Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Slices (Easy Recipe!)

Name: Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Slices
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 medium acorn squash or 2 smaller ones ((you can double this recipe but please use 2 baking sheets or the slices will be soggy!)); 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 2 small garlic cloves (minced); ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

These easy maple roasted acorn squash slices are brushed with warm maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of cinnamon until perfectly caramelized. They’re sweet, savory, and buttery-tender — a healthy fall side that’s perfect for weeknights, holidays, or meal prep. They always disappear fast!

Easy, caramelized roasted acorn squash slices brushed with warm maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of cinnamon.

A Quick Look At The Recipe

✅ Recipe Name: Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Slices
🕒 Ready In: 40–50 minutes (oven) • 15 minutes (air fryer)
👪 Serves: 4 (from 1 large acorn squash or 2 small ones)
🍽 Calories: ~130 per serving
🥣 Main Ingredients: Acorn squash, olive (or avocado) oil, maple syrup, garlic, cinnamon, salt, pepper
📖 Dietary Info: Vegan, naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and made without refined sugar (make savory version for Whole30)
⭐ Why You'll Love It: Caramelized edges, tender centers, simple ingredients, and zero refined sugar

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I’ve made this maple roasted acorn squash more times than I can count — it’s one of those healthy, easy sides that just feels like fall. The mix of sweet maple syrup, garlic, and a pinch of cinnamon caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving you golden, crisp edges and a buttery, tender center every time.

I love how effortless and easy this recipe is: just slice, toss, and roast. It’s cozy and simple, but the flavor is anything but boring. I’ll make it for weeknight dinners with my Juicy Thin Sliced Chicken Breast or salmon, or serve it up on Thanksgiving next to my Carrot and Butternut Squash Soup and Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts. It fits right in anywhere.

If you’re into easy, wholesome sides like this, try my Crispiest Oven Roasted Potatoes or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges next. They’re all cozy, nourishing, and proof that healthy eating can still feel comforting.

Jump to:

A Quick Look At The Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
How to Make Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Slices
Expert Tips for Perfect Caramelization
Serving Suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage, Freezing & Meal Prepping Tips
More Squash Recipes You’ll Love
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The best combination of sweet and savory, and such an easy recipe, IN LOVE!

- Andi W

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Sweet and savory perfection: Glazed with maple syrup, olive oil, and garlic, the edges caramelize while the centers turn buttery and tender.
Cozy fall flavor: A touch of cinnamon adds warmth without making it overly sweet — the perfect balance of comforting and light.
Healthy comfort food: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with real, simple ingredients you probably already have.
Effortless side dish: Just slice, toss, and roast — no fancy steps, no fuss, and minimal cleanup.
Versatile & crowd-pleasing: Easy to dress up for holidays or pair with weeknight dinners, and there’s even a savory herb-parmesan version if you’re not in a maple mood.

Ingredients You'll Need

All ingredients for maple roasted acorn squash recipe labeled on a counter, including acorn squash, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

Acorn squash: The star of the recipe! Once roasted, it gets tender and slightly sweet with perfectly caramelized edges.
Olive oil: Helps the squash roast evenly and gives those golden, crispy edges. You can also use avocado oil.
Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a glossy, caramelized glaze without refined sugar. Just like the Maple Roasted Sweet Potato and Brussel Sprouts you love!
Garlic: Brings a savory balance to the maple and deepens the flavor as it roasts.
Cinnamon: A touch of warmth that makes this side feel cozy and seasonal without being overly sweet.
Salt and black pepper: They make every flavor pop.

Scroll to recipe card for quantities!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Savory herb-parmesan variation: Skip the maple and cinnamon and toss the slices with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme or sage. Add parmesan or a squeeze of lemon before serving for a cozy, herby twist.
No maple syrup? Swap it with honey or agave for a similar sweetness. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds, or chopped walnuts over the roasted squash for a little texture.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the maple mixture for a subtle kick.
Use different squash: This recipe also works beautifully with delicata or butternut squash (just adjust the roasting time as needed). Delicata will roast faster since the slices are thinner, while butternut takes a few extra minutes for that same caramelized edge. Check out my Air Fryer Butternut Squash Cubes too!
Air fryer option: For a quicker version, air fry the slices at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, brushing with maple syrup in the last few minutes for extra caramelization.

Sweet and savory maple garlic roasted acorn squash slices.

Need to substitute an ingredient?

Ask AI for suggestions on how to substitute the particular ingredient.

How to Make Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Slices

Here’s exactly how to cut, glaze, and roast acorn squash slices so they come out perfectly caramelized every time.

How to Cut Acorn Squash (Safely)

Slicing acorn squash in half on a cutting board and scooping out seeds with a spoon.

Step 1: Slice the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

Cutting cleaned acorn squash halves into ¼-inch slices on a wooden cutting board.

Step 2: Place the halves cut-side down on a cutting board and slice into ¼-inch thick pieces.

How to Roast Acorn Squash Slices

Brushing maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, and cinnamon glaze over acorn squash slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the slices in a single layer, and brush both sides with the maple, cinnamon, and garlic glaze.

Golden, caramelized maple roasted acorn squash slices fresh out of the oven on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Roast at 400°F for 40–50 minutes (that’s the perfect time for tender centers and caramelized edges), flipping halfway through.

💡 You can double this recipe, but be sure to use two baking sheets — if the slices overlap, they’ll steam instead of caramelize and turn soggy!

Air Fryer Instructions

For a quicker option with the same caramelized flavor, make these acorn squash slices in the air fryer. It’s my go-to for crisp, golden edges in half the time.

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Step 2: Toss squash slices with the same maple glaze or savory mix until evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange in a single layer (work in batches if needed) so the slices are crisp instead of steaming.
Step 4: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and caramelized.
Step 5: Brush with a little extra maple during the last few minutes for a glossy finish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Caramelization

Don’t crowd the pan: Give slices space so they roast, not steam. If doubling the recipe, use two baking sheets for the best caramelization.
Brush with maple halfway through: A quick extra glaze in the last 10 minutes gives you that glossy, caramelized finish everyone loves.
Cut evenly: Aim for ¼–½-inch slices so everything roasts at the same rate and turns tender inside with just the right bite.
Turn up the heat: For extra crispy edges, roast at 425°F and keep an eye toward the end — those maple sugars caramelize fast!

Serving Suggestions

Weeknight dinners: I love serving these maple roasted acorn squash slices with my Juicy Thin Sliced Chicken Breast or this Easy Chicken Bolognese. They add a cozy, caramelized touch to any meal.
Holiday table: Pair them with my Balsamic Maple Brussels Sprouts and Healthy Almond Flour Cornbread for an easy, elegant fall spread.
Healthy bowls: Add slices to a grain bowl with quinoa or farro, greens, and goat cheese or roasted pecans for a nourishing lunch.
Savory twist: Try the herb-parmesan version with Healthy Alfredo Pasta or Healthy Mac and Cheese.
Breakfast idea: Reheat leftovers and top with Greek yogurt, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy, sweet-savory breakfast.

Golden maple roasted acorn squash slices with caramelized edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep roasted acorn squash from getting soggy?

Don’t overcrowd the pan — give each slice space to roast instead of steam. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, and make sure the squash is in a single layer. For the best caramelization, roast at a high heat (400°F–425°F) and flip the slices halfway through so both sides get golden and crisp.

Do you need to peel acorn squash before roasting?

No! The skin softens as it roasts, so you can eat it — it adds fiber and makes prepping faster since you skip peeling.

Can I make roasted acorn squash slices ahead of time?

Yes. Roast the slices earlier in the day, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes until warm and caramelized again.

Can I make these roasted acorn squash slices without maple syrup?

Absolutely. Skip the maple and toss the slices with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme for a savory version. It’s still naturally sweet from the squash itself.

What’s the best temperature to roast acorn squash slices?

I recommend 400°F for tender centers and golden edges, or 425°F if you want crispier, caramelized edges.

Storage, Freezing & Meal Prepping Tips

Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully and taste just as good the next day.
Reheating: Warm in a 375°F air fryer for 4–6 minutes or in the oven at 350°F until heated through — this brings back that crisp edge and caramelized glaze.
Freezing: While best fresh, you can freeze roasted squash for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely first, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Meal prep: Slice and roast ahead of time, then store in the fridge for quick sides throughout the week. Delicious reheated or tossed into salads, grain bowls, or wraps.

Tender maple cinnamon garlic acorn squash slices.

More Squash Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved these roasted acorn squash slices, here are a few more recipes to try next:

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