Name: Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 delicata squash (⅔ lb.); 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1/8 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp garlic powder; 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 9 reviews

If you’ve never cooked with delicata squash before, you’re in for a treat! This Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s simple, quick, and incredibly flavorful — plus, the squash has this naturally sweet, creamy texture that feels super comforting. I love making this whenever I need an easy side dish that feels a bit special but doesn’t demand a ton of time or fuss in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for delicata squash every fall (and honestly, any time it’s available).

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples highlight the natural sweetness of delicata squash without overwhelming it.
Easy Prep: Minimal slicing and seasoning make it perfect even on busy weeknights.
Perfect Roasting Time: Two-stage roasting develops caramelization while ensuring tender insides every time.
Versatile Outcome: The roasted squash can be a side dish, snack, or salad topper, adapting easily to your meal needs.

Roasted Delicata Squash, delicata squash side dish, easy squash recipes, fall vegetable recipes, healthy roasted squash - The image shows a white baking tray lined with parchment paper, filled with roasted slices of delicata squash spread out evenly. The squash pieces are crescent-shaped with a golden yellow color, some edges browned and slightly crispy. The surface of the tray has small specks of seasoning and oil, giving a roasted and textured look. The white marbled background contrasts softly with the warm colors of the squash. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to complement delicata squash’s delicate flavor. The olive oil helps the edges crisp up beautifully while the spices balance the squash’s mild sweetness without competing with it. Shopping tip: look for fresh, firm delicata squash with bright stripes—soft spots usually mean it’s overripe or past its prime.

Roasted Delicata Squash, delicata squash side dish, easy squash recipes, fall vegetable recipes, healthy roasted squash - Flat lay of one whole delicata squash with smooth yellow skin and green stripes, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small white bowl of pale beige garlic powder, and a small white bowl of coarsely cracked black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically in balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Delicata Squash: This squash has a thin edible skin, so no peeling is needed—saving you prep time and adding texture.
Olive Oil: The key to roasting veggies with a beautiful crispness and a gentle nutty flavor.
Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the natural sugars in the squash.
Garlic Powder: Adds just a hint of savory warmth, boosting flavor without overwhelming.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Gives a subtle kick and depth to the dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep things simple, but I’m all for making this roasted delicata squash recipe your own. Honestly, swapping spices or drizzling a little honey on top after roasting unlocks whole new flavor directions—you might discover your new favorite version!

Variation: Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup before roasting brings out a cozy fall vibe that I adore during chilly evenings.
Dietary: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat—I do when I want to balance the sweetness with a little fire!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF because a hot oven is key to that lovely caramelization. Cut off the ends of your delicata squash and then slice it lengthwise. This squash’s skin is thin and edible, which I love because it saves peeling time. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon—this part is super satisfying, sort of like pumpkin carving but easier! Then, slice each half into half-inch wide rings. The even thickness helps everything roast uniformly, so take a moment to keep your slices consistent.

Step 2: Season and Oil

Place the squash slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil all over them, then sprinkle on your salt, garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper. I like to toss everything gently with my hands right on the sheet—that way, each piece gets coated evenly. Don’t crowd the slices; they need space to roast instead of steam, so spread them out in a single layer.

Step 3: Roast and Flip

Pop the pan in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. When the time is up, carefully flip each slice so both sides get that gorgeous golden-brown treatment. Then roast for another 10-15 minutes until the edges look caramelized and the squash is tender when you poke it with a fork. Timing varies depending on squash size, but I find about 30-35 minutes total is perfect. If you like it softer or crisper, just adjust slightly to your preference.

Step 4: Taste and Serve

Once roasted, give the squash a quick taste and sprinkle more salt or pepper if you think it needs a little extra oomph. Serve the pieces warm—trust me, it’s the ultimate comfort food at this stage. I usually enjoy it straight from the sheet but you can get creative with toppings or pairings.

