How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash
Updated: Nov. 10, 2023
This recipe is "squashing" records on social media!
Look out butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash. There’s a breakout winter squash on TikTok, and it’s small, striped and easy to prep: delicata squash. If you haven’t made roasted delicata squash yet, that’s about to change! Keep reading as we give you the 4-1-1 on this stripy squash recipe.
What is delicata squash?
It’s a small variety of winter squash recognized for its creamy-colored exterior with green or orange stripes. Delicata has a slightly nutty and sweet flavor that people often compare to butternut squash or sweet potatoes. What’s special about this unique squash is that, unlike other varieties, delicata has a thin “delicate” skin that softens when it is cooked, so it does not need to be peeled away or eaten around (like in this quinoa-stuffed squash boat recipe).
Can you eat delicata squash skin?
Yes! Delicata have a thinner skin that’s perfectly soft and tender once cooked. There’s no peeling required, so you can eat it just as you would a summer squash—skin and all!
Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3-5 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- Molasses, for drizzling
- Sea salt, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the spices
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, combine the ginger, spices and maple syrup.
Editor’s Tip: Looking for something savory rather than sweet? Use the herby spice mixture from this simple butternut squash recipe instead.
Step 2: Season the squash
Add the prepared squash slices to a large bowl and drizzle them with the maple syrup mixture.
Editor’s Tip: While the flavor will be different, you could experiment with using honey as the main sweetener in this delicata squash recipe instead of maple syrup.
Step 3: Roast the squash
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Turn and flip the squash to ensure all sides of the squash get some color and cook evenly. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the squash pieces are tender and the maple syrup is caramelized.
Editor’s Tip: Keep a close eye on the squash to ensure the sugars in the maple syrup do not burn. Yours may require less time, depending on your oven and how thick you’ve sliced the squash.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the roasted delicata squash from the oven and transfer to a plate for serving. Drizzle with molasses, sprinkle with sea salt and serve warm. Enjoy!
Up Next: Master the basics of making perfect spaghetti squash.
Originally Published: November 10, 2023
