Just 3 ingredients to make the best Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash. It makes for an easy fall side dish perfect for the holidays, a weeknight meal, or meal prep and goes with any entree you want to serve! Paleo, vegan, and Whole30.
Last updated on November 25, 2020.
Squash season is one of my favorite seasons! I love the variety of the different kinds, their nutritious breakdown, and the versatility you can do with them in the kitchen. From stuffed acorn squash, curried squash soup, and roasted butternut squash with goat cheese and pomegranates. The possibilities are endless.
One of my favorite squash that is pretty unassuming is delicata squash! It gets perfectly caramelized when roasted at high temperates and is by far the easiest to prepare out of all the squashes. They are small in size so you don’t have to worry about having an abundance of leftovers (although it’s great leftover tossed in meals!) and they roast up quickly.
They also make a great healthy choice. Delicata squash is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and also has a good amount of manganese, calcium, and potassium.
To spice up this roasted delicata squash some, I decided to add some cinnamon. It goes so well with the sweetness and is perfect for the fall and winter months. This recipe was actually inspired by a dish I tried at Whole Foods. It was so simple and so flavorful, I knew I had to recreate it.
This dish makes an easy side for the holidays coming up or for just for your weekly meal prep. It also makes a quick and nutritious option during a busy weeknight.
What does delicata squash taste like?
Delicata squash has a unique taste and flavorful taste. Once cooked, the flesh is creamy and tastes a bit like a mix between corn and sweet potato or pumpkin. Its nickname is “sweet potato squash”.
Roasting it draws out the sweetness and it becomes slightly caramelized. Tossing it with some oil and salt and pepper is delicious as it doesn’t need much to bring out the flavors!
Can you eat the skin of delicata squash?
The skin of delicata squash is edible and it is safe to eat. Once it is cooked, it becomes soft and tender. An edible skin is one of my favorite things about delicata squash. It makes it a lot easier to prepare as you don’t need to take time to peel the squash.
How to cut delicata squash
Delicata squash is one of the easier squashes to prepare they are a lot smaller, easier to cut, and doesn’t need to be peeled.
- First, wash/rinse your delicata squash. You will be eating the skin so we want to make sure any dirt is rinsed off.
- Place on a cutting board and cut off both ends.
- Then, slice your delicata squash in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds.
- Place squash cut side down, and cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces, making half-moon shapes. Try to cut in uniform pieces to allow for even cooking.
Make sure you use a sharp knife as it makes a huge difference.
Roasted delicata squash recipe
Cinnamon roasted delicata squash is easy to make. Just 3 ingredients (plus some salt and pepper) only about 5 minutes of prep time with the rest of the time of it being in the oven. Serve it as a side dish with just about any entree for a complete meal!
Here is what you need:
- delicata squash
- cinnamon
- oil – I like avocado or coconut oil
- salt and pepper
First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, prep your delicata squash. See above for how to cut the delicata squash. Then add your squash to a large baking sheet (you may need two depending on how big they are) lined with parchment paper, add your oil, cinnamon, and salt and pepper, and mix well to combine.
I like to mix it up on the baking sheet as it saves me from dirtying another dish. Roast delicata squash for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until fork-tender.
That’s it!
What to serve with it
Here are a few ways to serve delicata squash. It is versatile and goes with just about any meal.
- during the holidays with turkey, ham, or roast
- Alongside roasted or grilled chicken or fish
- Any kind of steak
- In a salad with some veggies, protein, and your favorite dressing
- In a power or grain bowl with protein, grains, veggies, and a dressing
More healthy squash recipes
- Stuffed Butternut Squash with Beef & Kale
- Roasted Red Pepper & Squash Soup
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese & Pomegranates
- Chicken Caesar Spaghetti Squash Boats
- Squash Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Butternut Squash Salad
Roasted Delicata Squash
ingredients
- 3 small-medium delicata squash, cut in half lengthwise and then sliced into 1/2 inch half moons (1100 grams after cut)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Toss the delicata squash with coconut oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper and mix well to combine. I like to do this on the baking sheet to save dirtying another dish. Spread out on the baking sheets and bake for 25-30 minutes or until fork-tender, flipping the squash once after 15 minutes. Enjoy!
notes
- First, wash/rinse your delicata squash. You will be eating the skin so we want to make sure any dirt is rinsed off.
- Cut off both ends.
- Then, slice your delicata squash in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds.
- Place squash cut side down, and cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces, making half-moon shapes. Try to cut in uniform pieces to allow for even cooking.
nutrition
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Dad says
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Kelly says
So good!
Dan says
Look good
Kelly says
Thanks, hope you enjoy!