Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (2024)

Squash season is one of my favorite seasons! I love the variety of the different kinds, their nutritious breakdown, and the versatility you can do with them. Fromstuffed acorn squash,curried squash soup, androasted with goat cheese and pomegranates. The possibilities are endless! Today we are sharing a simple roasted delicata squash recipe.

One of my favorite squash that is pretty unassuming is delicata squash! It gets perfectly caramelized when roasted at high temperatures and is by far the easiest to prepare out of all the squashes. They are small in size so you don’t have to worry about having an abundance of leftovers (although it’s great leftover tossed-in meals!) and they roast up quickly.

Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (1)

They also make a great healthy choice. Delicata squash is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and also has a good amount of manganese, calcium, and potassium.

To spice up this roasted delicata squash, I decided to add some cinnamon. It goes so well with the sweetness and is perfect for the fall and winter months. This recipe was actually inspired by a dish I tried at Whole Foods. It was so simple and so flavorful, I knew I had to recreate it.

Why we love this roasted delicata squash recipe

  • easy to make– simply cut up your squash, toss it with seasonings, and roast!
  • customizable– change up the seasonings to keep them interesting.
  • perfect vegetable side for a weeknight dinner, the holidays, or just your weekly meal prep.
Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (2)

What is delicata squash?

Delicata squash is a winter squash that is oblong in shape with a thin light yellow skin with green or orange stripes. The flesh is orange and once roasted, becomes creamy and has a delicious slightly sweet taste. It is low in calories, lower in carbohydrates than a potato, and is a good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

What does delicata squash taste like?

Delicata squash has a unique and flavorful taste. Once cooked, the flesh is creamy and sweet and tastes a bit like a mix between corn and sweet potato or pumpkin. Its nickname is “sweet potato squash”. Roasting it draws out the sweetness and it becomes slightly caramelized. Tossing it with some oil and salt and pepper is delicious as it doesn’t need much to bring out the flavors!

Ingredients

  • delicata squash
  • olive oil
  • cinnamon
  • salt and pepper
Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (3)

How to make roasted delicata squash

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Prep your squash.See the section below on how to cut delicata squash.
  3. Roast.Toss the delicata squash with oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper and mix well to combine. I like to do this on the baking sheet to save dirtying another dish. Spread them out on the baking sheets and bake for 25-30 minutes or until fork-tender, flipping the squash once after 15 minutes.
  4. Enjoy!
Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (4)

How to cut delicata squash

Delicata squash is one of the easier squashes to prepare as they are a lot smaller, easier to cut, and don’t need to be peeled. Here is how to cut a delicata squash:

  1. First, wash/rinse your delicata squash.You will be eating the skin so we want to make sure any dirt is rinsed off.
  2. Place on a cutting board and cut off both ends.
  3. Slice your delicata squash in half lengthwise.Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds.
  4. Place squash cut side down, and cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces, making half-moon shapes.Try to cut in uniform pieces to allow for even cooking.

Make sure you use asharp knifeas it makes a huge difference.

Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (5)
Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (6)
Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (7)

Can you eat delicata squash skin?

The skin of delicata squash is edible and it is safe to eat. Once it is cooked, it becomes soft and tender. An edible skin is one of my favorite things about delicata squash. It makes it a lot easier to prepare as you don’t need to take time to peel the squash.

What to eat with squash

Here are a few ways to serve delicata squash. It is versatile and goes with just about any meal.

  • during the holidays withturkey, ham, or beef
  • alongside roasted orgrilled chicken, steak, or fish
  • in a power or grain bowl with protein, grains, veggies, and a dressing
  • tossed in asalad

Storage and reheating

  • refrigerator– if you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely (so no moisture forms) and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
  • freezer– allow them to cool completely. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until frozen. Then place in astorage bagfor up to 3 months. Freezing them in a single layer allows them to not stick together when you place them in a bag/container.
  • reheating– heat up in a skillet on the stove with a little oil and saute until warmed through. You can also pop them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through.
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Substitutions and additions

  • delicata squash– if you can’t find delicata squash, most kinds of winter squashes will work. Try butternut, acorn, honeynut, or kabocha squash. Make sure to peel them if using another kind.
  • olive oil– you can use any neutral-tasting oil like coconut oil or avocado oil. Melted butter or ghee will also work, which will give them a richer flavor.

Here are some additions to spice them up:

  • herbs and spices– feel free to change up the seasoning according to your liking. Garlic powder, ground ginger, cumin, paprika, and onion powder would be good substitutes or additions.
  • maple syrupor honey– add 1-2 tablespoons to add more sweetness and get the squash even more caramelized.

More healthy side dishes

  • rosemary roasted radishes
  • tahini whipped sweet potatoes
  • parmesan roasted parsnips
  • air fryer carrots

If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!

Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (9)

Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (10)

5 from 8 votes

Roasted Delicata Squash

Author: Kelly Nardo

Just 3 ingredients to make the best roasted delicata squash. Easy to make and ready in 35 minutes, it makes for an easy fall side dish perfect for the holidays or a weeknight meal. Vegan, paleo, and Whole30.

Print RecipePin Recipe

Course: Side Dish

Calories: 116kcal

Protein: 2g

Carbs: 18.2g

Fat: 5.3g

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

ingredients

  • 3 small-medium delicata squash (800 grams after cut)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

  • Prep your squash.First, wash/rinse your delicata squash. You will be eating the skin so we want to make sure any dirt is rinsed off. Cut off both ends. Slice your delicata squash in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds. Place squash cut side down, and cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces, making half-moon shapes. Try to cut in uniform pieces to allow for even cooking.

