Oven Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - the perfect fall side dish! Roasted until it is tender and sweet, it's topped with a sweet and spicy honey pomegranate sauce. This super-easy side dish has all the flavors of fall!
Roasted Delicata Squash
Growing up on a small farm in Oregon gave me such great experiences. We raised chickens and ducks. I had a goat named Ziggy. Every day my brother and I had chores that needed to be done.
During the summertime, Dad would plant a garden and my brother Don and I were responsible for taking care of it. We had to hoe between the rows, pull weeds and harvest the fruit and vegetables.
We enjoyed sweet tomatoes, potatoes, spicy onions, carrots, radishes and pretty green leaf lettuce. Dad always planted plenty of squash too.
It was usually zucchini, acorn squash and pumpkins. We'd always set one aside from each variety to see how big it would grow "forgetting" to harvest it.
I wish I could have a garden now. Maybe I will one day, but since the farmers market is only blocks away it's so easy to stop by and grab whatever looks best!
This brings me to Delicata Squash! It's just coming into season and it's so good. If you like squash you'll definitely want to give this a try!
Are you looking for that bright holiday side dish that ushers in the holidays without spending all day in the kitchen? Then look no further! Delicata Squash roasts easily in the oven and doesn't take hours to make.
What do I need to know about Delicata Squash?
What is the season for Delicata squash?
Delicata squash is grown in the summertime and harvested in the fall and winter.
What does Delicata squash taste like?
It is a cross between sweet potatoes and corn. Bonus? You do not have to peel the squash!
Can you eat the skin of the Delicata squash?
No need to peel them; once cooked the skin is tender and tasty! Just be sure you scrub the outside of the squash well before cooking to remove any grit and grime.
How do you know when Delicata squash is ripe?
They are oblong in shape. Ripe squash will have yellow skin and green stripes. If you see one that's light green with dark green stripes, it's not ripe yet!
Do not choose a squash with any brown or soft spots. That means it's beginning to spoil.
How do you slice Delicata squash?
The easiest way to prepare them is to slice off each of the ends and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and cut into slices about half-inch thick.
The thicker the slices, the longer it will take to cook.
Save the seeds. Roast or dry and save them to plant next Spring
Recipe from Take Two Tapas
How do I store Delicata squash?
Like potatoes, these should be stored in a dark, dry, ventilated space. Similar to acorn and butternut squash, the skin in thicker and stores longer.
How long will Delicata squash keep?
Whole, it will keep about a month. Once sliced (uncooked), wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Cooked squash lasts about three days refrigerated.
Slice the squash and place on sheetpan Drizzle with glaze and continue roasting
Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - What are the ingredients and how do I cook it?
Ingredients for Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
- delicata squash
- olive oil
- salt & pepper
For the Glaze
- pomegranate juice
- honey
- salt, red pepper flakes, pomegranate seeds
Steps to make Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
- SCRUB the outside of the squash (don't forget you're eating the skin and you want it to be super clean!)
- Slice off both ends then cut in half lengthwise.
- Remove the seeds.
- Slice again into half-moons.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and bake for 10 minutes.
- Brush with sauce and bake for another ten minutes.
- Baste again when it's removed from the oven.
Steps to make the glaze
- Combine the honey, pomegranate juice, salt and red pepper flakes into a small saucepan.
- Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and allow to cook at a bubble until reduced by a third. Set aside.
It's that simple! This squash is sweet and so delicious! One of the reasons I like delicata (besides the yummy flavor!) is this side dish serving amount is perfect for a small family.
Leftovers are an easy finger snack and or delicious on a harvest salad!
Drizzle additional sauce over the top after plating. To make this meal extra festive? Sprinkle with a handful of pomegranate arils.
You'll have some leftover sauce and I'd recommend saving it. Mixed with a little olive oil and red wine vinegar, leftovers make a delicious salad dressing!
You know me.... never toss anything and that glaze is dynamite!
More of my favorite vegetable side dish recipes!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts - great side dish with a ton of flavor from your favorite ranch dressing!
- Steamed Green Beans - easy to make and so versatile. Everyone loves green beans!
- Roasted Carrots - another simple dish that easy to make for just pennies per serving.
Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe with Honey Pomegranate Glaze
Oven Roasted Delicata Squash with Honey Pomegranate Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 delicata squash
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Glaze
- ½ cup pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ pomegranate avrils
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Wash the outside of the squash. Slice the ends off.
- Slice the squash in half. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds, discard. Slice both sides into one inch half-moon slices.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment pepper or tin foil (if desired) this will make clean-up a breeze.
- Toss the squash with olive oil, salt and pepper and place in the preheated oven for ten minutes.
- While the squash is baking make the sauce. Combine honey, pomegranate juice, salt and red pepper flakes into a small sauce pan.
- Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and allow to cook at a bubble until reduced by a third.
- After ten minutes remove the squash and baste with sauce. Flip the squash over, baste on side two and return to the oven.
- Roast until fork tender - about 10 more minutes. Sprinkle with the arils, enjoy!
Ang
This looks SO amazing! I can't wait to try it!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Ang, enjoy!!!
Elizabeth
Love this recipe! Thanks so much for sharing! Delicata is my favorite Squash, when I can find it. Are the pomegranate avrils used as a garnish? I'll be hunting for this squash, and can't wait to fix it! Your pictures are glorious!
Bowl Me Over
Oooh, yes! Sorry, I just updated the recipe! Just sprinkle them over the top for some extra holiday flavor!
Michele @ Bacon Fatte
Gorgeous dish! What a pretty way to enjoy such beautiful squash!
Bowl Me Over
Squash is so delicious, I'm glad that you enjoy this dish!
Michaela Kenkel
Oh my goodness!! That looks absolutely divine!! Such a gorgeous dish!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much!!!
Madi
This sounds like such a wonderful fall side dish! Squash is the best!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Madi!
Lori Vachon
This glaze sounds simply amazing, such great flavors!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Lori!!
Healing Tomato
This is why I love fall! Roasted squash of all kind makes the holiday season seem even more festive. Your oven roasted delicata squash recipe looks so very good.
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much! I have another one in the fridge and I think I’m going to stuff it today. Delicata Squash is so good!!
Dannii
I love roasted squash - it really brings out the flavour of it. This glaze sounds amazing too and I bet it makes the squash even more delicious.
Bowl Me Over
That sauce is delicious Danni, I hope yo really enjoy it!
Brian Jones
They are a new squash to me but they sound delicious, and that sauce! Yes please!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Brian, one order coming up! 😀
Tina
I'm excited about your recipe, I lOVE squash and I haven't seen a recipe quite like this. Thanks for sharing:)
Bowl Me Over
Wonderful, enjoy Tina!
Valentina
This sounds super yummy and it's such a pretty dish - so festive for the holidays!
Bowl Me Over
Yes, it would e perfect for Christmas or New Year’s Buffet Valentina - thank you!
Julie
I love squash and you're recipe sounds delicious!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Julie!!
rika
This is a great fall flavor! I love winter squash!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Rika, delicata squash is one of my favorites!
Sandi
I love how beautifully this delicata squash caramelized. I bet it tastes incredibly sweet. Have a wonderful holiday!
Bowl Me Over
Delicata is such a wonderful squash! So delicate and delicious - thank you Sandi! Our holiday was wonderful, I hope yours was also!!
Liza
Oh, I LOVE my squash! But with this Pomegranate sauce - it sounds just SO yummy - I MUST make it ASAP! 🙂
Bowl Me Over
The glaze definitely makes it extra special! I have really enjoyed delicata squash, it’s just delicious - thanks Liza!!!