• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Eating by Elaine
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Cookbook
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Discounts
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Cookbook
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Discounts
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Cookbook
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Discounts
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Maple Sugar Roasted Kabocha Squash Recipe

    By Elaine Gordon · Published: Oct 8, 2021 · Modified: Mar 20, 2023

    Jump to Recipe
    VGGFPNFSFE

    This simple, 5-ingredient Maple Sugar Roasted Kabocha Squash Recipe is the best way to enjoy this flavorful veggie! It's even been given the thumbs up by my kids, so you know it's a good one. Kabocha squash is vibrantly colored and absolutely gorgeous on a holiday table, although this recipe is easy and tasty enough for a weeknight!

    Easy Kabocha Squash Recipe

    Have you fallen in love with Kabocha Squash yet? It's at the top of my list of favorite vegetables! This is actually one of the sweetest varieties of squash out there, so it's also a really kid-friendly option, too. I grab one whenever I see them available, then use it to make this Maple Sugar Roasted Kabocha Squash recipe! You can check out my Instagram Fall Highlight for more on this squash variety and to see it roasted in real time. I was shocked by how many people hadn't tried Kabocha, and I'm so excited to hear what you think!

    Roasted Kabocha Squash Recipe
    Kabocha Squash Recipe Ingredients

    Kabocha Squash Recipe Ingredients

    The best thing about working with in-season veggies is that they're at their prime and bursting with unique, natural flavor! I found out on Instagram that a lot of my readers are new to Kabocha Squash recipes, so I wanted to do a recipe that showcases the delicious, autumnal flavor of this sweet squash.

    • Kabocha squash - I always grab a smaller squash that's primarily dark green.
    • Maple sugar - This is just maple syrup, my favorite natural sweetener, that's been boiled down to form a granulated sugar! Coconut sugar also works here.
    • Extra virgin olive oil - You can toss the cut squash pieces in olive oil to coat.
    • Salt and pepper - Just the classics in this recipe! Kabocha squash is so flavorful, I just like adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper to complement.
    How to Cut Kabocha Squash
    How to Cut Kabocha Squash
    How to Cut Kabocha Squash

    How to Cut Kabocha Squash

    Kabocha Squash is unique from other squashes because you can actually eat the skin. Promise! It's thin, edible, and absolutely delicious...it also makes cutting even easier! I start by cutting the stem off, halving the squash, and scooping the seeds out.  Save them for roasting! From there everything gets cut into 1-inch chunks!

    How to Cook Kabocha Squash
    How to Cook Kabocha Squash
    How to Cook Kabocha Squash
    Roasted Kabocha Squash Recipe

    What is Kabocha Squash?

    Kabocha is a starchy Japanese winter squash that to me seems like a cross between pumpkin and sweet potato...but still somehow totally different! This is my favorite variety of squash by far, and honestly, one of my favorite vegetables ever. It's perfect in the fall! Kabocha is so satisfying and filling, and my kids all love this recipe.

    Choose squash with a firm exterior and no soft spots or cracks. The exterior should be matte (not shiny) in color and hard to pierce with your fingernail. Squash last quite a while before using, but generally it's a good idea to use it sooner, within a month. If your squash is unripe, place in a warm sunny spot to help it ripen. If it is mature and ripe, store the squash in a cool dark area in your kitchen but do not refrigerate (source).

    What is Kabocha Squash?

    Health Benefits of Kabocha Squash

    Kabocha squash is low in calories while being a source of protein, vitamins A and C, fiber, beta carotene, and magnesium. Winter squash is rich in potassium, which helps counteract the negative effects of sodium on blood pressure. Squash also contains polysaccharides, an indigestible fiber that can prevent blood sugar from rising after eating! Amazing. (source)

    Quick Kabocha Squash Recipe
    Maple Sugar Kabocha Squash

    What to Serve with Kabocha Squash

    This squash would be delicious as a side with any meal! You could eat it with Easy Coconut Rice, Cooked Quinoa, or Instant Pot Lebanese Rice and a dollop of Classic Chickpea Hummus. Add some crunch from Sweet and Spiced Roasted Chickpeas, and top with pomegranate arils and fresh herbs if you want it to feel elevated. Easy and so, so flavorful!

