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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless roasting and cleanup.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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