4.75 8 Published Oct 19, 2020, Updated Oct 07, 2024
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple yet satisfying – This recipe is proof that you don’t need a ton of ingredients to create something delicious. Just a little olive oil, salt, and pepper transform delicata squash into a flavorful side. No fuss prep – No peeling is necessary for this squash! The skin gets perfectly tender, so you just slice, season, and roast. Versatile – Perfect for fall dinners, holiday spreads, or even meal prep. I love having this squash on hand to add to salads or grain bowls like my chicken protein bowl or harvest fall salad. Customizable – I love the simplicity of this recipe, but feel free to make it your own by adding different seasonings and spices.
You only need three simple ingredients to make this easy recipe: I love serving it alongside a grain and protein like my grilled chicken or balsamic glazed salmon for a simple weeknight dinner, but it’s also a great addition to a holiday meal. Roasted veggies are a favorite side of mine for Thanksgiving alongside turkey, healthy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and healthy pumpkin pie of course!
delicata squash – this is one of my favorite winter squashes because it’s naturally sweet, with a flavor that’s often compared to sweet potatoes, hence the nickname “sweet potato squash.” The best part? The skin is totally edible, so no peeling required! Just look for squash that’s creamy yellow with bright green stripes and free from soft spots. olive oil – a little drizzle of olive oil gives the squash that irresistible golden-brown crisp. sea salt and pepper – simple seasonings that make the natural flavors of the squash really shine.
How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash
Prep squash – start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise and removing all of the seeds and stringy bits. Place the cut side down on a cutting board and slice the squash into 1/4 inch pieces – the end results will be little rainbow shapes.
Savory – I love garlic on everything! If you want the squash to have more of a savory flavor feel free to add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic granules. Sweet – If you want the squash to have a sweet flavor, omit the ground pepper and add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Parmesan crusted – Try sprinkling the squash with freshly grated parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of roasting. It gets crispy and adds a delicious cheesy finish. Maple & pecan – Drizzle with maple syrup and top with chopped pecans for a sweet, nutty twist. Perfect for a festive side! Fresh herbs – Add a dash of your favorite fresh (or dried) herbs. Some great options for this squash would be sage, thyme or rosemary.
Season – Add the squash to a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake – Spread the squash on a large baking sheet, making sure each piece has a little space around it. Bake at 425ºF for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The squash is done when it has brown spots on the flesh and is fork tender.
How to Serve
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this delicata squash! Like I mentioned earlier, its sweet, nutty flavor is similar to sweet potatoes, so it pairs perfectly with savory dishes like my apple cider vinegar chicken. It’s also a great addition to your holiday table as a tasty side. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this squash:
Holiday side: Perfect for Thanksgiving or really any festive meal! Pair it with my lentil loaf, sourdough stuffing, shaved brussels sprout salad and mashed cauliflower to round out your holiday table. Toss into salads: I love adding roasted delicata squash to salads. It’s a great option in my harvest fall salad or even my grilled chicken salad for something heartier. With protein: Serve alongside your favorite protein like grilled chicken, turmeric maple chicken, or grilled salmon. Add a side of rice or quinoa for a complete and nutritious meal!
How to Store Leftovers
You can store any leftover delicata squash in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 4-5 days. Just be sure to allow the squash to completely cool before placing it in an airtight sealed container to prevent any condensation, which almost always leads to soggy leftovers. For longer storage, roasted delicata squash freezes well. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This will prevent the pieces from clumping together, and you can enjoy them for up to 3 months.
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes to Try:
Roasted Broccoli Roasted Kabocha Squash Roasted Sweet Potatoes Roasted Spaghetti Squash Roasted Summer Squash and Zucchini Roasted Asparagus
