Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Masala and Chai (2024)

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Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash with pomegranate seeds and walnuts is a delightfully easy way to enjoy this winter squash. It's simply roasted with honey until tender and caramelized. Add this as a side dish for your Thanksgiving Day spread!

Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Masala and Chai (1)

I first fell in love with delicata squash at Dell'anima in Hell's Kitchen. In addition to their stupid good pasta, I was also blown away by the side of delicata squash. When I asked the chef what the heck it was, he said, "It's simple... it's just delicata squash roasted with honey." I was like ....dassit? There's no way!

The slight caramelization on the squash when it's roasted?? UFFFF so good! Oven roasting the squash with just a bit of honey enhances it's natural sweetness!

Top the roasted delicata squash with some in-season pomegranates and chopped walnuts and this sweet and savory side dish will be a hit at your dinner table.

Jump to:
  • What is Delicata Squash?
  • How to Honey Roast Delicata Squash
  • Serving Ideas
  • Leftovers? Here are some ideas
  • More Thanksgiving Dishes to add to your spread
  • Recipe

What is Delicata Squash?

Delicata squash is part of the winter squash family, with a cream-colored cylindrical shape and orange and green stripes. Also called the sweet potato squash, the delicata squash tastes like a cross between butternut squash and sweet potato.

When roasted, the squash caramelizes giving it some sweetness. As you may be able to guess, the skin is really quite delicate, hence the name "delicata" squash. This also means that you don't have to peel the skin for consumption and it's much easier to cut through.

Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Masala and Chai (2)

Delicata squash is ridiculously versatile for just about any fall dish you can think of. The most common way to prepare it is by roasting, but you can also steam, sautée, or even microwave it! You can find it in salads, filled with meat and rice, tossed with pasta, top with any fruits or nuts and yogurt, etc.

I'm weirdly very passionate about this squash? Like I genuinely don't care for butternut squash ever again. Delicata squash is much easier to transport home from the winter market, you don't need to peel the rind, it's easier to cut through, and has a faster cooking time.

Say lesssss.

How to Honey Roast Delicata Squash

When choosing your squash, make sure you get similar shape and sizes to ensure even cooking and avoid any with bruises, soft spots, or mold.

Prep the squash

Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Masala and Chai (3)

Begin by scrubbing the exterior of the squash as much as possible, since you'll be eating the skin as well. Cut the ends off of both sides so you have flat surface to work with. Use a large sharpened knife and cut it down the middle lengthwise.

With a spoon, scrape out the seeds and fibrous strands attached to the seeds. Cut the halves into half moon shapes that are about ¼" to ½" thick.

Roast in the oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Space out the squash on two metal half sheet baking trays. Don't use parchment paper to allow the heat from the metal to caramelize the squash. I eyeball how much olive oil, salt, black pepper, and honey to use for roasting depending on the size of the squash.

Toss to thoroughly coat. Roast for 20 minutes, or until it begins browning on the sides. Flip a few over to check that it has browned on the bottom. If it has, remove the tray from the oven and flip each piece. Roast for an additional 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Remove them from the oven once they've browned and caramelized.

Serving Ideas

While the squash roasts, chop the walnuts into pea-sized pieces and chiffonade cut the basil. Deseed a large pomegranate.

My favorite way to do this is to cut off the top and slice the pomegranate along where the pithy white parts surrounds the seeds. It's much easier to pull off the wedges and deseed with my hands into a bowl this way.

Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Masala and Chai (4)

When the squash is done, toss it with pomegranates, walnuts, and basil. Plate the squash on a serving platter and drizzle with honey. I like to use Mike's hot honey to add a little kick to this dish, but feel free to use regular honey.

Leftovers? Here are some ideas

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, I found it awkward to try and warm up this dish because of the pomegranates and walnuts mixed it. Instead, you can:

  • Toss the delicata squash with the pomegranates, walnuts, and basil into a salad and add protein with a green goddess dressing.
  • Cook up some quinoa with cucumbers, avocado, and kale
  • Add feta or goat cheese, tzatziki, and arugula
Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Masala and Chai (5)

More Thanksgiving Dishes to add to your spread

  • Achaari Deviled Eggs
  • Masala Chai Tres Leches Cake
  • Whole Roasted Tandoori Chicken
  • Cranberry Chutney

I love seeing when you share my recipes! Tag me on Instagram @masalaandchai so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

I'd love to know what you thought of this recipe! Don't forget to leave a comment and ⭐️ star rating below!

