Roasted delicata squash offers a delightful combination of creamy, sweet flesh and caramelized edges, resulting in a truly delicious and flavorful side dish. With its thin skin and tender texture, delicata squash is easy to prepare and cook, making it a simple yet satisfying addition to any meal.
If you enjoy the simple elegance of roasted vegetables, you should also try my recipe for roasted cauliflower, roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted zucchini.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Tender and creamy texture. The flesh of delicata squash becomes tender and creamy when roasted, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Edible skin. Unlike other types of squash, delicata squash has a thin, edible skin, which adds a pleasant texture and saves time in the preparation process.
- Quick and easy preparation. Delicata squash is relatively easy to handle and prepare, requiring minimal effort to remove the seeds and slice. It cooks quickly, allowing you to enjoy roasted delicata squash in no time.
Ingredients needed
- Delicata squash. Delicata squash is the star ingredient of the dish, providing a naturally sweet and tender flesh that roasts beautifully.
- Olive oil. Olive oil is used to coat the delicata squash slices, helping them achieve a crispy exterior and preventing them from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Salt. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the delicata squash, bringing out its sweetness and adding a savory element to the dish.
- Additional seasonings (optional). Black pepper, garlic powder, or herbs can be added based on personal preference to enhance the flavor profile of the roasted delicata squash.
How to make roasted delicata squash
Step 1 – Preparation. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Wash the delicata squash and pat them dry. Slice each squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the squash into half-inch thick slices.
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Step 2 – Season the squash. In a bowl, toss the delicata squash slices with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated. Season with salt and any additional optional seasonings you desire, such as black pepper, garlic powder, or herbs. Toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings. Arrange the seasoned squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3 – Bake and serve. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown around the edges. Flip the slices halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Once roasted, remove from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Serve the roasted delicata squash as a delicious side dish or incorporate them into other recipes like salads or grain bowls.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Choose ripe delicata squash. Look for delicata squash that are firm, with vibrant color and without any soft spots. Ripe squash will have better flavor and texture when roasted.
- Keep the slices uniform. When slicing, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. This helps all the slices roast at the same rate and results in a consistent texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Arrange the squash slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each slice. Overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to steaming rather than roasting, resulting in softer squash and less caramelization.
Storage instructions
To store: Allow the roasted delicata squash to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or a sealable bag. Refrigerate and consume it within 3-4 days for the best quality and flavor.
To reheat: When ready to consume the refrigerated roasted delicata squash, reheat it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Toss gently before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the skin of delicata squash is edible and adds a pleasant texture when roasted. However, it’s recommended to wash the squash thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
Yes, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the delicata squash before roasting. However, the skin becomes tender and adds flavor to the dish when roasted, so it’s commonly left intact.
Yes, you can experiment with other winter squashes like butternut squash or acorn squash using similar roasting methods. Keep in mind that different squashes may have different cooking times and flavors.
While roasted delicata squash is best served fresh, you can pre-cut the squash slices in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to roast the squash just before serving.
Roasted Delicata Squash
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Wash the delicata squash and pat them dry. Slice each squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the squash into half-inch thick slices.
- In a bowl, toss the delicata squash slices with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated. Season with salt and any additional optional seasonings you desire, such as black pepper, garlic powder, or herbs. Toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings. Arrange the seasoned squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown around the edges. Flip the slices halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Once roasted, remove the delicata squash from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Serve the roasted delicata squash as a delicious side dish or incorporate them into other recipes like salads or grain bowls.
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