Description
Maple-glazed butternut squash bites bring warmth and comfort to seasonal gatherings with their irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors. Golden edges and caramelized maple notes will make these appetizers a crowd-pleasing sensation you can’t wait to share.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (approximately 454 grams / 16 ounces)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Glaze and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F (200°C) and creating a non-stick surface with parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Transform the butternut squash by carefully removing the outer skin and crafting uniform 1-inch cubes, depositing them into a spacious mixing vessel.
- Enhance the squash’s flavor profile by delicately coating the cubes with olive oil, ensuring comprehensive coverage, then introduce a medley of seasonings including salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional smoked paprika.
- Distribute the seasoned cubes across the prepared baking sheet in a precise single layer, guaranteeing maximum caramelization potential.
- Initiate roasting process for 25–30 minutes, implementing a midway rotation to promote even browning and tender texture.
- Simultaneously craft the maple glaze by merging maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a compact saucepan, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and reduce for 3–4 minutes until achieving a slightly thickened consistency.
- Relocate the roasted squash cubes to a serving receptacle and delicately cascade the prepared glaze, employing a gentle tossing technique to ensure uniform coating.
- Present the glazed bites on an elegant platter, embellishing with fresh thyme sprigs and optional crumbled feta or goat cheese for additional textural complexity.
Notes
- Customize spice blend by experimenting with different warming spices like ground ginger or cardamom for added depth and complexity.
- Use roasted butternut squash as a versatile base for salads, grain bowls, or as a side dish for protein-rich meals.
- For a vegan version, replace feta or goat cheese with toasted pumpkin seeds or nutritional yeast to maintain a creamy, savory element.
- Ensure even caramelization by cutting squash cubes uniformly and giving them enough space on the baking sheet to prevent steaming instead of roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 202
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg