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How to Cook Delicata Squash: Easy Roasting Method – with video

4.38
/5
45 mins
179 Comments
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By: Rachel GurkPosted: 10/30/2017Updated: 06/14/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Learn how to cook delicata squash with this easy roasting method! Spoiler alert: No peeling necessary!  Get the easy method on RachelCooks.com!

Learn how to cook delicata squash with this easy roasting method! Spoiler alert: No peeling necessary! 

Learn how to cook delicata squash with this easy roasting method! Spoiler alert: No peeling necessary!  Get the easy method on RachelCooks.com!

Do you have a favorite squash? I know butternut is a common go-to and would probably get the vote Miss Popular, but delicata squash has my heart.

And it’s not just because you don’t have to peel it (you can eat the skin!).

Although, I’d be lying if I pretended that wasn’t part of my infatuation with it. Aside from that, I love its sweet and smooth texture and the ease of preparation. Alright, maybe I really do love the fact that you don’t have to peel it.

Learn how to cook delicata squash with this easy roasting method! Spoiler alert: No peeling necessary!  Get the easy method on RachelCooks.com!

I’m really excited about a recipe I have coming up Wednesday using this method of cooking delicata squash – I think you guys are going to go crazy over it. In the meantime, we need to cover the basics. You can cook delicata squash in the same way I taught you how to cook acorn squash, but I prefer roasting it in slices like this recipe describes.

I haven’t tried making it in the slow cooker yet (mostly because I love this method so much), but I’m sure you could! I love cooking butternut squash in the slow cooker.

So, let’s get down to business: How to cook delicata squash.

  1. WASH IT. I know I’ve gone on tirades about washing your fruits and vegetables in the past, but here it is extra important because you’ll be eating the skin of the squash. Give it a good scrub with a brush and make sure it’s nice and clean.
  2. Cut off both ends so you have flat surfaces.
  3. Cut down the center (the long way).
  4. Scoop out the seeds – I use a grapefruit spoon to get this job done quickly and easily.
  5. Cut into thin slices (half moons). Obviously, the thinner you slice them, the faster they will cook. The most important thing is to make sure they’re all even thickness so they cook at the same speed.
  6. Toss or spray with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and then roast. I roast it at 425°F until it’s nearly burnt.

When you roast delicata squash like this, it gets super crispy. If you’re a person that craves salty, crunchy things like chips, this is the recipe for you. I sometimes eat this stuff with my hands like they are chips! Is that gross? Real life people, sometimes a fork just isn’t necessary, and in this case it’s not.

Learn how to cook delicata squash with this easy roasting method! Spoiler alert: No peeling necessary!  Get the easy method on RachelCooks.com!

What you’ll need for this recipe: 

  • a great sharp knife
  • grapefruit spoon (it’s the best way to scrape out the seeds)
  • parchment paper sheets for easy clean up
  • a scrub brush to clean the squash (I LOVE this one)
 

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Learn how to cook delicata squash with this easy roasting method! Spoiler alert: No peeling necessary!  Get the easy method on RachelCooks.com!
Recipe

Get the Recipe: How to Cook Delicata Squash: Easy Roasting Method

4.38 from 612 votes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
2 servings
Print Rate Recipe
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Learn how to cook delicata squash with this easy roasting method! Spoiler alert: No peeling necessary!

Ingredients

  • 1 delicata squash
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Scrub the outside of the squash with a brush until very clean. Cut ends off to create two flat edges. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
  • Cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices, keeping the size of the slices consistent. Rub, toss, or spray with olive oil so both sides of each slice are coated with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and spread onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet in a single layer.
  • Place in preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. Flip each slice over and roast for another 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
  • Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Note: Both cooking time and yield will depend on the size of the squash.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/2 delicata squash, Calories: 84kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 419mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk
Did You Make This?Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @RachelCooksBlog. I love seeing what you made!
Share A Photo! Tag on Insta Rate It
Verdict: It’s my favorite!
Husband’s take: Delicata squash hasn’t always been his favorite (he still insists on peeling off the skin), but the last few times I’ve made this, I’ve left it in the oven just a touch longer so it gets ultra-crispy and he devours it.
Changes I would make: None are necessary but sometimes I like to sprinkle a bit of chili powder on (you’ll see why if you come back on Wednesday).
Difficulty: Learning how to cook delicata squash is EASY!

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  1. deanna says

    February 2, 2022 at 4:10 pm

    so delicious..i did add chopped sage from the garden with the oil and salt and pepper..can’t wait to make it again and again..

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      February 4, 2022 at 9:34 am

      Oh I bet it’s delicious with sage!

      Reply
  2. Frances says

    December 20, 2021 at 5:38 pm

    5 stars
    I love delicata, and add it to salads, have made eggs with delicata, etc. I often add some mint and thyme. A favorite. I am always sad whent the season to find them is over.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 21, 2021 at 3:28 pm

      Oh me too! I can’t find them anymore already. So sad!

      Reply
  3. Mary Renz says

    December 16, 2021 at 1:11 pm

    What do you look for when choosing one to buy?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 17, 2021 at 2:53 pm

      It should be firm without any major defects. :) Hope that helps!

      Reply
  4. Victoria says

    November 28, 2021 at 5:50 pm

    5 stars
    This is my go-to recipe, delicious!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      November 30, 2021 at 10:41 am

      So glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, it means a lot to me!

      Reply
  5. Rose says

    November 24, 2021 at 6:37 pm

    5 stars
    Fabulous! Delicious, nutritious, pretty presentation and easy clean up! What more could you ask for?! Even my veggie-reluctant husband commented on the flavor. A keeper for sure.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      November 28, 2021 at 9:49 am

      That’s definitely a win! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  6. Prudie says

    November 19, 2021 at 1:23 pm

    Easy and great tasting

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      November 22, 2021 at 12:49 pm

      So glad it was a hit!

      Reply
  7. Lisa says

    November 14, 2021 at 10:54 am

    5 stars
    The recipe turned out great. Kept the skin on; it gave the roasted squash a nice chewy texture. The Delicata caramelized with the roasting. My 8 year old thought it was delicious. Spouse liked it a lot too.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      November 14, 2021 at 4:43 pm

      So glad you like it! It’s always a win when an 8 year old is eating squash!

      Reply
    • Dianne says

      November 20, 2021 at 7:43 pm

      Can you eat the skin?

      Reply
      • Rachel Gurk says

        November 22, 2021 at 12:47 pm

        Yes!

        Reply
  8. Kelli says

    November 7, 2021 at 8:12 am

    5 stars
    Best tasting I’ve ever had Delicata Squash, absolutely delicious. My old way of cooking it in halves tasted nothing remotely close to this, or the amazing texture. Will make repeatedly. Highly recommend.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      November 8, 2021 at 9:20 pm

      So happy you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
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