Name: Roasted Delicata Squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 delicata squash; 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional); 1/4 tsp cinnamon

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Delicata squash is a fall favorite that’s as easy to cook as it is delicious. This roasted delicata squash recipe transforms this naturally sweet and buttery vegetable into a caramelized, cinnamon-kissed side dish everyone will love. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday table, this dish is simple, wholesome, and irresistibly flavorful!

This roasted delicata squash is mouthwatering! So sweet and smooth! Brushed with maple syrup, sprinkled with cinnamon and roasted in the oven to perfection!

Why You’ll Love Roasted Delicata Squash

Naturally sweet and flavorful: Delicata squash is one of the sweetest squashes, and roasting it enhances its natural caramelized goodness. The hint of maple syrup and cinnamon makes it taste like a treat!
Simple to prepare: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for busy days.
Healthy and wholesome: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, this dish is as nourishing as it is tasty. Plus, the skin is edible for an extra boost of nutrition!
Versatile side dish: This roasted squash pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, from roasted chicken to vegan lentil dishes, making it a great addition to any menu.
Perfect for holidays or weeknights: Whether you’re serving this at Thanksgiving or a casual family dinner, it’s an elegant yet effortless side dish everyone will appreciate.

Delicata squash is my favorite kind of squash. It’s naturally sweet and so delicious! Unlike some other squashes that can be stringy, the texture of delicata squash is always smooth and buttery soft.

I always get excited when I see delicata squash at the supermarket. It’s not as common as acorn squash, butternut squash or spaghetti squash, so I can’t just count on it being there. So when I come across delicata squash, I buy a bunch of them, as they are so easy to make and taste so good!

Ingredients for Roasted Delicata Squash

Delicata squash – The star of the recipe! Its naturally sweet and smooth texture makes it perfect for roasting.
Maple syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Cinnamon – A warm spice that pairs perfectly with the squash’s sweetness.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

What’s the most popular way to cook a vegetable? Roast it in the oven! Roasting brings out the best flavor out of vegetables, and delicata squash is not exception. Delicata squash is already naturally sweet (sweeter than most squashes), and when it’s baked in the oven, its natural sugars caramelize, resulting in a deep sweet roasted flavor – amazing!

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Roasted Delicata Squash

Non-stick baking sheet – Keeps the squash from sticking and ensures even roasting.
Parchment paper or foil – Makes cleanup a breeze while preventing sticking.
Cutting board – Provides a sturdy surface for cutting the squash.
Knife – Used to slice the squash in half easily.
Spoon – Perfect for scooping out the seeds from the squash.

Before roasting, this delicata squash is brushed with maple syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. Maple syrup and cinnamon go with this squash so perfectly!

Another great thing about delicata squash is that its skin is thin and edible. So don’t discard the skin, it has an extra load of vitamins and fiber!

How To Roast Delicata Squash In The Oven

Cooking delicata squash in the oven is really easy.

First, cut the squash in half lengthwise. A great thing about delicata squash is that it’s not too hard (unlike some other squashes and pumpkins), so cutting it should be pretty easy.

Then take a spoon and scoop out and discard the seeds.

Brush delicata squash with maple syrup, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake in pre-heated 425F oven for 40 minutes. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this roasted delicata squash as a side dish with Crispy Air Fried Pork Ribs, Instant Pot Braised Turkey Wings, or Lemon Dill Salmon Baked for a hearty and balanced meal.
Pair it with a fall-inspired grain salad featuring Fluffy Quinoa in Instant Pot, Ocean Spray Dried Cranberries, and Crunchy Roasted Walnuts for a seasonal twist.
For a vegan feast, serve alongside Healthy Low Carb Boiled Brussels Sprouts and a creamy Gluten-Free Lentil and Spinach Soup.
Use the roasted squash as a topping for a warm autumnal Vegan Buddha Bowl with Brown Rice and Spinach, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness when serving.

