Learn How to Cook Delicata Squash with this easy, no peeling required, roasting recipe. Perfect for stuffing, mashing, and pureeing, serve this versatile winter squash alongside all your favorite family dinners.
Easy Roasted Delicata Squash
Delicata squash is one of my favorite squash to cook because it’s so easy to handle and maneuver. Unlike its more formidable cousins -the acorn squash or butternut squash, for example – the bright yellow delicata is much easier to handle.
Between pumpkin pies and butternut-everything, the delicata squash is often overlooked -even despite its good looks (no really, they are quite pretty-looking, especially when compared to pumpkins, zucchini, or yellow crookneck squash).
Today is delicata’s day in the spotlight. Let’s learn what it is and how to cook it!
What is Delicata Squash
Also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash, the delicata squash (Cucurbita pepo) is named for it’s delicate, edible skin. Often overlooked or intermixed among the other winter squashes at the farmer’s market or grocery store, it’s easy to mistake the delicata for an ornamental decorative squash – not one that you would actually want to eat.
Lucky for us, this is completely false.
The delicata squash is actually really delicious and super easy to cook.
It’s also technically a summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), although it is generally classed with winter squash due to its hard flesh and late harvest.
Can You Eat Delicata Squash Skin?
Yes! you can absolutely eat the skin of delicata squash. In fact, I highly discourage you from attempting to peel this squash before cooking. Too much effort and not enough return. Besides, once cooked, the skin is quite tender and really good for you.
So, no peeling required with this one, you guys! Simply slice, scoop, season, and bake.
What Does Delicata Squash Taste Like?
Like many winter squash, delicata squash has the same familiar rich and creamy texture we have all grown to love. But what does it actually taste like? Not quite as sweet as butternut squash, delicata squash most closely resembles sweet potatoes, especially after a little caramelization from cooking.
Ingredients
To make this delicious roasted delicata squash you’ll need:
- Whole delicata squash
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
This is your most basic roasted delicata squash recipe. Have fun and play around with different flavors. For example,
- Savory: butter, ground cumin, homemade taco seasoning, fresh or dried herbs, lemon tahini dressing, or even serve with chimichurri sauce.
- Sweet: ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, butter, or a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
How to Cook Delicata Squash
Roasting is my favorite way to cook all veggies including delicata squash,
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Meanwhile, prepare your squash. First, wash your squash. Yes, scrub that squash nice and clean then dry it completely.
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Trim (cut) both ends of the squash to create flat ends on both ends then cut your squash in half vertically (lengthwise). Scoop out the seeds with a sturdy spoon (save for roasting like you would pumpkin seeds or discard).
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Flip each half of you squash over so that it is cut-side-down. Use your left hand to keep the squash steady (assuming you’re right-handed) and use a sharp knife to cut into thick slices (approximately 1/2-inch thick). Try to keep the thickness of each slice the same throughout.
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Transfer the squash to your prepared baking sheet and brush or toss with olive oil so that the entire surface of your squash is coated. Season with salt and pepper (and ground cinnamon, if desired).
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Bake in a single layer for approximately 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, or until golden brown and slightly caramelized and crispy on the bottom. Cook until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
More Winter Squash Recipes,
Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Spaghetti Squash; How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
If you try cooking delicata squash, please leave a comment and let me know how it went! I always love to read your thoughts and feedback!
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How to Cook Delicata Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium delicata squash
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon - optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare your squash: wash your squash under cold running water and dry thoroughly. Trim (cut) both ends of the squash to create flat ends on both ends then cut your squash in half vertically (lengthwise). Scoop out the seeds (save for roasting or discard).
- Flip each half of you squash over so that it is cut-side-down. Use your left hand to keep the squash steady (assuming you're right-handed) and cut into 1/2-inch slices (so that they look like cute little half moons). Try to keep the thickness of each slice the same throughout.
- Transfer the squash to your prepared baking sheet and brush or toss with olive oil so that the entire surface of your squash is coated. Season with salt and pepper (and ground cinnamon, if desired).
- Bake in a single layer for approximately 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, or until golden brown and slightly caramelized on the bottom. Cook until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Serve, as is, or scoop and mash into a puree. The skin is completely edible (and delicious!)
Jessica's Notes
- Savory: butter, ground cumin, homemade taco seasoning, fresh or dried herbs, lemon tahini dressing, or even serve with chimichurri sauce.
- Sweet: ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, butter, or a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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