These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (2024)

Bonus: You don't need to peel it!

By Erin Cavoto
These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (1)

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Say hello to your favorite new fall vegetable! No we're not talking about pumpkin or even butternut squash—this list of fall recipes is showcasing the ever-popular (yet often forgotten) delicata squash! If you're new to this particular type of squash, don't worry! It’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you roast it, stuff it, or even grill it, these delicata squash recipes are slightly sweet and quick to cook. But the best part is—you don’t even need to peel it! The skin is tender and delicate (hence the name!) so you'll save time in the kitchen this fall.

So, what's the best way to prepare delicata squash? There are so many creative squash recipes ahead. To get things started, many of the delicata squash recipes will have you cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. You can then either keep the squash halves whole for stuffing or slice the squash into half-moons or chunks. When roasted, the squash is perfect for adding to a bacon breakfast hash, kale salad with goat cheese, or a creamy pesto pasta with sage and walnuts. We’ve also included some comforting ideas for fall soups and casseroles that are perfect for a Thanksgiving side dish or any chilly night this season. No matter which delicata squash recipe you choose, you'll be a pro at cooking this winter squash in no time—it really is easy!

1

Roasted Squash and Bacon Hash

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (3)

Any type of squash works well for this hearty, bacon-infused fall breakfast. Swap the acorn squash for delicata and don't forget to top it with a runny fried egg!

Get the Roasted Squash and Bacon Hash recipe.

SHOP CUTTING BOARDS

2

Stuffed Delicata Squash with Quinoa, Cranberries, and Pistachio

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (4)

Delicata squash isn't just for side dishes! It can be the main event when stuffed with quinoa and chickpeas. To give it even more holiday flavor, add dried cranberries and fresh herbs!

Get the Stuffed Delicata Squash with Quinoa, Cranberries, and Pistachio recipe at The Simple Veganista.

3

Roasted Rosemary Delicata Squash

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (5)

This recipe keeps things simple with olive oil, shallot, and fresh rosemary. It's one of the easiest ways to prepare delicata squash.

Get the Roasted Rosemary Delicata Squash recipe at Marisa Moore.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Delicata Squash Soup with Crispy Garlic Chickpeas

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (6)

This roasted squash soup is the perfect way to warm up from the chilly fall weather. It's creamy and comforting, but has a nice pop of flavor and texture from the crispy chickpea topping.

Get the Delicata Squash Soup with Crispy Garlic Chickpeas recipe at Our Balanced Bowl.

5

Delicata Squash Tacos with Black Beans

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (7)

Give Taco night an autumnal spin by filling your tortillas with black beans and squash! It's a vegetarian dinner that everyone in the family will love.

Get the Delicata Squash Tacos with Black Beans recipe at Naturally Ella.

SHOP DINNERWARE

6

Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (8)

Give traditional Caesar salad an autumnal spin with this variation featuring roasted delicata squash, sliced apples, and pecans.

Get the Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash recipe at Will Frolic for Food.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Chipotle Black Bean Stuffed Delicata Squash

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (9)

Everyone at the dinner table will love these bean and cheese stuffed delicata squash boats. They're drizzled with a chipotle glaze for a bit of heat.

Get the Chipotle Black Bean Stuffed Delicata Squash recipe at A Couple Cooks.

8

Delicata Squash and Sausage Gratin

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (10)

Come fall, we can't get enough casserole recipes. This one has delicata squash, sausage, peppers, and a ton of cheese.

Get the Delicata Squash and Sausage Gratin recipe at Kalyn's Kitchen.

9

Fall Delicata Squash Pasta

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (11)

This weeknight pasta dish calls for fresh rosemary, which is perfect for fall, but you could also swap the herbs for fresh thyme or sage.

Get the Fall Delicata Squash Pasta recipe at Craving California.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Delicata Squash Bake with Tahini Sauce

This fall side dish only takes 30 minutes to make so it's perfect for last minute entertaining. Plus, everyone at the table will love the burst of color.

Get the Delicata Squash Bake with Tahini Sauce recipe at Minimalist Baker.