    How to Cook Kabocha Squash

    This Maple Sugar Roasted Kabocha Squash Recipe is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and free of refined sugar! It's a holiday side dish that everyone at the table can enjoy (and they'll all want to know what it is!). My kids love it enough that I make it on weeknights, too! I hope you'll tag me in your Kabocha Squash recipe adventures on Instagram, and don't forget to drop a review below!

    Easy Kabocha Squash

    More Squash Recipes

    • Creamy Butternut Squash "Risotto"
    • Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
    • Quinoa-Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash
    • Vegan Pumpkin Risotto
    • Maple Roasted Butternut Squash, Quinoa, & Apple Salad
    • Walnut Crusted Roasted Delicata Squash
    • Instant Pot Acorn Squash Breakfast Bowls
    • Best Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
    • Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Garlic Pasta
    • One-Skillet Baked Butternut Squash Pasta
    • Creamy Vegan Spaghetti Squash with Marinara
    • Pecan Encrusted Delicata Squash & Kale Salad
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Easy Kabocha Squash

    Maple Sugar Roasted Kabocha Squash Recipe


    • Author: Elaine Gordon
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: 8 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This simple, 5-ingredient Maple Sugar Roasted Kabocha Squash Recipe is the best way to enjoy this flavorful veggie! We make it every fall!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 small kabocha squash
    • 2 tablespoons maple sugar (or coconut sugar)
    • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon fine salt (plus more to taste after roasting)
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
    2. Cut off the stem of the squash.  Halve the squash and remove the seeds using a fork or spoon.  Cut the squash into 1-inch thick wedges and then cut the wedges into 1-inch sized chunks.  Leave the skin on (it is thin, edible and delicious).
    3. Place the squash in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and add the maple sugar, oil, salt and pepper.  Toss well with two spoons until all the squash is evenly coated.  Place half the squash in a second 12-inch cast iron skillet.  Spread the squash out into one even layer in both skillets.  Space the squash out so the chunks are not touching.  Arrange so the flesh side is down for the chunks.
    4. Roast for 30 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through so a second side of the flesh gets seared on the bottom of the skillet.
    5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with more salt if desired (I usually do another ½ teaspoon immediately after it comes out of the oven).  Enjoy immediately while hot.
    6. Store leftovers once fully cooled to room temperature in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.  Reheat in the oven for best results.

    Equipment

    Measuring Spoons [use code ELAINE-10 for 10% off]

    Buy Now →
    Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

    12-inch cast iron skillet

    Buy Now →
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Cook Time: 30
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Method: Oven

    Keywords: Maple Roasted Kabocha Squash

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @eatingbyelaine on Instagram and hashtag it #eatingbyelaine

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Get More Recipes by Category

      VGVeganGFGluten-FreePPaleoNFNut-FreeSFSoy-FreeNSNaturally Sweetened EEasy RecipesKFKid-Friendly

    Hi, I'm Elaine!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    Thank you for checking out my vegan and gluten-free recipes.

    Learn more about me →

    Latest Recipes

    • Pineapple-Lemonade-16
      Pineapple Lemonade with Ginger and Turmeric (no juicing or straining needed!)
    • Moroccan-Quinoa-Salad-16
      Moroccan Quinoa Salad
    • Crispy-Broccoli-12
      Crispy Oven-Roasted Smashed Broccoli
    • Lemon-Orzo-Soup-19
      Creamy Vegan Lemon Orzo Soup
    • Crispy-Brussels-Sprouts-8
      Crispy Brussels Sprouts
    • Vegan-Creamed-Spinach-10
      Vegan Creamed Spinach

    TikTok

    Immunity Boosting Recipes
    Discount-Codes-for-My-Favorite-Products-1

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Popular on Instagram

    ABOUT

    PRESS

    POLICIES

    CONTACT

    Copyright © 2023 Eating By Elaine