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Maple-Roasted Delicata Squash with Red Onion

This maple-roasted delicata squash with red onion is a vibrant vegan side dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of autumn produce. Delicata squash is a favourite for quick mid-week meals as its thin skin is entirely edible, removing the need for any arduous peeling. When roasted at a high temperature with maple syrup and earthy thyme, the squash caramelises beautifully, creating a wonderful contrast with the charred red onions and a hint of heat from the dried chilli flakes.

Perfect as a colourful addition to a Sunday roast or served alongside a protein-rich grain salad, this dish is as nutritious as it is flavourful. The smashed garlic cloves mellow during baking, infusing the olive oil to create a fragrant glaze. Whether you are looking for a simple plant-based traybake or an elegant accompaniment for a dinner party, this versatile recipe delivers a sophisticated balance of sweet and savoury notes.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Maple-Roasted Delicata Squash with Red Onion

  • 3 medium Delicata squash (about 1.4kg ), halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices

  • 2 medium red onions, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch rings

  • 5 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

  • 4 fresh thyme sprigs

  • 1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes

  • 45ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • Kosher salt

  • freshly ground black pepper

How to make Maple-Roasted Delicata Squash with Red Onion

Arrange the racks in the upper and lower rungs in the oven and preheat the oven to 218°C degrees. Place the squash, red onion, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper; toss to coat.

Spread vegetables evenly onto two large, rimmed baking sheets. Bake the squash on the upper and lower racks of the oven, tossing, rotating, and switching the pan positions half way through cooking, until tender and browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Taste and season again with more salt and pepper, if desired.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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