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

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

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.

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.

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)

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!