That tenderest winter squash is a pantry staple while it's in season.
As soon as they start showing up in the store (or at our local farmers' market) in the fall, we stock up on delicata squash, and start breaking out our favorite delicata squash recipes.
Of all the winter squash out there, delicata are probably our favorite. Not only are they sweet and easy to cook, but the tender soft skin means that you can slice them much more easily than other winter squash — and you can eat them skin and all!
Like all winter squash, delicatas pair well with rich or sweet ingredients like maple syrup, fresh rosemary, and Parmesan cheese. Here are our favorite ideas with delicata squash:
1
Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings
This is our go-to side whenever we have grapes and delicata on hand, especially when hosting. The flavor combination is so surprisingly good, it's hard not to go back for seconds!
Get the recipe for Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings.
2
Roasted Chicken and Winter Squash
For a Sunday dinner that's shockingly easy, try roasting a whole chicken on a bed of delicata. The juices from the bird will flavor the roast veggies, making them extra delicious.
Get the recipe for Roasted Chicken and Winter Squash.
3
Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
Though this recipes calls for acorn squash, delicata makes a lovely substitute. It's just as tender and soft, but has an easier-to-slice skin.
Get the recipe for Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette.
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4
Smashed Squash and Garlicky Walnut Crostini
Cooked until it's falling apart, delicata squash becomes an ideal toast-topper. Add a little blue cheese, walnuts, and fried sage, and you've got an hors d'oeuvre or the beginnings of a snacky supper!
Get the recipe for Smashed Squash and Garlicky Walnut Crostini.
5
The Ultimate Autumn Salad + Orange Maple Vinaigrette
Rich roasted squash, crunchy kale, dried cranberries and creamy gorgonzola all dressed in a to-die-for spicy-sweet vinaigrette. This salad is good enough for Thanksgiving, and yummy enough you'll want to make it all the time.
Get the recipe for Autumn Salad at Dash of Jazz.
6
Rosemary Roasted Delicata Squash
This extra-easy recipe infuses the tender squash flesh with fresh rosemary for a side dish you can eat like fries!
Get the recipe for Rosemary Roasted Delicata Squash at Marisa Moore.
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7
Wild Rice and Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash
For either a main course or side dish, this recipe balances savory flavors like curry and cumin with sweet pecan and cranberry additions.
Get the recipe for Stuffed Delicata Squash at Kitchen Treaty.
8
Vegan Delicata Squash Cassoulet with Roasted Garlic
This vegan dish is the perfect meal to get your family through the chilly fall and winter nights.
Get the recipe for Delicata Squash Cassoulet at Rachel Hartley Nutrition.
9
Roasted Delicata Squash with Parmesan & Walnuts
Pair simple slices of roasted squash with toasted walnuts and cheese for a rich-yet-simple side.
Get the recipe for Roasted Delicata Squash with Parmesan & Walnuts at Marisa Moore.
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10
Harvest Moon Kale Caesar Salad
When it comes to fall salads, there's no shortage of kale concoctions in the cooking sphere. But this one stands above the rest.
Get the recipe for Harvest Moon Caesar Salad at Will Frolic for Food.
11
Roasted Delicata Squash Rigatoni Pasta
Cozy comfort food, meet the most flavorful, fall-friendly addition. This vegetarian meal comes together in just 30 minutes, meaning you'll find yourself making it all season long.
Get the recipe for Delicata Squash Rigatoni Pasta at Familystyle Food.
12
Golden Delicata Squash Soup with Garlic Chickpeas
The creamy, savory soup and crispy garlic chickpeas create a match made in pure fall recipe heaven.
Get the recipe for Delicata Squash Soup at Our Balanced Bowl.
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13
Spicy Roasted Delicata Squash
This spicy-sweet side gets a burst of crunch from a sprinkling of pepitas.
Get the recipe for Spicy Roasted Delicata Squash at The Hungry Hutch.
14
Roasted Delicata Squash with Eggs
Who needs to go out for brunch when you can make your own restaurant-worthy cuisine from home? And, because you can bet on love at first bite of these egg-filled squash slices, know that they also work for any other meal of the day.
Get the recipe for Roasted Delicata Squash with Eggs at Sweet Lizzy.
15
Delicata Squash and Tomato Gratin
Sweet meets savory in this creamy delicata squash dinner dish, which only requires 15 minutes of prep.
Get the recipe for Delicata Squash and Tomato Gratin at Things I Made Today.
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16
Roasted Delicata Squash with Chipotle Aioli Sauce
Step aside, potato chips—here's one healthy after-school snack your little ones won't mind munching on.
Get the recipe for Delicata Squash with Chipotle Aioli Sauce at Pretend It's a Donut.
17
Kale and Chicken Sausage Stuffed Delicata Squash
Easy, filling, and deceptively healthy—this tasty trifecta belongs in the easy weeknight dinner winner's circle.
Get the recipe for Sausage Stuffed Delicata Squash at Little Bits Of Real Food.
18
Roasted Delicata Squash Tian
Top off your Thanksgiving menu with a heaping skillet of roasted squash rounds, topped with Parmesan cheese, butter, and herbs.
Get the recipe for Roasted Delicata Squash Tian at Hungry Hobby.
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19
Sesame-Roasted Maple Chipotle Delicata Squash
Crispy sesame seeds add a deliciously crispy texture—as well as a dark coating that gives this squash dish the perfect Halloween color combo.
Get the recipe for Sesame-Roasted Maple Chipotle Delicata Squash at Viktoria's Table.
20
Delicata Squash Quinoa Bowl
Stuck in a recipe rut? Diversify your quinoa bowls with chickpeas, cucumber, avocado, and, of course, delicata squash.
Get the recipe for Delicata Squash Quinoa Bowl at Leelalicious.
