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Home » Side Dishes » Brown Sugar Delicata Squash Recipe

Published: September 30, 2016 Last Modified: October 30, 2019 By Sara 45 Comments

Brown Sugar Delicata Squash Recipe

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Brown Sugar Delicata Squash Recipe | Roasted Squash | Delicata Squash | Winter Squash Recipe #squash #wintersquash #brownsugar #sidedish #delicatasquash #dinner #dinneratthezoo

This delicata squash recipe is roasted with brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon for a sweet and savory side that’s perfect for fall and winter meals.

When I’m looking for a quick and easy dish to pair with chicken and seafood, I make roasted butternut squash, roasted green beans or this easy delicata squash.

Brown Sugar Delicata Squash Recipe | Roasted Squash | Delicata Squash | Winter Squash Recipe #squash #wintersquash #brownsugar #sidedish #delicatasquash #dinner #dinneratthezoo Brown Sugar Delicata Squash Recipe | Roasted Squash | Delicata Squash | Winter Squash Recipe #squash #wintersquash #brownsugar #sidedish #delicatasquash #dinner #dinneratthezoo

A delicata squash recipe with brown sugar roasted squash on a sheet pan.

As the berries and melons start to fade away at the grocery store, in their place squash are popping up – squash of all shapes and colors and sizes! This delicata squash recipe is one of my favorite ways to do squash, with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar, and plenty of caramelization from a trip through a hot oven.

Raw delicata squash on a green board.

What is delicata squash?

Delicata squash taste a lot like butternut squash, but they’re much easier to prep. Delicata squash are on the small side, usually they weigh about a pound each, and their skins are edible which means no peeling required! Simply scoop out the seeds, slice and bake. I like to toss my delicata squash in a mixture of olive oil, brown sugar and maple syrup, with a sprinkle of cinnamon for good measure. I roast my squash until it’s perfectly tender and that’s all there is to it, it’s really that simple!

Roasted delicata squash on a sheet pan seasoned with brown sugar.

How do you cook delicata squash?

In my opinion, the best way to cook delicata squash is to roast it in a hot oven. You can also steam or saute your squash. I prefer the roasting method because it’s hands-off and the squash gets perfectly caramelized every time.

I have to say, I had some major skeptics on my hands when I served this delicata squash recipe to the kids. After some coaxing, they tried it and were pleasantly surprised! They loved the sweetness and hint of cinnamon, so this recipe is definitely going into the permanent rotation. Anything to get the kids to eat their veggies right?!

A sheet pan of a cooked delicata squash recipe.

How long does delicata squash stay fresh?

Whole delicata squash can be stored in a cool, dry spot for up to 4 weeks. Cut or cooked squash last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked squash, although it will have a softer texted once thawed and reheated.

Roasted Squash Variations

I love this recipe as-is, but you can add other ingredients to the mix to customize this dish to your tastes.

  • Spicy: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy dish.
  • Vegetables: You can add other veggies on the sheet pan such as red onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips or butternut squash.

The next time you’re at the store, skip the butternut and try this delicata squash recipe instead. Then report back and tell me how the family liked it!

MORE GREAT SIDE DISHES

  • Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
  • Bacon Green Bean Bundles
  • Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Garlic Mushrooms in Butter Sauce
  • Corn Pudding

Roasted Delicata Squash Video

This delicata squash recipe is roasted with brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon for a sweet and savory side that's perfect for fall and winter meals.
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4.94 from 29 votes

Brown Sugar Delicata Squash Recipe

This delicata squash recipe is roasted with brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon - the very best way to do winter squash!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 207kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2-3 lbs delicata squash (about 2 average sized squash)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or more to taste
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Halve the delicata squash lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut the halves into 3/4 inch thick slices.
  • Line a sheet pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
  • In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour the olive oil mixture over the squash and toss to coat.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes or until squash is tender and starting to brown. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 205mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 17g
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
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    Comments

    1. Catalina says

      November 5, 2019 at 3:14 am

      5 stars
      A great idea for a side dish! Easy and delicious!

      Reply
    2. Tisha says

      November 5, 2019 at 1:12 am

      5 stars
      This squash recipe sounds absolutely incredible! I think it would be great for entertaining!

      Reply
    3. Taylor says

      November 4, 2019 at 7:16 am

      5 stars
      Delicata squash is my new favorite!! It has awesome flavor and is seriously so delicious!

      Reply
    4. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      November 3, 2019 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      This delicata squash roasted with brown sugar looks incredibly delicious!

