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Crispy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage Brown Butter

crispy maple roasted butternut squash - featured image

This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, caramelized butternut squash with a rich sage brown butter sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for fall, from weeknight dinners to Thanksgiving feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1012 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes.
  4. Flip squash pieces and roast for another 15 minutes.
  5. Drizzle 2 tablespoons maple syrup over squash, toss gently, and spread back into a single layer. Roast for 10-15 more minutes until deeply caramelized and crispy.
  6. Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Cook, swirling occasionally, until it turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Add sage leaves to the brown butter; they will sizzle and crisp. Cook for 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup and a pinch of salt.
  8. Transfer roasted squash to a serving platter. Drizzle with sage brown butter and top with crispy sage leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the crispiest edges, make sure squash cubes are thoroughly dried before tossing with oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; use two pans if needed. Add maple syrup halfway through roasting to prevent burning. Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so watch carefully. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted butternut squash, maple roasted squash, sage brown butter, fall side dish, Thanksgiving side dish, crispy squash