Delicious delicata squash is one of the most popular winter squashes, and for good reason. On the petite side in comparison to other winter squash, delicata’s thin, edible skin makes it super easy to prepare.

TASTE: Mild, sweet, and creamy; similar to a sweet potato.

FAVORITE PREPARATIONS: Halved, slice, and roasted delicata squash makes for a perfect side dish or winter salad topper. Halved, seeds scooped, and roasted, delicata squash is also excellent served stuffed.

In this Article

About Delicata Squash

Delicata squash are small and cylindrical, pale creamy yellow in color with green to orange vertical stripes. Inside, delicata squash is also pale yellow.

One of the best features of delicata squash is its thin, edible rind. No peeling needed – the peel is as delicious as the rest of the squash!

The seeds are edible; small but still excellent roasted.

Delicata Squash Nutrition & Benefits

Is delicata squash healthy? Yes! It’s low in calories and high in fiber, plus rich in vitamins B and C and magnesium.

How to Select Delicata Squash

Choose one that’s creamy yellow with green stripes and/or teetering toward orange. If the delicata squash is all green, it’s not quite ripe yet. Make sure it’s firm with no soft spots and heavy for its size. I like to choose delicata squash that are roughly the same size so that they’re easier to cut into even pieces for roasting.

How to Cut Delicata Squash

There are times when you just want to roast the halves of your delicata squash, and those are glorious times – because all you need to do is:

  1. Wash and dry your squash.
  2. Cut off the stem end
  3. Place the flat-cut stem end on your cutting board, making sure it’s nice and stable.
  4. With a heavy, sharp knife, cut the squash in half vertically.
  5. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon or small scoop.

If you’d like to roast pieces of delicata squash instead of full halves, simply place the halves cut-side down and slice into crescent-moon shaped pieces.

How to Cook Delicata Squash

To roast delicata squash halves, brush lightly with olive oil and dust with salt and some pepper if you prefer. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and place in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven. Bake until a fork easily pierces the flesh, about 45 minutes.

To roast delicata squash slices, toss sliced squash with a drizzle of olive oil along with some salt and pepper if you like. Spread onto a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Place in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven and bake, stirring once or twice, until fork-tender and golden in places, about 40 minutes. You’ll want to check it at around the 25-minute mark for smaller pieces and it may take long for larger pieces.

You can also steam delicata squash! Place slices in a steamer over simmering water and cover. Steam until fork-tender, about 10 minutes.

To microwave delicata squash, place the squash cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish and pierce with a fork three or four times to let the steam escape. Microwave until fork-tender, about 8 minutes (but keep in mind that microwaves vary!)

  • Roasted Delicata Squash

Favorite Delicata Squash Recipes

Can You Freeze Delicata Squash?

Yes! Raw delicata squash slices can be frozen for quick and easy cooking later on. Spread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet (line with parchment for easy transfer/clean-up). Place in freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.

Can Dogs Eat Delicata Squash?

Yes, mostly – remove the skin and seeds first just to be safe. According to the ASPCA, winter squash are non-toxic to dogs and cats. And (seedless, skin-less) squash, in moderation of course, is actually good for them! This is a frequently-searched question, so I thought I would include it here!

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