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

Sliced and roasted delicata squash on a sheet pan.
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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.

Uncooked and unsliced delicata squash.

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.

Roasted squash on a sheet pan.

What you’ll need for this recipe

Recipe

How to Cook Delicata Squash: Easy Roasting Method

4.41 from 686 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Learn how to cook delicata squash with this easy roasting method! Spoiler alert: No peeling necessary!
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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

Serving: 0.5delicata squash, Calories: 84kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 419mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g

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

Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
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250 Comments

  1. Chezz says:

    Leave in the seeds. Delicious and nutritious and they cook right along with the rest of it.

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      Interesting! Thanks for the idea. :)

  2. John P. Brown says:

    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!

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      So glad to hear you liked this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!

  3. Janet meyer says:

    Just made the delica squash.  Loved it
    Will makeIt often. So low in calories what  a nice snack.  So crunchy 

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      So glad you liked it! I just had it for lunch too :)

  4. Lisa says:

    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!

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      Oh yum! That sounds so good. I roasted some tonight…might need to try it in an omelette in the morning!

  5. Cheri Cody says:

    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!

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      Oooh I have to try it in my air fryer! Such a good idea!

    2. Nadia says:

      What temp in the air fryer?

      1. Rachel Gurk says:

        I haven’t tried them in the air fryer, but Cheri mentioned she does them on high. I’m guessing 400ºF?

  6. Cynde says:

    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!

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      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!

  7. Debra says:

    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!!). 

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      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!

  8. Hannah Crossett says:

    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.

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      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!

  9. Jim Denny says:

    Do yourself a favor and toast the seeds right along with it. Taste better than pumpkin seeds, and they are far less reedy. 

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      Great tip, thanks! :)

  10. Sylvia says:

    This recipe is easy and the Squash was delicious.  I am definitely going to make it again.

    1. Rachel Gurk says:

      So happy to hear you liked this one, thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!