Description
Roasted Carnival Squash Slices are my go-to autumn side dish that brings warmth to your dinner table. Seasoned with simple herbs and olive oil, these golden-edged squash slices deliver rich flavor that complements any main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 carnival squash
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Rinse the carnival squash thoroughly, then slice them into neat ½-inch thick rounds, carefully scooping out the inner seeds with a spoon.
- Spread the squash slices in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Generously drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the slices, making sure each piece gets a nice coating.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper across the squash.
- For extra warmth, dust the slices with ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg if your taste buds desire.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning.
- Check the squash at the 25-minute mark – the edges should be golden and the center tender when pierced with a fork.
- Pull the baking sheet from the oven and let the slices rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- Slice the squash uniformly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation that looks professional.
- Pat the squash slices dry before adding oil to help them caramelize and develop a beautiful golden color instead of steaming.
- Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika, rosemary, or za’atar to customize the flavor profile and keep the dish interesting.
- For a vegan and gluten-free option, these roasted squash slices work perfectly as a side dish or can be added to salads and grain bowls for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Roasted
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg