This Delicata Squash recipe is simply roasted to perfection and is so tasty! If you've been curious about cooking delicata squash, 4 Ingredient Maple Rosemary Delicata Squash has never been easier to prepare with no peeling and a rich, sweet, and creamy texture. You are going to love
Love winter squash? Also try my Roasted Acorn Squash, Oven Roasted Butternut Squash, and Baked Spaghetti Marinara.
Delicata Squash recipe
This Delicata Squash recipe is a bit magical. Roasting delicata squash is easy and simple and really lets the flavors of this gorgeous squash shine. These pretty bites of squash taste sweet, savory, and buttery all at the same time. I simply toss the magical slices of squash goodness in olive oil, rosemary, and a little maple syrup. You don't need much because the squash is already sweet, but I do love the flavor this combination gives it.
Cooking delicata squash has never been easier with this simple roasted delicata recipe that you can cook like most other roasted vegetables. This simple recipe is fabulous because it takes only around 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish and uses just four simple ingredients. If you picked up one of these fun little squash at the store and are wondering how to prepare delicata squash, this is your recipe!
The skin turns soft and the texture of the squash flesh and skin together is so lovely. The sweet and savory combination with the rosemary is what foodie dreams are made of.
What is Delicata Squash?
If you've never tried a Delicata Squash before, it's another type of winter squash, much like butternut squash, acorn squash, and spaghetti squash. It can be found in the grocery stores in the late summer and into fall. It's a pretty yellow squash with scalloped ridging around the sides.
It's a cool squash to try because of its small size the skin is actually edible and you don't need to peel it. It has a rich, sweet, and velvety flesh that roasts and caramelizes beautifully when you roast it in the oven. It's a lot easier to work with than some of the clunky winter squash that requires to peel it. It's known as the sweet potato squash, peanut squash or Bohemian squash.
If you don't see it at your store, ask your produce manager and they might be able to start getting some in for you. I seem to have more luck finding it at some of the higher-end, healthier grocery stores.
When you slice it, you get these pretty scalloped half-moons which are fun to eat and enjoy.
It's soft, buttery and so naturally sweet. It rocked my little world. Luckily cooking delicata is really simple and faster than many varieties of squash. My favorite way is my 4 Ingredient Maple Rosemary Delicata Squash recipe.
Why You'll Love this Maple Rosemary Delicata Squash Recipe...
- This Maple Rosemary Delicata Squash recipe has only 4 ingredients and it takes 20 minutes to make.
- It's an impressive-looking recipe but isn't hard to make at all.
- It tastes so good with its savory and sweet flavors.
- Delicata Squash is rich in nutrition benefits and has carotenoids and antioxidants. It's rich in fiber potassium, and vitamin C. It's very nutritious and delicious!
- You don't have to peel the squash, like other winter squash recipes.
- It's unexpected and fun. It's the best way to make a delicata squash if you were wondering how to prepare delicata squash.
Ingredients:
Here's an overview of what you'll need to make this Delicata Squash recipe , but keep scrolling for the full recipe amounts.
- Delicata Squash: You'll need one delicta squash for this recipe. Follow my instructions below on how to cut it. Choose a delicata squash at the store that has yellow skin and some yellow and orange ridges. Try to avoid ones that are mostly green, as they are not ripe. The squash should be firm at the stem ends and should not feel soft.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of your favorite maple syrup helps bring out the flavors in the delicata squash and helps in cooking the delicata squash, getting the rich caramelized color on it.
- Rosemary: I use fresh rosemary for a rich flavor, but you can substitute dry. It's ½ tablespoon of fresh, or ½ teaspoon of dry, depending on what you have. You can also substitute fresh or dried thyme.
- Olive Oil: A nice roasting olive oil brings out the color in this.
- Salt and Pepper
How to Cut Delicata Squash:
- Now unlike butternut squash or spaghetti squash, the skin of a delicata squash is pretty soft. You can easily slip a sharp knife through it without the struggle and fear of losing fingers. No need to peel them either, the skin is entirely edible.
- Start with a sharp knife and cutting board. To cut it for this recipe you just slice off the two ends and then cut the delicata squash length-wise, as shown below.
- Next, you use a spoon to scoop out the seeds like a pumpkin and cut them into thick quarter-inch slices. The pretty scalloped half-moon slices are what you cook.
- Now you are ready to cook delicata squash.
Instructions:
This is an overview of the instructions to make this Delicata Squash recipe, but the full detailed printable recipe is below in the recipe card.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. For easy cleanup, you can line it with foil or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the squash slices in olive oil, rosemary, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Lay the delicata squash flat on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake or roast for 10 minutes, pull out of the oven and flip.
- Finish roasting for another 5-10 minutes on the other side, until they are fork-tender and golden brown.
Variations
I love this Delicata Squash recipe as written, but here are some fun variations on cooking delicta squash.
- Parmesan Garlic: Make it more savory by adding fresh garlic powder and parmesan cheese instead of the maple and rosemary.
- Sweet: Make it sweeter by substituting the rosemary for cinnamon, which pairs nicely with the maple syrup. You can also add nutmeg.
