaze Recipe

Autumn’s golden embrace brings a symphony of flavors with this spicy maple glazed butternut squash that dances between sweet and heat.

crispy sage leaves add a delightful crunch to the tender, caramelized squash.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and warmth, perfectly balancing maple rich sweetness with a subtle spicy kick.

The golden-brown edges promise a delectable experience that transforms a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece.

sage leaves crisp up to create a fragrant, herbaceous contrast against the squash smooth texture.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a dish that celebrates the best of fall’s bounty.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this irresistible side that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prep Tools for Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting squash with parchment paper lining.
• Medium Bowl: For tossing and coating squash cubes with seasonings.
• Sauté Pan: Medium-sized skillet for crisping sage leaves.
• Olive Oil Measure: Teaspoon or small measuring spoon for precise oil amounts.
• Paper Towels: To drain and crisp sage leaves after cooking.
• Cutting Board: For preparing butternut squash cubes.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for cutting squash into even cubes.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and turning squash during roasting.

Easy Cooking for Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

• Oven Warmup

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F and grab a baking sheet. Slip some parchment paper on the sheet for easy cleanup.

• Flavor Fusion

Tumble butternut squash cubes into a mixing bowl. Splash in maple goodness, sprinkle warming spices, and drizzle olive oil. Toss everything until the cubes shimmer with seasonings.

• Roasting Magic

Spread squash pieces across the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not crowded. Slide into the hot oven and let them dance for about 30 minutes. Midway through, give them a gentle stir to ensure even browning.

• Sage Transformation

While squash roasts, heat a skillet with a whisper of oil. Float sage leaves until they turn crisp and golden, creating delicate herb chips that will crown your dish.

• Final Flourish

Transfer caramelized squash to a serving platter. Cascade those crunchy sage leaves on top, letting their earthy aroma mingle with the sweet and spicy cubes. Serve immediately for maximum flavor excitement.

Flavor Hints for Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

• Gently fry sage leaves in hot oil until they turn delicate and crunchy, creating a restaurant-worthy garnish that adds unexpected texture.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to match your heat tolerance – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a fiery kick that makes taste buds dance.
• Prep butternut squash cubes and glaze mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in refrigerator to streamline weeknight dinner preparation.
• Experiment with alternative winter squash varieties like acorn or delicata for similar caramelized results, keeping the same maple-spice flavor profile intact.
• Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed pecans over finished dish for extra crunch, protein, and heart-healthy nutrients that complement the squash's natural sweetness.

Serve Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage Beautifully

• Garnish with Goat Cheese: Crumble tangy goat cheese over the warm butternut squash for a creamy contrast that complements the sweet and spicy glaze.
• Pair with Protein: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork tenderloin to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the squash's rich flavors.
• Create a Harvest Bowl: Combine the glazed squash with quinoa, toasted pecans, and a handful of fresh arugula for a nutritious and colorful autumn-inspired dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients.
• Drizzle with Extra Maple: Add a final touch of maple syrup just before serving to enhance the sweet and spicy notes and create an extra layer of glazed goodness.

Fridge & Freezer Tips for Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

• Meal Prep Magic: Cut and season squash up to 2 days ahead, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick weeknight cooking.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover roasted butternut squash in sealed containers for 3-4 days, maintaining best texture and flavor when reheated in the oven.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled squash to freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months for convenient make-ahead side dishes.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed squash in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, spreading in a single layer to restore crispy edges and prevent sogginess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 5

Things You Need for Spicy Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Crispy Sage

• Butternut Squash: Sweet, dense vegetable that caramelizes beautifully and provides creamy texture when roasted.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps create golden edges and ensures even seasoning distribution.

• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds deep caramel notes and helps create glossy glaze.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements squash's natural sweetness and adds cozy depth.
• Paprika: Provides gentle smokiness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces subtle heat that balances the sweet maple undertones.
• Salt: Enhances and intensifies all other flavor profiles.

• Sage Leaves: Earthy, peppery herb that creates crispy texture and adds sophisticated herbal note when fried.
• Additional Olive Oil: Used for crisping sage leaves and providing extra richness.

Bold Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Maple-glazed butternut squash creates a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors from North American cuisine. Crispy sage leaves and caramelized edges make this side dish irresistible for seasonal gatherings where companions will savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs / 1.36 kg butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, and cut into ¾ inch cubes (about 4 cups)
• 10 fresh sage leaves, washed and dried
• 15 ml / 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 15 ml / 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 10 ml / 2 tsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless roasting and cleanup.
2. Seasoning: Toss butternut squash cubes with extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated with the spicy-sweet marinade.
3. Roasting: Spread seasoned squash in a single, spacious layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing ample room between pieces to guarantee crisp, caramelized edges and even cooking.
4. Transformation: Roast for 30-35 minutes, rotating and stirring midway through cooking process to develop rich golden color and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture throughout the squash cubes.
5. Sage Crisping: While squash roasts, heat olive oil in a sauté pan and fry sage leaves until delicately crisp and aromatic, creating a fragrant herb garnish with a light, nutty crunch.
6. Finishing: Transfer roasted squash to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining glaze, and crown with crumbled crispy sage leaves, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed side dish that balances spicy, sweet, and herbaceous notes.

Notes

• Achieve Perfect Caramelization: Space squash cubes evenly to prevent steaming and ensure crispy, golden-brown edges during roasting.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, allowing customization of the dish’s spiciness.
• Master Sage Crisping: Use minimal oil and watch sage leaves carefully to prevent burning, creating delicate, crunchy garnish without bitterness.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Let roasted squash rest briefly after cooking to allow residual heat to intensify maple and spice notes, enhancing overall taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 212 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg