Roasted Delicata Squash has a rich, velvety texture and naturally sweet flavor that you’ll absolutely love! Top it off with fresh thyme and goat cheese for a delicious fall side dish that’s sure to impress!
This dish is easy to prep. Also this recipe is great to scale up or down, which makes it perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu. Remember to save this recipe now so you can easily come back to it when the holidays roll around!
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What Is Delicata Squash?
Delicata squash is one of the winter squash varieties that’s light yellow with vertical green stripes. It has thin, delicate skin that you don’t have to peel before cooking it (my favorite part!). The flavor of delicata squash is similar to acorn squash but slightly sweeter, especially when it’s roasted.
One of the easiest types of winter squash to cook with is this. It’s versatile enough that I can pair it with anything from baked chicken to my favorite fall salad. You can also easily find it in grocery stores during the fall season. If you’ve never tried delicata squash before, you’re in for a treat!
Key Ingredients
- Seasonings: I’m using garlic powder and dried oregano to enhance the earthy flavors in the squash. I also add paprika to balance the sweetness. You can easily change up the seasonings depending on what’s in your spice cabinet. Cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and rosemary would also work well with delicata squash.
- Toppings: Goat cheese is my first choice for roasted delicata squash because the tangy flavor provides a nice contrast to the sweetness. You could also use crumbled feta or blue cheese if you like a stronger flavor. I like to finish it off with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a pop of color.
- Optional: To make it more festive, drizzle some pure maple syrup or honey over the dish. Then, sprinkle chopped walnuts and dried cranberries on top before serving.
How To Cut & Prep Delicata Squash
First: First, slice off both ends before cutting the squash in half lengthwise.
Second: Then, use a large spoon to remove all the seeds and any stringy bits.
Then: Place the squash on the cutting board cut-side down and slice it into crescent-shaped slices using a sharp knife.
Finally: Arrange the sliced squash on a rimmed baking sheet, then toss with olive oil and at kosher salt and seasonings to coat. Bake for 20 minutes.
Perfectly Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
To achieve a smooth, silky texture, we roast the squash for 20 minutes. We flip it halfway through and let it roast for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the squash is fork-tender and has some browning along the edges.
Then, it’s time for the finishing touches! Transfer your roasted delicata squash to a serving plate and garnish it with crumbled goat cheese and fresh thyme. The heat softens the cheese and makes it absolutely irresistible.
Do I need to Peel Delicata Squash first?
Nope, you can go ahead and skip that step! That’s one of the reasons I love making roasted delicata squash – it’s so easy to prep!
As the name suggests, this variety of winter squash has a thin, delicate skin compared to other winter squash. When roasted, the skin becomes so tender and delicious that you can actually eat it. And the crispy edges are possibly the best part of the whole dish.
Can I Use Another Variety of Squash?
Definitely! You can sub delicata for just about any winter squash besides spaghetti squash.
You can also make this recipe with red kuri squash, kabocha squash, sweet potato or even potato. Just keep in mind that you may need to remove the skin and the cooking time will vary depending on what kind of squash you go with.
Storage & Reheating
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For the best texture, heat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F until they become heated through. I’d avoid the microwave, as it can make the squash a bit soggy.
If you try this Roasted Delicata Squash please leave a star rating and comment below to let me know how you liked it! And if you wanna taste more fall flavors, check out the full collection of Fall Recipes here at Primavera Kitchen!
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Roasted Delicata Squash
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Ingredients
- 1 medium delicata squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup goat cheese or feta cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Slice off the ends of the delicata squash, then cut it in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Lay the half delicata squash cut-side-down on a cutting board and slice into 1/4 inch slices parallel to the stem.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
- Pour olive oil over the top of the delicata and sprinkle with all the spices listed on the ingredients section.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Afterward, flip the squash slices and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of browning.
- Place the squash on a serving dish and garnish with cheese and fresh thyme. Enjoy!
Tips
- Thoroughly wash your squash since we’re leaving the skin on.
- Cut the squash into even slices so they all cook at the same rate.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your squash.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan or the squash will steam instead of roast.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
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