How to Cook Delicata Squash
Sweet, tender, and so easy to make, roasted delicata squash is one of our favorite side dishes for fall. Here’s how to cook delicata squash so it turns out perfect!
One of the most overlooked vegetables of the season, delicata squash is among my favorite fall veggies. Most people reach for the trusty, popular Butternut Squash—but what if I told you that delicata squash is easier to prepare and even more delicious?
That’s right, roasted delicata squash is a super simple side dish because you don’t even need to peel it. Just as the name suggests, the skin is delicate enough to eat when it’s been cooked, making it an ultra healthy, simple addition to your family dinners.
What Is Delicata Squash?
If you’ve never tried delicata squash, I can promise it will soon become a fast favorite thanks to its easy preparation.
Delicata squash is a type of winter squash that’s most commonly found as a yellow, elongated smaller sized squash with orange or green stripes. Also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash, it has a tender skin that’s edible when cooked.
You can find them at just about any grocery store or farmer’s market during the fall and winter months.
Ingredients for Roasted Delicata Squash
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Delicata squash – Look for a squash that’s firm all around, with no soft spots or gashes (which can get moldy quickly).
- Olive oil – Or another oil you like to use for cooking.
- Kosher salt and black pepper – The basic seasonings, and all you need to make delicata squash delicious!
How to Cook Delicata Squash
This sweet squash is really simple to cook and roasting it in the oven is my favorite way.
- Prepare. Wash your squash thoroughly. Since you’re going to eat the skin, be sure to scrub it well to remove any dirt or debris before prepping your squash for cooking. Cut the squash in half with a sharp knife lengthwise.
- Remove the seeds and pulp. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. I prefer a serrated spoon that’s typically used for eating grapefruit, but if you don’t have one, a regular spoon will work well, too. If you have a pumpkin carving spoon, that also works!
- Slice. Cut the delicata squash into 1/2-inch slices and place in a bowl.
- Season. Toss with olive oil, arrange the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook. Roast the delicata squash in a 425˚F oven until tender and caramelized.
How To Season Delicata Squash
Now that you know how to cook delicata squash, you can easily change things up with this baked delicata squash recipe by adding additional flavorings.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Toss with this poultry rub before roasting for a bit of BBQ flair.
- Sprinkle with a bit of curry powder….it’s crazy amazing.
- Add a pinch of pumpkin spice seasoning for a very FALL flavor.
- Finish with fresh minced herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Drizzle the squash with brown butter.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Transfer leftover delicata squash to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the squash on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350˚F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the squash in a microwave, or try eating it cold—it’s great added to fall salads like this Autumn Apple Spinach Salad with Bacon and Candied Pecans.
What To Serve With Delicata Squash
Since this Roasted Delicata Squash is a fairly simple side dish, we like to serve it alongside our favorite roast chicken recipe for Sunday dinner.
It also works really well with this easy Baked Chicken Breast for quick weeknight dinners.
Top your favorite fall inspired salad with leftover delicata squash, if you have any. Or just serve alongside this Oven Fried Chicken and watch the kids go nuts. In a good way…of course.
More Easy Squash Recipes
If you like this Roasted Delicata Squash recipe, then you’ll also love this simple Delicata Squash with Pomegranate.….it’s bursting with fall flavor.
Or try this Roasted Acorn Squash with Gingersnaps….it’s an elegant side dish perfect for company but I love it on the weekends, too.
And this easy Butternut Squash is soooo addicting, too.
Looking for a one pot dinner, this Skillet Chicken with Cranberries and Squash is simply ahhhhhmazing.
For more easy side dish recipes, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Get the Recipe: How to Cook Delicata Squash
Ingredients
- 3 delicata squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
Equipment
- baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425˚F.
- Wash the squash thoroughly and dry.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise on a flat surface. Scoop the seeds out and then place the cut side down. Cut the squash into 1/2 inch slices. Place the squash in a bowl. Repeat with the remaining squash.
- Toss the squash with the olive oil and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the squash in the oven for 20 minutes. Flip the squash with a spatula and continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
- Serve immediately or at room temperature.