Name: Roasted Delicata Squash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 delicata squash (washed, deseeded, and sliced into moon-shapes); 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; ½ tbsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp coarse black pepper; 2 ½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese (loosely packed); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried basil leaves

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

This Roasted Delicata Squash is seasoned with parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and dried basil. Then it’s roasted until perfectly golden and crispy.

It costs approximately $8.07 to make this Roasted Delicata Squash. The recipe makes six servings, which costs around $1.34 per serving.

I love to serve this squash alongside Oven Roasted Turkey and this simple Fall Spinach Salad for a delicious meal on a crisp evening.

A serving dish full of the Roasted Delicata Squash.

What is delicata squash?

Pronounced [dehl-ih-KAH-taj] is also known as a sweet potato squash. It’s a sweeter vaHowever, it’sy with light yellow skin and green lines vertically across its oblong shape.

Delicata Squash is best during mid to early Fall season making it my go-to side dish during October and leading up to Thanksgiving Day.

What does delicata squash taste like? You are in for a treat. It tastes like a cross between sweet potatoes and butternut squash.

Thanksgiving is on its way and this is a delicious side dish for any gathering, but especially Thanksgiving. If you have been wanting to try delicata squash for the first time, then I highly recommend it. When it’s roasted, you can really taste its natural sweetness.

The skin is tender and delicate, giving the squash its name, so you do not have to peel it before you roast it. That makes this one easy dish to prepare.

After roasting the squash, the texture becomes rich as it carmelizes and the soft insides are bursting with a naturally sweet flavor. It is a flavor combo that is hard to beat.

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. First, let’s talk about the ingredients you will need.

Ingredients you will need

Delicata Squash	Guess what? You can roast the delicata with the skin on! That’s right. It’s not like butternut squash or acorn squash—it’s more tender. Wash the skin well and remove the seeds.
Parmesan Cheese	I always use freshly grated, rennet-free, vegetarian parmesan cheese. Feel free to use what you can find.
Smoked Paprika	Adds a nice smokey flavor.
DIt adds Basil	It is aromatic and will be the herb of choice.
Other Essential Ingredients	Salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Please note delicata squash ranges in size. Furthermore, when sliced, each one will yield a different amount of pieces. Because of this, the Parmesan cheese and seasoning to coat each squash is merely an estimate.

If you find out that you have run out, make more with the spice-to-cheese ratio in mind.

A close up picture of the finished Delicata Squash cut into pieces and then roasted.

Ingredients and Estimated Cost:

Recipe Cost: $8.07

Per Serving Cost: $1.34

2 delicata squash – $2.50
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – $0.08
½ Tablespoon kosher salt – $0.01
¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper – $0.01
2 1/1 cups parmesan cheese – $5.14
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – $0.23
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves – $0.10

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

How To Make Roasted Delicata Squash

First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Next, place the sliced delicata in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the squash and add the salt and pepper.
Lightly toss the squash to ensure each one is fully coated.
In another bowl, combine the parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and dried basil leaves.
Cover each delicata wedge with the seasoned parmesan cheese mixture and place them on the baking sheet.

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Storage Tips

Serve: You can keep the squash our for no longer than two hours before it needs to be covered and refrigerated.

Store: Place the squash in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Freeze: Because of the crispy outer later, this recipe does not freeze and reheat well.

Recipe FAQs

Can you eat delicata squash skin?

Absolutely, once roasted, the skin will be soft and tender. You can barely tell that you are even eating the skin. That’s how tender it is.

What to serve with delicata squash?

Serve alongside your favorite poultry dishes, and vegetarian meals, or snack on them on their own.

How to roast delicata squash?

Slice the delicata in half lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds. Keep it whole or cut it into circle shapes or half-moons. When ready, drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper all over. Roast according to the size and shape of the squash. Once roasted, enjoy as-is.

What does delicata squash taste like?

You are in for a treat. It tastes like a cross between sweet potatoes and butternut squash.

Should delicata squash be hard to cut?

Delicata Squash is typically easier than other squash varieties to cut. Use a chef’s knife and cutting board to slice the squash and it should slice easily. If you are finding it difficult to cut then it may not be ripe enough yet.

How do you know when a delicata is ripe?

When picking out delicata squash, one that is light green or has lots of off-color spots is not ripe yet. However, one that is yellow with green stripes is ripe and ready to use. The delicata squash should also be firm to the touch when it is ripe.

A hand picking up a piece of the finished Roasted Delicata Squash.

More Gluten-Free Sides

Read the recipe from start to finish. You will better understand the flow of the recipe and identify any unfamiliar words or methods.

Shop for the ingredients beforehand. When you shop ahead, you are less likely to swap out ingredients for what you don’t have, thus creating a complete recipe fail!

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a comment below and an honest rating. ♡