Roasted Delicata Squash
Delivers perfectly tender and caramelized roasted squash every single time.
Serves4 to 6
Prep5 minutes
Cook20 minutes to 25 minutes
Delicata squash is easy to love: It requires minimal prep (no peeling necessary!), it’s surprisingly easy to slice, and its nutty and slightly sweet flavor is delightful. When roasted, it cooks up tender and golden, ready to be piled onto fall salads or paired with any cozy main.
Plus, unlike other winter squash varieties, it’s a manageable size — one delicata generally serves two people. Here’s how to roast it to sweet perfection every time.
Why You’ll Love It
- Roasting delicata squash is far and away the best way to prepare it. Like other varieties of winter squash, the natural sugars in delicata squash are drawn out in the hot oven, which allows for beautiful caramelization as it becomes tender.
- It’s easy and delicious. All you need is squash, olive oil, salt and pepper and about 30 minutes on the clock to pull off this simple side dish.
How to Roast Delicata Squash
- Prep the squash. As I mentioned above, the skin of delicata squash is so thin that it doesn’t need to be peeled. All you need to do is halve it, scoop out the seeds, and slice it into half-moons.
- Toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated, then arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Roast the squash. Roast it for 25 minutes until it’s cooked through and splotched with golden-brown spots.
What to Serve with Roasted Delicata Squash
Since the season for delicata squash is so short (really only from September through December), I love to celebrate its flavor by enjoying it simply with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. However, it’s also a blank slate in case you’re looking to play around.
Flavor boosters such spicy harissa and miso, a showering of Parmesan cheese, and even bacon can add intrigue and instantly jazz it up. However you flavor it, serve the squash as is as a side, or add it to salads, grain bowls, or pasta. Here are a few pairing ideas to get you started.
Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
Delivers perfectly tender and caramelized roasted squash every single time.
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes to 25 minutes
Serves 4 to 6
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 2
medium delicata squash (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons
olive oil
- 1 teaspoon
kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
Equipment
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Rimmed baking sheet
Measuring spoons
Thin spatula
Instructions
Heat the oven. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F.
Prep and cut delicata squash. Trim ends off 2 medium delicata squash. Cut in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and pulp. Cut into 1/2-inch-thick half moons.
Toss the squash with oil. Place the squash on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and toss to coat. Arrange the squash in a single layer.
Roast the squash. Roast until lightly browned on the bottom, about 10 minutes. Use a thin spatula to flip the squash. Roast until the squash is tender and caramelized, 10 to 15 minutes more.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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