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Pro Tips for Making Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

Using Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll thank yourself.
Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping halfway through ensures even browning — I learned this the hard way after ending up with one-sided crispiness.
Slice Consistently: Keeping your slices uniform helps everything cook evenly and prevents some pieces from getting mushy.
Watch Your Oven: Each oven is different, so start checking around 30 minutes—avoiding over-roasting keeps squash tender inside.

How to Serve Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

Roasted Delicata Squash, delicata squash side dish, easy squash recipes, fall vegetable recipes, healthy roasted squash - A white plate is filled with several slices of roasted delicata squash, arranged in a casual pile. Each slice has a curved crescent shape with a yellow-orange color and browned, slightly charred edges. The texture looks soft yet slightly crisp on the outside, with dark grill marks and some blackened spots scattered across the smooth surfaces. The plate sits on a white marbled background that contrasts with the warm tones of the squash. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping roasted delicata squash with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme—it adds a fresh bite and brightens the richness. Sometimes, I crumble a bit of feta or goat cheese on top for tang and creaminess. If you want sweet-savory, a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze balances out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, quinoa salads, or even a cozy bowl of soup. I’ve also served it alongside grain bowls as a colorful veggie boost—its sweet-roasted flavor complements hearty grains like farro or wild rice beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve layered roasted delicata slices on a serving platter with dollops of herbed yogurt and toasted pepitas for texture. Another fun way is to stuff the rings with grains or cheese mixtures, turning them into bite-sized party treats—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover roasted delicata squash in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually keeps well for up to 4 days, making it super convenient for lunches or quick dinners. The flavor actually deepens a bit overnight, so leftovers taste great reheated or cold in salads.

Freezing

Freezing works okay if you’re in a pinch. I recommend flash freezing the slices on a sheet pan first, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. That way, they don’t clump together. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to avoid mushiness.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven or toaster oven at 350ºF for 5-10 minutes to keep edges crisp. If you’re in a rush, a quick microwave zap works but might soften the texture a bit. Reheating gently helps the squash retain its lovely roasted flavor and avoids drying out.

FAQs

Do I need to peel delicata squash before roasting?

Nope! One of the best things about delicata squash is its thin, edible skin. Just give it a good wash, remove the ends, scoop out the seeds, and slice. The skin roasts beautifully and adds a nice texture.
Can I use other seasonings for this roasted delicata squash recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap garlic powder for smoked paprika, add cinnamon for a sweet twist, or sprinkle some chili flakes for a spicy kick. It’s super versatile and forgiving.
How do I know when the squash is done roasting?

The squash should be tender inside when pierced with a fork and nicely browned on the edges. It generally takes about 30-35 minutes at 400ºF, but check for your preferred texture.
Is delicata squash healthy?

Definitely! Delicata squash is low in calories but packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Roasting it simply preserves those nutrients while turning it into a delicious side.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe is one I keep returning to because it’s fuss-free, healthy, and just plain tasty. Every time I roast delicata, it reminds me how comforting simple, well-roasted veggies can be. I encourage you to try it out the next time you’re looking for an effortless, crowd-pleasing side. I bet it’ll become your go-to fall vegetable side if it hasn’t already!

Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Roasted Delicata Squash recipe features tender, caramelized slices seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, perfect as a simple and delicious side dish.

Ingredients

Squash

1 delicata squash (⅔ lb.)

Seasoning

1 Tbsp olive oil
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400ºF to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for roasting the delicata squash evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare Squash: Cut the ends off the delicata squash, then slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds. Slice each half into ½-inch wide slices for even cooking and caramelization.
Season Squash: Arrange the squash slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper over the slices. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly, and spread them out in a single layer for optimal roasting.
Roast Squash: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the slices over carefully to allow even browning. Continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes or until the squash is browned and tender to your liking.
Season to Taste and Serve: Remove from the oven and taste the squash. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your squash slices.
For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like thyme before roasting.
Delicata squash skin is edible once roasted, making this a quick and easy prep without peeling.
Make sure slices are spread evenly on the baking sheet to avoid steaming instead of roasting.