Tips For Success

Choose the right squash: Look for delicata squash that is firm, without soft spots or blemishes, and has a consistent yellow and green striped color. Fresh squash ensures the best flavor and texture.
Don’t skip the parchment paper or foil: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet instead.
Cut carefully: While delicata squash is softer than many other squash varieties, use a sharp knife and a steady cutting board to slice it safely.
Don’t throw away the skin: The thin skin of delicata squash becomes tender when roasted, so there’s no need to peel it. Eating the skin adds extra fiber and nutrients!
Experiment with flavors: While maple syrup and cinnamon are a classic pairing, you can try other seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
Keep an eye on the oven: Roasting times can vary depending on the size of your squash. Check for doneness by piercing the flesh with a fork—it should be tender and golden.

Variations and Substitutions

Sweeteners: If you don’t have maple syrup, try honey or agave nectar for a similar caramelized effect. For a sugar-free option, omit the sweetener entirely—the squash is naturally sweet on its own.
Spices: Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice to add a seasonal flair. For a savory option, try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili flakes.
Add-ins: Sprinkle the roasted squash with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. You can also drizzle balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Vegan butter: Instead of maple syrup, brush the squash with melted vegan butter for a rich, buttery taste that complements the squash’s flavor.
Different squash varieties: This recipe works beautifully with other small squash varieties like acorn squash or kabocha squash. Adjust roasting times as needed.
Herbs and toppings: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley make for a fragrant finish. You can also top it with crumbled goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy element.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Place any leftover roasted delicata squash in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the squash has completely cooled before transferring it to the container to maintain its texture.
Freezing: While delicata squash is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Lay the roasted squash pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: To reheat, place the squash on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, you can use the microwave in 30-second increments, though the texture may soften slightly.
Pro tip: If you plan to freeze leftovers, skip the maple syrup during the initial roast and add it after reheating for a fresher flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat the skin of delicata squash?

Yes, the skin of delicata squash is thin and tender once roasted, making it completely edible. It adds extra fiber and nutrients, so there’s no need to peel it!

What does delicata squash taste like?

Delicata squash has a naturally sweet, buttery flavor that’s slightly nutty. When roasted, its sugars caramelize, giving it a rich and almost dessert-like taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the delicata squash up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving to restore its roasted texture.

Can I use other types of squash in this recipe?

Yes! While delicata squash is ideal for this recipe, other small squash varieties like acorn squash or carnival squash work well. Adjust the roasting time as needed, depending on the size and texture of the squash.

What can I serve with roasted delicata squash?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, hearty grain salads, or other roasted vegetables. It’s also great as part of a vegetarian meal alongside lentils or a creamy risotto.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan as written. The maple syrup and cinnamon are plant-based ingredients, making it a great choice for a vegan-friendly side dish.

Do I need to preheat the oven?

Yes, preheating the oven to 425°F ensures even cooking and helps the squash caramelize properly. Starting with a hot oven is key to achieving that perfect roasted texture.

Can I add other toppings to this recipe?

Absolutely! Try adding toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or even a drizzle of tahini for extra flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt or freshly cracked pepper for a savory twist.

If you like roasted delicata squash, you will also love these easy healthy recipes:

Whole Roasted Cauliflower – this beautiful golden-brown cauliflower can be a center of a holiday table as a vegan roast!
Rainbow Roasted Vegetables – the whole vegetable platter is arranged by color on a baking sheet and roasted to perfection!
Roasted Asparagus – so elegant, healthy and delicious, make this roasted asparagus as impressive side dish!
Roasted Broccoli – even broccoli haters love this roasted broccoli! The roasting process truly bring the best flavor out of it!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – these cute tiny cabbages are cut in halves and roasted in the oven, you’ll love them!

Did you know that you can use delicata squash to make homemade pumpkin puree? Yes, and it will taste even better than regular pumpkin puree. Then use it to make pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin muffins!

Looking for more squash recipes? Click here for my squash recipes collection.

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