Recipe

Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Masala and Chai (10)

Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranates and Walnuts

Author: Shweta Garg

Learn how to honey roast delicata squash to make this delicious side dish! Topped with pomegranates and walnuts, this is dish is going to stand out on your dinner table.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

5 from 4 votes

Print Rate

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 delicata squash, (about 2.5-3lbs)
  • 2 teaspoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoon hot honey, see notes
  • 1 large pomegranate
  • 15 chopped walnuts
  • handful of basil

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wash and scrub the delicata squash. Cut the ends off of both sides to create a flat surface. Cut it in half lengthwise and scrape out all the seeds and fibrous threads with a spoon. Cut the squashes into ¼" to ½" half moons.

  • Lay the half moons on 2 metal baking sheets and drizzle 2 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper per sheet. Toss the squash to ensure it is fully coated and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes on one side. Remove from the oven and flip each slice. Roast for an additional 15 minutes.

  • While the squash is roasting, deseed a pomegranate and chop the walnuts into preferred size. Chiffonade cut a handful of basil.

  • Transfer the roasted delicata squash to a serving platter. Toss with the pomegranate seeds, chopped walnut, and basil. Drizzle hot honey and serve warm.

Notes

  • To make hot honey, simply mix honey and hot sauce (amount to preference) in a bowl and warm in 30 second intervals. Stir well to combine.
  • Alternatively, use extra plain honey before serving.
  • Measurements of olive oil, honey, black pepper, and salt are approximated based off of 2.5lbs of delicata squash and is subject to change according to size. Use enough to thoroughly coat the squash.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 303mg | Potassium: 976mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 3096IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg

Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment and star rating below! Don't forget to tag @masalaandchai on Instagram!

Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe - Masala and Chai (2024)

FAQs

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 a winter or summer squash? ›

Although delicata is typically considered a winter squash variety, it actually belongs to the same species as summer squash varieties like cousa, zucchini, pattypan, etc. The delicata squash is sometimes referred to as a sweet potato squash or a peanut squash.

Why is delicata squash so good? ›

Delicata squash is also brimming with antioxidant nutrients, like vitamin C. Vitamin C is a known antioxidant that helps keep cells healthy and can help prevent cell damage. In addition, vitamin C is used to make collagen, a protein that's crucial for maintaining strong skin.

Can you eat too much Delicata squash? ›

Toxic squash syndrome can result from continuing to eat the bitter fruit. Some of the most rampant symptoms and indicators of toxic squash syndrome include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Toxic squash syndrome can be so severe that it can cause swelling in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys.

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.

What is the healthiest squash to eat? ›

Acorn squash, delicata squash, and butternut squash are just a few examples of winter squash that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Try incorporating the winter squash varieties listed above into your diet this fall and winter for an easy way to care for your health from the inside out.

What is another name for 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.

Why is delicata squash hard to find? ›

It was rare to find it on the shelves of grocery stores or in many restaurants. This is actually because delicata squash was once prone to mildew diseases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Does Delicata squash make you gassy? ›

As with any food, taking note of any unusual reaction, such as itching or swelling, is important, but there are no known problems with the delicata squash. However, because of its fiber content, too much could cause flatulence.

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.

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.

Why is my delicata squash oozing? ›

If the stem has been broken or removed at harvest the area may ooze liquid the color of brown sugar. This is OK as long as the squash seems fresh and there's no softening of the flesh. When: Delicata is a prolific variety and tends to hold well in storage.

What are the white spots on my delicata squash? ›

Powdery mildew
  • Symptoms: White powdery spots on leaves; may be on upper and lower surfaces.
  • Powdery mildew is a fungal disease favored by warm, humid weather. Symptoms start in mid-summer on older leaves. The disease can spread rapidly, causing whole plants to turn yellow and die. ...
  • Plant disease-resistant varieties.
Apr 5, 2023

Should delicata squash be refrigerated? ›

Directions: 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. How to preserve: Best frozen after cooking.

Are you supposed to eat squash skin? ›

All squash skin is edible. However, in the same way you wouldn't eat a banana peel, edible doesn't necessarily mean you want to eat it. Some squash has thin skin that's tasty and tender, while others have a tough shell that even cooked is chewy and stringy.

Why is my Delicata squash skin tough? ›

Its rind may look super tough on the outside, but we can assure you, it's super soft on the inside. There are reasons why your squash may be different this year. The maturity of the squash may be at play. Generally, younger squash has more tender skin so it could be that last year you harvested earlier.

Can you eat the peel of roasted acorn squash? ›

Next time you roast a squash like acorn, butternut or honeynut, try leaving the skins on and give them a nibble. Be sure to scrub the skin well, Joyce recommends, to remove any dirt or debris. The pleasantly chewy texture may just surprise you, plus you can never go wrong with more fiber.

Do you leave the skin on squash when you cook it? ›

Some squash skin is edible, while other types of squash have tough skin that can be removed before cooking. Remove the skin of butternut, hubbard, buttercup, and turban squash. If you enjoy the taste, leave the skin on acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and zucchini squash.

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