      Reply
    5. Deb says

      November 2, 2019 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      Finally these are back in season and reasonably priced! I’ve been making this recipe now every week!

      Reply
    6. Toni says

      November 2, 2019 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      These look really good!! Would love to give it a try!

      Reply
    7. Kimberly says

      November 1, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      I love squash of every kind, this delicata squash sounds delicious!

      Reply
    8. Amanda says

      October 7, 2019 at 8:01 am

      I had no idea the skin was edible! My friend made this for me the other day, but didn’t cut them in slices. So I’m excited to try it out! Is there a way you can do this with sweet potatoes too? Or like, just the sweet potatoes cut in half?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 7, 2019 at 9:26 am

        Yes you can make this recipe with cubed sweet potatoes!

        Reply
    9. Danni says

      November 28, 2018 at 8:01 pm

      5 stars
      A Lady in front of me at the store was buying a delicata and I’ve never seen one…. We LOVE all squash in our household! This was the first, and probably the only recipe I’ll use when making it. I made it when we had visitors from the midwest who had also never seen or heard of a delicata… they LOVED it and all went back to look for it in their towns with no luck. Guess it will be my special fall squash dish to share with the world too!! Thanks so much for this super easy, delicious recipe!!!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 28, 2018 at 8:17 pm

        So glad to hear you enjoyed it, I appreciate you reporting back!

        Reply
    10. Heidi says

      November 15, 2018 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness this was sooooo delicious!!!!!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 15, 2018 at 8:12 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    11. Janet Dolan says

      October 20, 2018 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      This is my favorite way to make this. So delicious!!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 20, 2018 at 8:31 pm

        So glad you enjoy it, thanks for reporting back!

        Reply
    12. Susan Porschen says

      October 8, 2018 at 1:31 pm

      This looks so good I’m heading to the grocery store to pick some up. Never bought or tried this squash before – is it difficult to find?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 8, 2018 at 9:33 pm

        It should be in the same area as the other hard squashes like butternut squash, spaghetti squash etc. It is still a bit early in the season for winter squash so if you don’t see it now, keep checking back later on!

        Reply
    13. Paul Johnson says

      September 23, 2018 at 7:15 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely Wonderful! We got some fantastic naturally grown Delicata “Jester” and Delicata “Sweet Dumpling” from the farm and I quickly made this for breakfast for the family! My boys, and my wife, loved it! It was our first time making Delicata squash and we will certainly do it again. It was like eating a dessert! Thank you for such a simple recipe.

      A word of caution to anyone buying squash at the supermarket. Commercially, USA grown squash is notorious for having a higher risk of pesticide residue. Remember that “organic” food is still sprayed with unhealthy pesticides so look for Naturally Grown that has not been sprayed with Pesticides, Fungicides, or Herbicides of any type! We only eat the skins if we know they were not sprayed.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        September 23, 2018 at 7:53 am

        So glad you enjoyed it! Good to know about the pesticides, I wasn’t aware of that.

        Reply
      • Reb says

        October 18, 2018 at 2:30 pm

        5 stars
        Wash them before cutting. A lot of people don’t have access to “naturally grown” produce and the benefits of eating a wide variety of produce even commercially grown are higher than popping vitamins for daily requirements.

        Reply
        • Donald Williams says

          February 24, 2019 at 3:57 pm

          Wash them before cutting is a must with any squash, however it might have been grown. You always want to wash away as much as possible of the impurities that have accumulated on the skin before cutting through it with a knife and carrying those impurities into the edible portion. The same advice applies to melons, too.

          Reply
    14. Samantha Crawford says

      November 23, 2016 at 4:57 pm

      What is serving size and nutrition?

      Reply
    15. J. Hodson says

      October 27, 2016 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      I have tried this recipe twice now, and it is delicious!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 28, 2016 at 7:06 am

        So glad to hear you like it!

        Reply
    16. Bea says

      October 3, 2016 at 3:17 pm

      Interesting new squash. I’m loving the no peel easy feature here!

      Reply
    17. Greg says

      October 3, 2016 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      I don’t usually think to buy delicata squash. Now I want to give it a try!

      Reply
    18. Debbie says

      October 2, 2016 at 5:10 pm

      I’m hooked on this easy to make squash!

      Reply
    19. Bethany @ athletic avocado says

      October 2, 2016 at 8:10 am

      delicata has to be my fav winter squash! It tastes almost like kettle corn when combined with sweetness and a little bit of salt! Definitely trying this recipe next time!

      Reply
    20. cheri says

      October 1, 2016 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Sara, did not know the skins were edible, I’ve always assumed they were not, good to know.

      Reply
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