SHOP CASSEROLE DISHES

11

Delicata Squash and Apple Galette

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (13)

Delicata squash is the perfect ingredient for savory pies, like this squash and apple galette. It's naturally sweet, creamy, and screams fall!

Get the Delicata Squash and Apple Galette recipe at The Wimpy Vegetarian.

12

Walnut Sage Pesto Pasta with Roasted Delicata Squash

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (14)

A homemade walnut-sage pesto makes all the difference in this weeknight dinner. It's basically the perfect fall pasta!

Get the Walnut Sage Pesto Pasta with Roasted Delicata Squash recipe at A Beautiful Plate.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Slow Cooker Parmesan White Bean Chicken Soup with Delicata Squash

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (15)

Top this hearty chicken soup with slices of roasted delicata squash. It'll add a lovely texture and flavor!

Get the Slow Cooker Parmesan White Bean Chicken Soup with Delicata Squash recipe at Half Baked Harvest.

14

Delicata Squash Autumn Salad

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (16)

This hearty salad is bursting with fall flavors, including roasted squash and an orange-maple vinaigrette.

Get the Delicata Squash Autumn Salad recipe at Dash of Jazz.

15

Grilled Fall Vegetable Platter with Sage Brown Butter Bean Dip

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (17)

Breathe new life into your veggies with this grilled platter, including delicata squash slices, zucchini wedges, and cauliflower florets.

Get the Grilled Fall Vegetable Platter with Sage Brown Butter Bean Dip recipe at How Sweet Eats.

SHOP PLATTERS

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Roasted Delicata Squash with Apples

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (18)

Serve this kale, squash, and apple side dish warm. Don't forget to top it with the tangy Dijon-based vinaigrette.

Get the Roasted Delicata Squash with Apples recipe at Love and Lemons.

17

Roasted Delicata Squash with Rigatoni

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (19)

Because you can eat the skin of delicata squash, they make a delicious addition to a bowl of pasta.

Get the Roasted Delicata Squash with Rigatoni recipe at Familystyle Food.

18

Spinach and Beans Stuffed Delicata Squash

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (20)

These stuffed delicata squash will be your new go-to weeknight meal. It's easy to make and is good for you too!

Get the Spinach and Beans Stuffed Delicata Squash recipe at Aggie's Kitchen.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Roasted Delicata Squash, Pomegranate and Arugula Salad

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (21)

Pomegranate seeds are always a smart salad addition, especially when paired with roasted delicata squash.

Get the Roasted Delicata Squash, Pomegranate and Arugula Salad recipe at Cookie + Kate.

20

Roasted Brown Sugar Delicata Squash

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (22)

Toss your delicata squash in maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It's a sweet, savory bite that'll have you hooked.

Get the Roasted Brown Sugar Delicata Squash recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.

SHOP BAKING SHEETS

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (2024)

FAQs

What are delicata squash good for? ›

Delicata squash also has a ton of potassium: One cup delivers a whopping 500mg of the mineral, which can help control your blood pressure. As with many varieties of squash, it's also full of vitamin C, which plays a role in the growth and repair of body proteins.

What is the meaning of delicata squash? ›

Delicata squash is a variety of winter squash with cylindrical fruits that are cream-coloured and striped in green or orange. As its name suggests, it has characteristically a delicate rind (or skin). It is also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash.

What is the difference between delicata squash and butternut squash? ›

When it comes to winter squash, the standard basis for comparison is butternut squash, as it is the one most people are familiar with. Delicata squash is indeed very similar to this variety, with a sweet, buttery flavor, but can also be compared to sweet potato, with its rich taste and moist texture.

Do you eat the skin on roasted delicata squash? ›

So what kinds of squash do we actually recommend eating with the skin on? We have three types of squash that we will always attack without peeling. Those would be honeynut, acorn, and delicata. When you roast, braise, or simmer these varieties, the thin skin gets tender and easy to chew.

Is delicata squash good for kidneys? ›

Squash is fine for earlier stages of CKD and kidney transplant when potassium is well-managed without dietary restriction. With concern for potassium levels, consider having squash in small amounts.

