Yes, you read that right: Acorn Squash Rings and Butternut Squash Slices cooked with a waffle iron.

When the weather gets cooler and your grill is covered for the winter, you can still get that “grilled” flavor – with a waffle iron. Last summer I saw things you can cook on a waffle iron by Buzzfeed – and they were mostly things cooked with batter, but I wanted to try some veggies. I tried a bunch of things and these squash rings were my favorite.

BONUS: This is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving because it doesn’t use up your oven space!

This squash is cooked with the waffle iron in just about 5 minutes – with the perfect flavor and texture. And then I brushed them while still hot with a Maple Chipotle Glaze. The idea for the maple glaze came from Pantry Queen Lydia at Perfect Pantry.  ( I used 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper, minced, and a dash of salt. You just brush on the glaze as soon as these rings come out of the waffle iron. I sprinkled on a little chile powder as well – totally optional, but adds flavor and a little kick.

This is not only easy and flavorful – this recipe is downright FUN. I promise you will be standing anxiously waiting, waiting, waiting to open up your waffle iron to see what magic has happened!

You will need to makes the slices fit your waffle iron – both in diameter and in thickness. Then, cook them checking frequently to see if they are tender.

You can even let little ones help with tossing the squash into the waffle iron – and then just wait to see their faces when you lift up the top of the waffle iron! Their eyes will grow big when they see the steam come out and the squash covered with checker board squares.

Happy Fall, Y’all!

— posted by Donna