This Roasted Delicata Squash is an easy, healthy side dish that even picky eaters will love!
These tender little half-moons of sweet and spicy squash are going to make you really excited to eat your veggies. Delicata squash is sweet, buttery, and so easy to prep. You don’t even need to peel it.
Fall recipes just hit home for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer and all the delicious grilled food and fresh, cold salads that go along with it. But fall food is just something special. This recipe is the perfect fall side dish for a variety of reasons.
First off, delicata squash is in season, so it’ll be easy to snag one from your local market or grocery store. Second, this recipe highlights the delicata’s natural sweetness with just a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of coconut sugar, and a cozy mix of cinnamon and ginger. Toss it all together, pop it in the oven, and you’ve got caramelized perfection with crispy edges and a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth center. It’s different from your typical savory squash recipe and is bound to bring some flair to your holiday plate!
Is Roasted Delicata Squash Healthy?
Delicata squash are so beautiful to look at from the outside, but they also have a variety of health benefits on the inside! Rich in magnesium, dietary fiber, and potassium, this squash has a lot to boast about. It is also a good source of vitamins B and C. This recipe contains a small amount of coconut sugar and optional maple syrup. While they are both considered natural sweeteners and somewhat better than refined sugar, they should be enjoyed in moderation.
How To Pick The Best Delicata Squash
To get the most out of this recipe, you should know how to pick out perfectly ripe delicata squash at the market. The first thing you want to look at is the color; ripe delicata should have a pale, creamy yellow color with dark green stripes. Unripe delicata squash are bright yellow or light green. Next, check out the rest of its appearance. The skin of the squash should be free of cracks, wrinkles, and blemishes, and the stem should be intact. Finally, the squash should feel firm to the touch with no soft spots. If it checks all of these boxes, it’s good to go.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Once they’ve fully cooled, transfer your roasted delicata squash slices to an airtight container. You can separate the slices with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Serving Suggestions
This roasted delicata squash would be a delicious addition to your holiday table this year! I recommend serving it alongside some Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Gluten-Free Stuffing, and Homemade Cranberry Sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 large delicata squash (about 1 pound)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt
- Maple syrup for drizzling (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the squash in half (no need to peel), scooping out the seeds. Slice the squash into half moons, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick.
- Place the squash in a bowl and toss with the oil. Then, add the sugar, cinnamon, and ginger and toss to coat well.
- Spread onto an ungreased baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 15 minutes. Flip and cook another 10-15 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drizzle with maple syrup (if desired) and enjoy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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