  • Roast.Toss the delicata squash with oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper and mix well to combine. I like to do this on the baking sheet to save dirtying another dish. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheets and bake for 25-30 minutes or until fork-tender, flipping the squash once after 15 minutes.

  • Enjoy!

nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Roasted Delicata Squash

Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/4 of recipe))

Calories 116Calories from Fat 48

% Daily Value*

Fat 5.3g8%

Saturated Fat 0.8g5%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g

Monounsaturated Fat 3.7g

Sodium 156mg7%

Potassium 705mg20%

Carbohydrates 18.2g6%

Fiber 3.7g15%

Sugar 4.4g5%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 136IU3%

Vitamin C 25mg30%

Calcium 69mg7%

Iron 1.3mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe or anything from Eat the Gains, leave a comment and rating to let people know how you liked it! Also, make sure to post it and tag me so I can see all of your creations!! @eatthegains and #eatthegains on Instagram!

Easy Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Eat the Gains (2024)

FAQs

Do you eat the skin on roasted Delicata squash? ›

Wofford and our test kitchen editors will leave the skin on delicata, acorn, and honeynut squash to save time, add nutrients, and reduce food waste. These varieties have thin skins that soften readily when cooked. Next time you slice a delicata into rings ready to roast, don't peel it.

Is there protein in delicata squash? ›

There are 60 calories in a 1 cup (170.000g) serving size of Delicata Squash. The calorie breakdown is 0% fat, 100% carbs, and 13% protein.

Is it OK to eat the seeds of Delicata squash? ›

Delicata squash seeds along with basically every other winter squash are edible. Not only are they edible, they're nutritious too! Squash seeds are high in fiber, high in magnesium and full of antioxidants. It's a literal shame to dump them in the garbage when you're cooking with winter squash.

What are the benefits of delicata squash? ›

Delicata squash also has a ton of potassium: One cup delivers a whopping 500mg of the mineral, which can help control your blood pressure. As with many varieties of squash, it's also full of vitamin C, which plays a role in the growth and repair of body proteins.

Can you eat too much delicata squash? ›

Toxic squash syndrome can result from continuing to eat the bitter fruit. Some of the most rampant symptoms and indicators of toxic squash syndrome include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Toxic squash syndrome can be so severe that it can cause swelling in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys.

Can you eat all of a delicata squash? ›

Yes! The skin of Delicata squash is 100% edible. That's the second reason I love this squash so much. It's so easy to prepare because you don't have to bother peeling it.

Is Delicata squash good for weight loss? ›

Delicata is a low-calorie winter squash. 3.5 oz (100 g) of raw squash holds 34 calories, almost the same as for acorn squash (40 cal/100g). Besides, it carries no saturated fats or cholesterol. Its peel is a good source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.

What are the side effects of Delicata squash? ›

Risks and Side Effects

As with any food, taking note of any unusual reaction, such as itching or swelling, is important, but there are no known problems with the delicata squash. However, because of its fiber content, too much could cause flatulence.

Is squash a carb or protein? ›

Winter squash: Winter squash, including butternut squash and acorn squash, is a starchy vegetable that is high in carbs. One cup of cooked butternut squash contains around 21 grams of carbs, while one cup of cooked acorn squash contains around 15 grams.

Why is my Delicata squash bitter? ›

The higher the levels of cucubitacin, the more bitter the squash will taste. The most likely cause for a bitter taste in squash is due to an environmental stress of some sort, most likely a wide temperature flux or irregular irrigation. Either of these will create an excess of cucurbitacins to concentrate in the fruit.

What temperature should you roast delicata squash at? ›

Adjust oven rack to lowest position and preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Trim both ends of each delicata squash. Stand one squash up on the larger cut side and, using a chef's knife, slice it lengthwise, down through the center of the squash, creating two even halves.

Can delicata squash be eaten raw? ›

While eating raw delicata squash isn't the craziest thing, delicata really shines when it's cooked, and in particular, when it's roasted. The best thing about roasting delicata squash? It's super easy.

Is delicata squash a starch or a vegetable? ›

I often get asked whether butternut squash is considered a non-starchy or starchy vegetable. The truth is, butternut squash and other similar winter squash varieties (such as acorn squash, delicata and hubbard squash), fall somewhere in between starchy and non-starchy vegetables.

Why is squash a superfood? ›

Squash is rich in minerals, including calcium. Calcium helps build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. The vitamins A and C in squash also help keep your bones healthy. In fact, a 2017 review of studies linked vitamin A deficiency to an increased risk of bone fractures.

Is delicata squash high carb? ›

How many carbs are in Delicata squash? A single serving of ¾ cups of delicata squash has only 8g of net carbs and 52% vitamin A! Do you eat the skin of delicata squash?

Should I peel my delicata squash? ›

Because you can eat the skin, there's no need to peel the squash before you chop it. Start by slicing it in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and the stringy flesh. Finally, cut the seeded squash halves into thick slices.

Do you leave the skin on squash when you cook it? ›

Some squash skin is edible, while other types of squash have tough skin that can be removed before cooking. Remove the skin of butternut, hubbard, buttercup, and turban squash. If you enjoy the taste, leave the skin on acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and zucchini squash.

Can you eat roasted spaghetti squash skin? ›

They look like mini butternut squash and are particularly sweet. Honeynut squash are especially delicious roasted with a little cinnamon and butter. The only winter squash skin to avoid eating altogether, even if well cooked, is spaghetti squash because of its thick, eggshell-like quality.

What temperature do you roast delicata squash at? ›

Adjust oven rack to lowest position and preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Trim both ends of each delicata squash. Stand one squash up on the larger cut side and, using a chef's knife, slice it lengthwise, down through the center of the squash, creating two even halves.

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