Maple-Roasted Delicata Squash with Bacon

While I typically don’t like picking favorites, I’m a sucker for any vegetable that requires minimal prep work. I’ll take Broccolini over broccoli, baby spinach over the more mature bunches, and delicata squash over just about every other winter squash. Delicata squash is totally fuss-free: It doesn’t need to be peeled and, better yet, it’s super easy to slice, thanks to its soft skin. It’s the lazy squash I have on repeat all fall and winter long. And when it’s tossed with maple syrup and crispy bits of bacon, I never tire of it.

Roasting slices of delicata squash with just olive oil, salt, and pepper is all well and good, but I’ll never turn down an opportunity to lean into seasonal flavors. Here, a drizzle of maple coats the vegetables in a sweet glaze, and crispy bacon lends a smoky, rich contrast. It pairs perfectly with fall favorites like roast chicken and pork, although I’ve also been know to eat it straight off the baking sheet.