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.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
So good! And so easy!
Thanks! I love squash season!
Thank you for your quick and easy recipe for the Delicata Squash. This was my first time eating/cooking it. It was awesome! Thanks again.
So glad you liked it, and this was helpful! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Love it. Try it adding a light sprinkle of Garam Masala. Tastes like dessert. Thanks.
That sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the idea.
Delicious! First time to cook delicata squash which came in my Misfits Market delivery. I’ve always cooked any “winter” squash by just baking in the skin and then mashing. I really liked this baking in slices and will try with butternut and acorn.
I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks Janis!
My first experience with delicata squash. It was delicious! I did add a fair amount of cinnamon and tossed the squash with the oil, salt, and pepper rather than brushing each piece — quicker and just as effective.
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting!
This was so easy and delicious. Well, getting the seeds out was a bit time consuming.
My son bought me this squash by mistake and I didn’t know what do with it. Found your blog, and now I’m happily eating.
This chips are so flavorful with the inside a soft, creamy treat. I only added pepper, so this great for people who want a low sodium snack.
Thank you!
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
That delicata squash was IMPOSSIBLE to
slice raw!
Really? I think it’s the easiest squash to cut, but you can pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, let it cool, and then try again. That will soften it slightly to make it easier to cut.
I made this last night and it was good! It was our first time trying delicata squash and we all enjoyed it.
I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Where has this been all my life. I love delicata squash. Delicious & so easy to make.
I’m so glad to hear it! It’s my favorite squash :)
I absolutely LOVED this recipe! I made it for dinner this evening after scoring some delicata squash at the farmers’ market today. It was delicious and my daughter was a huge fan. We are delighted that we found this just in time to add it to our menu for Thanksgiving.
I’m so glad to hear it and honored that it made the cut for Thanksgiving! In the meantime, you should give these tacos a try. They’re so good!