Nitrate & Nitrite Free Maple & Apple Cider Roasted Butternut Squash
Butternut squash gets a serious glow-up here, roasted at high heat until the edges caramelize and then finished with a sticky, tangy glaze that clings to every golden cube. The combination of pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and coconut aminos builds a deeply savory-sweet flavor without relying on any cured or processed ingredients — which is exactly where hidden preservatives tend to sneak in. Coconut aminos stands in beautifully for soy sauce or Worcestershire-style condiments, delivering that umami depth completely clean. Ground turmeric and ginger warm the squash from the inside out, while a whisper of Ceylon cinnamon in the glaze keeps things aromatic without tipping into dessert territory. The technique is straightforward — toss, roast, glaze, roast again — but the layered result tastes like something you'd order at a farm-to-table restaurant. Fresh thyme scattered over the top at the end adds a herby brightness that makes the whole platter look as good as it tastes. This is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show at any table.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 ½ lb), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For the glaze
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with the melted coconut oil, salt, ground ginger, and ground turmeric until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between the pieces.
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