The sudden surge in delicata squash popularity online can be attributed to its increased availability after a mildew disease threatened its production decades ago. Thanks to experts’ efforts in breeding non-hybrid, open-pollinated plants, farmers are now able to commercially produce this versatile veggie. But what exactly is delicata squash?
It’s a type of winter squash that belongs to the Cucurbita pepo family, which also includes spaghetti squash, yellow summer squash, acorn squash, and zucchinis. What sets delicata apart is its thin, striped skin, making it easy to prepare and eat. Unlike butternut squash, delicata has a unique aesthetic appeal when plated after cooking. Its natural sweetness comes alive when cooked, similar to sweet potatoes. In fact, delicata tastes remarkably like sweet potato, with hints of buttery flavor.
If you’re eager to try your hand at cooking this sweet squash, I recommend exploring the 19 delicata squash recipes available online, including my personal favorite – a decadent pizza with ricotta cheese (#18).
Roasted Delicata Squash Pasta
Indulge in a satisfying vegetarian pasta dish that’s ready to devour in just 30 minutes. The sweetness of caramelized onions harmonizes beautifully with the natural sweetness of squash, creating a delightful flavor combination.
To take it to the next level, combine cooked rigatoni pasta with wilted greens and smother everything with a rich chili-infused creamy parmesan sauce.
This hearty recipe is perfect for the winter season, making it your new go-to pasta dish that will leave you craving nothing else.
Roasted Delicata With Apple Cider Dressing
One of the best things about opting for this type of squash is that you don’t need to worry about peeling its thin skin. As it bakes, the skin transforms into a rich, soft, and syrupy delight. When roasting, simply cut it lengthwise, scoop out the stringy flesh and seeds, and place it on parchment paper. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and you’re ready to go. This versatile recipe pairs well with vegetables like kale or fruits like apples.
For added flavor, whip up a dressing using apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
Roasted Delicata Squash, Pomegranate, & Arugula Salad
Get ready to impress your guests with this show-stopping salad recipe! The combination of tangy pomegranate and bitter rocket leaves creates a truly unique flavor profile. To add an extra layer of complexity, choose between goat cheese and feta for their briny notes that will complement the sweetness of the delicata squash perfectly. Complete the dish by mixing in your favorite vegetables, along with crunchy pumpkin seeds and raw pecans for added texture and depth.
Goat Cheese & Delicata Squash Tartine
Starting your week on a high note requires just the right fuel. And what better way to kick things off than with an open-faced sandwich that’s packed with flavor? The Goat Cheese & Delicata Squash Tartine is just the thing, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on whatever the week may bring.
At its core is the star of the show: delicate squash, whose subtle sweetness provides a perfect counterpoint to the creamy goat cheese. But what truly elevates this dish is the tartine bread, with its mild, tangy flavor that adds depth and complexity to each bite. This is more than just a sandwich – it’s a culinary experience that will leave you feeling satisfied and inspired.
Wild Rice & Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash
Indulge in a culinary adventure with our Wild Rice & Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash recipe, where flavors come together in perfect harmony. The nutty, earthy essence of lentils is elevated by the warm, aromatic notes of cumin and curry, creating a rich and satisfying base for this delightful dish. To balance out these robust flavors, sweet dried blueberries add a burst of sweetness, while crunchy pecans provide a satisfying textural contrast, making each bite a true delight.
Roasted Delicata Squash With Maple & Bacon
Indulge in the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish with this Roasted Delicata Squash With Maple & Bacon recipe – its rich texture and harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors are sure to impress your dinner guests. The magic begins when you roast the delicata squash, caramelizing its edges and softening its flesh, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Next, fry up some crispy bacon, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and combine it with the roasted squash for a match made in heaven.
But don’t stop there – add a drizzle of maple syrup to elevate the flavors even further, and a dash of chili flakes for an added depth and kick.
Mediterranean Lentil Stuffed Delicata
With the tender vegetables cutting through the varied textures and flavors of the stuffing, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience. The humble lentils bring a sense of earthiness and subtlety to the dish, their mild flavor allowing the other ingredients to shine. A blend of deep spices like sumac and cumin adds depth and complexity, while the spicy zhoug and creamy yogurt provide a tangy and creamy contrast.
Finally, the peppery, salty, and tangy feta brings everything together in perfect harmony.
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry
The recipe’s true star is the rich char siu sauce, crafted from an intriguing blend of ingredients including molasses, coconut aminos, maple syrup, roasted sesame oil, dried plums, and more. The depth of flavors in this sauce will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
As you take your first bite, the complex notes of the char siu sauce meld seamlessly with the sweet and spicy chicken, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. It’s a match made in heaven that will have you craving more.