- Taco or Cajun: Make it taco or cajun spiced by adding Taco Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, or Blackened seasoning. It's a fun way to mix up the flavors.
- Herbs de Provence: Another flavor profile that goes well with it is Herbs de Provence or the more classic Italian Seasoning.
FAQ
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftover Delicata Squash recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this recipe after cooking and reheat it later. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months after cooking and cooling.
Do you eat the skin of a delicata squash?
Yes! You do eat the skin of a delicata squash after cooking it. It's thin enough when you cook it because tender and delicious to eat and enjoy. Unlike other winter squash, you do not need to peel a delicata squash.
What temperatures do you roast a delicata squash?
Wondering about cooking delicata squash? I like to roast mine at a hot, 425 degrees to get the best color, flavor, and texture on the roasted squash.
Is delicata similar to butternut squash?
Delicata squash is in the same family as butternut squash. They are both considered winter squash, but they are actually pretty different. Butternut squash is larger, harder to cut, and has a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor. Its texture is denser when cooked. Delicata squash is smaller, easy to cut, is more tender, and creamy, and once cooked gets an interesting caramelized flavor that's rich, but sweet. Butternut squash is easier to find, while delicata squash can be harder to find, even in season.
Delicata Squash recipe is So Good!
This Delicata Squash recipe is so good and such a flavorful combination! It's super simple to make and takes the mystery out of this fun winter squash you found at the store. In fact, cooking delicata squash has never been easier with this 4 Ingredient Maple Rosemary Delicata Squash recipe. The little bites are kind of addictive.
Expand your squash horizon like I did, you'll be glad you did! If you are looking for new side dishes to enjoy this fall and winter, this is a great one to try.
Serve it With:
- Kale Ceasar Salad
- Fall Harvest Salad
- Vegetarian Stuffing
- Sheet Pan Frittata
- Blackened Salmon
- Parmesan Panko Salmon
More Winter Squash Recipes to Try:
- Roasted Acorn Squash
- Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
- Baked Spaghetti Marinara
- Mexican Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Sauteed Butternut Squash and Kale
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
- Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash for Thanksgiving
- Mushroom, Farro, and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Baked Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
- Crock Pot Butternut Squash Soup
If you make this Delicata Squash recipe e, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
Delicata Squash Recipe with Maple and Rosemary
Ingredients
- 1 delicata squash, halved, seeded and cut in ½ inch thich half moons
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary, or 1/ teaspoon dried
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. For easy cleanup, you can line it with foil or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the squash slices in olive oil, rosemary, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Lay flat on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 10 minutes. Pull out and flip.
- Finish for another 5-8 minutes or until tender. Exact cooking times will vary due to the size of your squash, so watch it carefully. It's done when it's fork tender and golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for later:
Agness of Run Agness Run says
This is a yummy recipe, Julie! Thanks for giving me a great lunch idea!
Miz Helen says
I love the flavors for this delicious squash, we will really enjoy this recipe. Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing you awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Sarah says
I can't remember the last time I had delicata squash, it isn't one we normally have and I love squash. I'll have to give this a try I love all the flavors you have going on. Happy Meatless Monday, thank you for linking up with us.
Barrie says
yum- i love that you can keep the skin on - and that it is easy to cut! I almost lost a digit with my spaghetti squash the other day!
Celia @ Chicago Jogger says
This is where I admit I've only made delicata squash once, despite the fact that I LOVE squash! Your version looks so good.
Alix @A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says
I love this recipe! Quick + simple + tasty! The perfect combination!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
Such an easy recipe but it looks sooo good! I love anything roasted this time of year.
Thanks so much for linking up with us for Healthy Vegan Fridays! I’m Pinning and sharing!
kimmythevegan says
Oh my - delicious! Only you could make a 4-ingredient dish look that good my dear =)
JulieWunder says
Thank you!!!! xoxoxoxo
Kristy from Southern In Law says
Oooh, this looks SO good, girl! Delicata squash is one of my faves - though I'd totally have to restrain myself from eating it all 😛
JulieWunder says
Oh I know! It's soooo good!
Farrah says
This looks absolutely amazing! <3 Love that it only takes 4 ingredients to make! *-*
JulieWunder says
Thank you! Hope you get a chance to try it.
Courtney says
What an amazing combination of flavors! I always love a good squash recipe. Hope you're having a great time on vacation! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you! We had a great time!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Delicata is one of my faves too they don't always have it at our store. Now I want it of course
JulieWunder says
I know! I wish they had it more!
Blane Sherer says
I often eat squash. This is new to me.
Interesting.
JulieWunder says
You'd love this one! So good!
Emily says
I've never had delicata squash; that's so AWESOME that it has really soft skin. 🙂
JulieWunder says
You'd love it! It's soooo good!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I have had both spaghetti squash and butternut but never this kind. Will have to give it a try.
JulieWunder says
Yes!!! You have to try it! Sooo good!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
I've never seen this in the store before but now I'm going to have to keep an eye out for it!
JulieWunder says
Oh yes! It's sooo good!!!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
So glad that you got involved with delicata squash! It is likely my favorite--I seriously can't be trusted around it! And maple and rosemary are a perfect team with it!
JulieWunder says
I was totally missing out!