Roasted delicata squash is one of the easiest ways to bring a little fall flavor to your dinner table. With its naturally sweet, tender flesh and golden, caramelized edges, this winter squash makes a great side dish for any occasion! Add it to everything from a roasted chicken dinner to a cozy fall salad. Tossed with olive oil, simple seasonings, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, it's an easy, flavorful addition to your fall and winter table.
Delicata squash is one of my favorite winter squashes. It has a thin, edible skin, and a sweet, soft center that becomes tender, almost buttery in flavor, with a texture similar to sweet potatoes.
It's somewhat similar to butternut squash, but it requires no peeling and a quicker cook time.
This oven roasted delicata squash recipe is my favorite way to prepare it.
The oven does all the work, and the end result is a tender roasted delicata that's slightly caramelized along its golden brown edges.
Simple seasonings are all you need, and the oven roast time is short, especially when compared to other squashes like spaghetti squash and acorn squash.
why you'll love roasted delicata squash
Cooking delicata squash is quick and easy, and you can enjoy roasted delicata squash rings in so many different ways!
For low-carb and keto eaters, delicata squash is a wonderful seasonal option, as it's on the lower-carb end of the winter squash family.
Here's why you'll love this recipe:
- It's made with simple, seasonal ingredients. Delicata squash has a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with olive oil, butter, and simple seasonings.
- No peeling required. The thin skin becomes tender as the squash roasts, so there's no need to peel it before cooking.
- Quick roasting time. Compared to other winter squash, delicata squash cooks rather quickly! Oven roasted delicata squash is done in about 20-25 minutes.
- A versatile, easy side dish. Enjoy it on salads, serve it alongside your favorite protein, or dress it for a holiday table.
the ingredients
Here's a look at the simple ingredients you'll need, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for the full ingredient list in the printable recipe card.
- Delicata squash: Look for firm squash with creamy yellow skin and orange or green stripes. Choose squash that feel heavy for their size. For this recipe, two medium squash fit on a half sheet pan.
- Olive oil: Helps the squash caramelize and keeps the edges from drying out. Avocado oil works well, too.
- Butter: I like to add a small amount of butter for a richer flavor.
- Seasonings: Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of smoked paprika make a simple seasoning blend that adds a savory flavor. If you want to help bring out the sweet flavor of the squash, stir 1 teaspoon of granulated monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar into the seasonings (optional, but great!).
- Fresh parlsey: Optional, but this adds a small pop of green and freshness when serving.
a recipe for roasted delicata squash
Here's a look at how to roast delicata squash (be sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of the page for all of the details!)
Preheat the oven to 425°F and set aside a large rimmed baking sheet.
Wash and dry the delicata squashes. Place each on a cutting board, then use a sharp knife to trim off the base and stem end of each squash, then slice them in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into ½-inch-thick half moons.
Transfer the squash to a large mixing bowl and drizzle it with the melted butter and olive oil.
Combine all of the seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle it onto the squash slices, tossing to coat them evenly.
Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving a little bit of space between each one. If the squash are overcrowded on the pan, they will steam each other instead of roasting.
Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the roast time. When they are done, taste and add more salt if needed. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired, before serving.
tips for the best results
- Sweet delicata squash is a seasonal squash, usually found at most grocery stores in the fall and winter months. It's less popular than acorn or butternut squash, so take advantage when you see it!
- Keep the squash pieces spread out on the baking sheet, being careful not to overcrowd them. They need space to roast; otherwise, they will steam each other.
- Flipping the pieces halfway through the roasting time helps each side brown evenly.
storing and reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them in the microwave, in a lower-temp oven, or air fryer until warmed through.
Simple roasted delicata squash is a great addition to soups, quiches, salads, skillet meals, and bowls.
variations of roasted delicata squash
This roasted delicata squash recipe makes a delicious, healthy side dish that's also easy to customize. Here are a few variations:
- Sprinkle with extra monk fruit sweetener (I especially like the brown sugar alternative!) and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a sweeter side dish.
- Elevate this simple side dish with goat cheese crumbles, Parmesan cheese, pomegranate arils, or toasted nuts and herbs like sage, rosemary, walnuts, or pecans.
- Make a roasted delicata squash mash! Add the roasted squash to a large mixing bowl with a splash of cream and a tablespoon of butter, if desired. Use an immersion blender to process the squash until it is a thick mash. This is a great mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash alternative, and I love it with heartier meals like my Low-Carb Pot Roast and Braised Beef Shanks!
you might also love
- Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
- Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Roasted Butternut Squash
- Alfredo Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Roasted Delicata Squash
Roasted delicata squash is an easy, flavorful fall side dish with tender centers, beautifully caramelized edges, and just the right amount of natural sweetness. Since delicata squash has thin, edible skin, there’s no peeling required—just slice, season, and roast for a tasty addition to your favorite fall dinners!
Ingredients
- 2 medium delicata squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated monk fruit sweetener with allulose (optional)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped Italian parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and set aside a large, rimmed baking sheet.
- Wash and dry the delicata squash. Use a sharp knife to trim off the base and stem ends, then slice each squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into ½-inch-thick half moons.
- Transfer the squash to a large mixing bowl and drizzle it with the melted butter and olive oil. Combine all of the seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle it onto the squash slices, tossing to coat them evenly.
- Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece. If the squash are overcrowded on the pan, they will steam instead of roast.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and roast the squash for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the roast time. When they are done, taste and sprinkle with more salt if needed.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Keep the squash pieces spread out on the baking sheet, being careful not to overcrowd them. They need space to roast; otherwise, they will steam each other.
- Flipping the pieces halfway through the roasting time helps each side brown evenly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat and enjoy, or add the roasted squash to soups, scrambles, quiches, salads, and bowls!
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 68Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 5mgSodium 294mgCarbohydrates 8gNet Carbohydrates 6gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 1g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!