Does delicata squash raise blood sugar? ›

Its low glycemic index can help prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for maintaining stable glucose levels. Moreover, the dietary fiber content in squash aids in slowing down the absorption of sugar, promoting better blood sugar control and overall metabolic health.

Are delicata squash healthy? ›

Similar to butternut squash nutrition, it's a healthy alternative with no fat or cholesterol and is low in carbohydrates, all while providing tons of vitamin A and C. (1) And delicata squash benefits don't stop there.

Does delicata squash go bad? ›

Storage tips: Winter Squash is best stored between 55-65 degrees, however, Delicata squash does not store quite as well as heartier varieties like Acorn and Butternut. Place in a cool dry room in your house (do not refrigerate) and it should last 3 months.

Is delicata squash safe to eat? ›

Delicata squash is one of many members of the squash family enjoyed in so many fall dishes. WIth a tender skin that caramelizes beautifully, Delicata squash is hearty and full of flavor. Enjoy it roasted with a brisket or turkey, or as a star ingredient in stuffing.

What squash is closest to Delicata squash? ›

Squash Substitute Number 1: Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a great alternative to delicata given its mild nutty flavor and mild sweetness. The yellowish flesh becomes tender and caramelizes well during roasting, much like delicata.

What is the tastiest squash? ›

  1. 1 • Delicata / Sweet Dumpling. These are the most delectable of the pepo squashes, often much sweeter than their close cousins, the green acorns. ...
  2. 2 • Kabocha. ...
  3. 3 • Butternut. ...
  4. 4 • Acorn. ...
  5. 5 • Spaghetti. ...
  6. 6 • Buttercup. ...
  7. 7 • Hubbard.

What squash tastes like sweet potato? ›

The delicata squash has a moist, creamy yellow flesh that tastes and smells like a blend of corn, butternut squash and sweet potato. It is often referred to as the sweet potato squash. They are best eaten when steamed or baked.

Which squash skin is not edible? ›

Honeynut squash are especially delicious roasted with a little cinnamon and butter. The only winter squash skin to avoid eating altogether, even if well cooked, is spaghetti squash because of its thick, eggshell-like quality.

Can dogs eat Delicata squash? ›

Dogs can eat any type of squash, but you'll want to make sure that you remove the seeds before feeding it to your dog. While a few seeds won't hurt your dog, if they eat too many, they can cause a backup in your dog's digestive system.

Why is my Delicata squash bitter? ›

Cross-pollinated freak seeds are the culprit. And even reputable seed companies can screw up, especially with Cucurbitaceae. Glover goes on to note that mildly bitter squash could just be a symptom of stress: heat, cold or lack of nutrients.

Which squash has the most health benefits? ›

Butternut squash is incredibly nutritious! It's rich in minerals too: 89 mg of calcium, making it a surprisingly calcium-rich food plus 1.3 mg of plant-based iron. It also contains 615 mg of potassium and 63 mg of magnesium for a healthy heart.

Can you eat all of a delicata squash? ›

The skin of Delicata squash is 100% edible. That's the second reason I love this squash so much. It's so easy to prepare because you don't have to bother peeling it. Not to mention that gorgeous yellow and green striped skin makes for a really beautiful plate.

What does delicata squash taste like? ›

What does delicata squash taste like? The slightly chewy edible peel is a great contrast to the sweet, velvety flesh, which tastes like a cross between butternut squash and sweet potato.

Is delicata squash good for weight loss? ›

It contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber. Additionally, Delicata squash is an excellent low-calorie food choice, containing just under 40 calories/ 9 g carbs in a 100 g serving.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Golda Nolan II

Last Updated:

Views: 5938

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Golda Nolan II

Birthday: 1998-05-14

Address: Suite 369 9754 Roberts Pines, West Benitaburgh, NM 69180-7958

Phone: +522993866487

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Shopping, Quilting, Cooking, Homebrewing, Leather crafting, Pet

Introduction: My name is Golda Nolan II, I am a thoughtful, clever, cute, jolly, brave, powerful, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.