Roasted Delicata Squash (Quick + Easy Recipe) | Hello Little Home (2024)

Learn how to make the BEST Roasted Delicata Squash! This delicious recipe is super quick and easy to make, plus simple to customize. The perfect fall side dish!

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Come fall, I'm all about the winter squash! It's delicious and good for you, and there are so many ways to cook this yummy veggie ... although, did you know that it's technically a fruit?!

Roasted Delicata Squash is one of my go to autumn recipes! It features one of my favorite squash varieties, and one that you're sure to love, too! Delicata Squash it's easier to work with than harder varieties (like butternut), plus the peel is edible, so there's no peeling required.

This recipe is super easy to make, and so flavorful. I seasoned it with fresh herbs and lemon this time, but you can get creative. Plus, with its vibrant color and pretty scalloped edges, it's a beautiful dish that's sure to impress, making it perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving!

I'm also sharing tips for how to cut Delicata Squash two ways, plus lots of fun variations and serving ideas. So you can customize this recipe however you'd like!

Ready to start cooking? Then keep reading for all the details!

Ingredients

You need just a few simple ingredients to make the recipe:

• Delicata Squash - You can typically find Delicata Squash in grocery stores from late summer through early winter. Because you will be eating the skin, look for squash that's smooth, firm, unblemished. It doesn't last as long as other winter squashes, sp make sure to store it in a cool, dry place, or for longer storage, in your refrigerator.
• Olive Oil - You'll toss the slices with extra virgin olive oil before baking. The oil helps the squash brown, and it adds flavor, too. This is my favorite every day olive oil!
• Salt + Pepper - Mixing the slices with salt and pepper before roasting brings out the squash's delicious flavor. I recommend using kosher salt.
• Other Seasonings - This recipe is easily customizable, simply by switching up the seasonings! I used fresh herbs and lemon here, but you'll find lots of other ideas in the Variations section below.

This scrumptious side dish is naturally vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free ... which means that everyone at your table can enjoy it!

You'll Also Need

You'll also need a sharp knife to cut the squash, a spoon to scoop out the seeds, and a sheet pan for roasting (these Circulon baking sheets are my fave!).

How to Roast Delicata Squash

Baked Delicata Squash couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

1. Remove seeds. Start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. You don't need to remove the peel. It's edible. Tip: Save the seeds to make Roasted Squash Seeds ... they make a great snack!
2. Slice. Next, cut each half into slices about ½-inch thick.
3. Toss with oil + seasonings. Place the squash slices on a baking sheet, then drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper (plus, any other seasonings you'd like to use). Toss the slices them with the oil and seasonings (clean hands work great for this!).
4. Bake. Transfer for the baking sheet to your oven, then roast the squash until it's browned on one side. Flip, then roast until tender and browned on the other side.
5. Finish + serve. Remove the squash from the oven, then season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed. This is also a great time to add fresh herbs and squeeze of lemon juice, if using.

And that's all there is to it ... your delicious Oven Roasted Delicata Squash is ready to eat! Serve it on it's own as a side dish, or add it to salads and more ... you'll find more tips below.

Two Ways to Cut Delicata Squash

Here are two different ways to cut Delicata Squash for this recipe:

1. Slices - Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut into slices about ½-inch thick.
2. Rings - Slice the end off the squash, then use your spoon to reach in and remove the seeds. Cut into rings about ½-inch thick.

This recipe will work great, no matter which was you cut the Delicata Squash. I typically do slices, which are a little faster and easier. The rings are eye-catching though, perfect for special occasions!

Variations

This yummy Delicata Squash recipe couldn't be easier to customize! Here are some easy ways to change up the flavor:

• Herbs - Adding fresh or dried herbs, like sage, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, Italian parsley, mint, or marjoram is a quick way to make season the Roasted Squash. Mix the squash with dried spices prior to baking or with fresh spices halfway through or after it's done cooking (that way they won't burn).
• Spices - Delicata Squash pairs wonderfully with warm, fragrant spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cayenne, or cumin. You could also do a blend, such as Pumpkin Spice, Garam Masala, or Curry Powder. Toss spices with the squash before roasted.
• Maple Syrup / Honey - If you'd like to enhance the squash'e's naturally sweet flavor, toss it with a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey (along with the olive oil) before baking. This would be especially tasty if you also add one of the spice blends mentioned above.
• Fruits / Veggies - You can also roast the squash alongside other fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, onions, shallots, potatoes, turnips, brussels sprouts, garlic, or carrots. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• Toppings - While plating, add some texture or flavor by sprinkling on a topping. Toasted breadcrumbs, nuts or seeds, pomegranate seeds, cheese (such as goat, feta, ricotta, or parmesan), or dried fruit (like cranberries) would all work great. You could also drizzle a vinaigrette, like this yummy Maple Salad Dressing, over the top.

Serving Suggestions

This easy side dish is the perfect accompaniment to all your fall meals! It's easy enough to serve with weeknight dinners (try it alongside a Veggie Burger or this Cheese Lasagna). But also special enough for festive get togethers, like Thanksgiving, where you can pair it with all your favorites like Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, and Cranberry Sauce, plus an impressive main course, such as this Phyllo Vegetable Pie or this Mushroom Wellington.

Think beyond the side dish, too! You could use this Delicata Squash recipe to top a salad (such as this Harvest Salad or this Kale Cranberry Salad), mix it into pasta (it would be paired with my easy Alfredo Sauce), stir it into Soups and Strews, serve it on Homemade Pizza, or even pair it with black beans to make tacos.

Storage

If you have any leftover Roast Delicata Squash, store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days. You can eat the leftovers cold (very tasty in a salad!), or you can rewarm them gently in your microwave.

Related Recipes

Looking for more winter squash recipes? Try one of these delicious dishes next:

• Stuffed Delicata Squash
• Pumpkin and Lentil Curry
• Pumpkin Pizza
• Pumpkin Couscous Salad
• Roasted Pumpkin Soup
• Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese
• Butternut Squash Lasagna
• Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas
• Butternut Squash Salad
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
• Stuffing Stuffed Acorn Squash