Roasted Delicata With Caramelized Beef & Onion Stuffing
Indulge in a hearty Roasted Delicata squash main dish by combining it with the savory flavors of caramelized beef and onion stuffing. The star of the show is ground beef infused with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper – a winning combination that’s sure to satisfy. But wait, there’s more! Crispy bits of bacon add a satisfying crunch, taking this recipe to new heights. If you’re still on the fence, take a bite and let the flavors win you over.
Roasted Delicata With Chipotle Aiol
Transform a humble delicata squash into a culinary delight by creating Roasted Delicata With Chipotle Aioli. The smoky essence of chipotle peppers perfectly complements the natural sweetness of delicata, while their spicy kick adds depth and excitement to each bite. Meanwhile, the creamy aioli sauce is infused with a rich garlic flavor, courtesy of the emulsification process. When you combine these elements, you’ll be rewarded with a truly show-stopping side dish or snack.
So go ahead, toss those roasted squash pieces in your favorite dipping sauce, and get ready to savor every last bite!
Delicata Squash Soup
Starting your weeknight dinners off on the right foot is as simple as serving up a creamy squash soup that’s packed with wholesome goodness. What truly sets this recipe apart, however, is its exceptional texture – rich and soothing, yet dairy-free to boot.
The key to its success lies in the coconut milk, which brings a profound sense of satisfaction thanks to its dense, floral, and nutty flavor profile.
Whether you choose to top it with chicken, shrimp, or another protein of your choice, this soup has the power to transform into a satisfying full meal.
Delicata Kale & Chicken Soup
If you’re not enamored with creamy squash soup, consider trying the Delicata Kale & Chicken Soup instead. This hearty and flavorful option is perfect for big families on a budget, as it can be easily stretched to feed more people without sacrificing taste. Simply add more chicken broth to desired consistency, and you’ll still enjoy a fantastic-tasting soup. To make this recipe, you’ll need roasted diced tomatoes and kale – two essential ingredients that will elevate the dish to new heights.
Parmesan Roasted Squash
Looking for an easy and delicious appetizer to serve with your family on weeknights? Consider roasted delicata squash as the perfect accompaniment to your meals. Simply sprinkle it with your favorite parmesan cheese and cook until it reaches crispy perfection. The tender squash pairs surprisingly well with the crunchy parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, making for a tasty combination that will satisfy everyone’s palate.
This versatile vegetable can be paired with a variety of main courses, including grilled chicken, pasta, or steak, adding an extra layer of flavor and excitement to your meals.
Squash & Sausage Gratin
A gratin is a culinary technique where food is cooked in a shallow dish with a crusty topping, typically achieved by browning the top until it’s crispy and golden. When it comes to creating this flavorful dish, consider starting with a pork or turkey Italian sausage for its rich, savory profile that will permeate every bite.
Roasted Vegetable Orzo
Orzo, a type of short-cut pasta, bears a striking resemblance to rice grains, albeit slightly larger in size. Despite its grain-like appearance, orzo is imbued with the characteristic starchy properties found in other pasta varieties. When combined with ingredients like parsnips, spinach leaves, and cauliflower, orzo becomes a versatile base for a diverse range of dishes.
Squash Egg Cups
Imagine a culinary delight that requires mere moments of your time to prepare and boasts an ingredient count so low, it’s almost laughable. That’s right, we’re talking about a recipe that’s as simple as it is satisfying. And the best part? It’s not even a traditional breakfast dish! Think egg-in-a-hole, but without the bread – just pure, unadulterated egg-cellence. This speedy meal is perfect for busy mornings when you need something to fuel up quickly and deliciously.
Arugula Squash Salad
Arugula’s unique characteristics make it an excellent addition to any salad, particularly when combined with sweet and nutty squash. Its slightly spicy, bitter, and peppery flavors add depth and complexity to the dish. What’s more, this recipe is remarkably straightforward, relying on a short list of ingredients to bring out the best in each component.
Squash & Ricotta Pizza
While it may seem unexpected for squash and pizza to combine harmoniously, this delightful delicata and ricotta pizza is sure to convert even the most skeptical of veggie lovers. The rich flavors and textures are so well-balanced that once you’ve taken a bite, there’s no going back – the perfect excuse to experiment with new vegetable pairings! The creamy ricotta cheese brings a subtle yet satisfying taste and velvety smoothness, which complements the natural sweetness of the squash beautifully.
To finish, simply bake until golden brown and crispy, then add your favorite hot sauce (or not) for an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Sheet Pan Chicken With Delicata
This recipe masterfully blends a medley of mouthwatering flavors, catering to diverse palates. The tender and savory chicken serves as the perfect base, complemented by the subtle sweetness and tanginess of the maple mustard sauce. Furthermore, the pears’ natural tartness is absorbed by the squash during cooking, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to this harmonious culinary creation.
The bottom line
Indulge in these mouthwatering recipes, perfect for transforming any ordinary dinner party into an extraordinary experience that leaves a lasting impression.
