Learn how to cook delicata squash with this easy roasting method! Spoiler alert: No peeling necessary!
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: This squash is unlike any other squash and will satiate any craving for something salty and crisp!
How long it takes: 45 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: sharp knife, cutting board, roasting pan, oven
Servings: 2 per squash

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.

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
- 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.
- Cut off both ends so you have flat surfaces.
- Cut down the center (the long way).
- Scoop out the seeds – I use a grapefruit spoon to get this job done quickly and easily.
- 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.
- 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.

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)
How to Cook Delicata Squash: Easy Roasting Method

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.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.














Leave in the seeds. Delicious and nutritious and they cook right along with the rest of it.
Interesting! Thanks for the idea. :)
My neighbor gave me two and I tried this recipe, they were so good that I rejoined a fruit / veggie delivery service and my entire first box is delicata squash, I live in Alaska above arctic circle and this is an awesome delicious treat up here. Thanks so much for your recipes and yes , I washed my squash before cutting and cooking. I used basil, Italian seasoning and olive spray oil , salt and pepper to season!
So glad to hear you liked this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Just made the delica squash. Loved it
Will makeIt often. So low in calories what a nice snack. So crunchy
So glad you liked it! I just had it for lunch too :)
I love this squash, I roasted it the other day. I put it in an omelette with a little cheese oh my goodness it was sooo good!
Oh yum! That sounds so good. I roasted some tonight…might need to try it in an omelette in the morning!
I make this all the time. I cut it like you did. Spray a little oil and cook it in the air fryer, about 15 to 20 min on high. After sprinkle on a little cinnamon. DELISH!
Oooh I have to try it in my air fryer! Such a good idea!
What temp in the air fryer?
I haven’t tried them in the air fryer, but Cheri mentioned she does them on high. I’m guessing 400ºF?
This is a great recipe! I made it tonight and I loved it! It was my first time trying this squash and it is delicious!
Great!!! It’s my favorite type of squash. So glad you liked it! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
I made this recipe this evening….and I’m hooked!!!! Seriously soooooo good!!!!!! I could literally have devoured the entire baking sheet by myself (with my hands….haha!!).
Yay! I’m so happy to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment. PS: Try them on these tacos…they’re so good!
I have a new favorite squash now! I cooked it for 20 minutes at 400, and the squash came out with the consistency of sweet potato fries.
It’s my favorite squash, too! So glad you liked it, thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment, it means a lot to me!
Do yourself a favor and toast the seeds right along with it. Taste better than pumpkin seeds, and they are far less reedy.
Great tip, thanks! :)
This recipe is easy and the Squash was delicious. I am definitely going to make it again.
So happy to hear you liked this one, thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!