Simple Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

As Thanksgiving approaches, the search for delectable and innovative side dishes to grace your table intensifies. Say goodbye to the overly sweet candied yams and usher in a new tradition with the ever-popular Delicata squash, a culinary gem that seems to be taking the holiday season by storm. In a culinary twist that’s as simple as it is divine, we bring you a recipe that transforms this humble vegetable into a mouthwatering delicacy.

This Delicata squash recipe is so effortless that it scarcely qualifies as a recipe at all. All it takes are some beautiful Delicata squash, a few common ingredients, and a little bit of love. The result? A dish that’s sure to become a staple at your Thanksgiving feast and beyond. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to prepare this delightful side dish, perfect for impressing your loved ones this holiday season.

Roasted delicata squash is an alternative to the far too cloying candied yams for your Thanksgiving table. To my absolute delight, the tender and delicate Delicata squash seem to be everywhere this year, far more than in years past. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with them, try this recipe.

Actually, this is so easy I can hardly call it a recipe. Here’s what I do. Take some beautiful Delicata squash, cut each one straight in half, scoop out the fuzzy bits in the middle, and discard. Then each half again into two, but this time cut in the diagonal so you get two pieces of squash vaguely resembling little boats. Are you following me?

Then, take some butter that’s been sitting out on the countertop getting nice and soft. Rub a good amount of it all over the middle and cut the sides of the Delicata boats. Oh, for four medium-size Delicata squash, you’ll need about 3-4 tablespoons of butter. After the butter massage, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar all over the squash pieces, then a generous amount of salt. I said generous, okay?

Roasted Delicata Squash

Roast until tender. You could go low and slow, which I did in this case, and roast at 350F for an hour and a little bit. If your oven is already at 350F baking something else, say a big fat turkey, just put these babies on the lower rack so you can share some oven time. Or if you’re baking these by themselves you could do at 450F and you’ll be done in 30-40 minutes at the most. You’ll know they’re done when the flesh is so tender a knife goes through it like butter and the top is nice and caramelized.

Serve just like that, on a pretty antique glass bowl if you could find one.

In conclusion, the humble Delicata squash takes center stage in our Thanksgiving feast, offering a delightful alternative to the overly sugary candied yams. With just a few straightforward steps, you can transform this seasonal favorite into a dish that’s sure to become a cherished tradition. The combination of soft, buttery squash, the gentle sweetness of brown sugar, and a dash of salt results in a flavor that’s as comforting as it is exquisite. Whether you choose to roast them slowly or expedite the process, the end result is a tender, caramelized delight that will have your guests coming back for more.

So, as you plan your Thanksgiving menu, don’t forget to add these roasted Delicata squash “boats” to the lineup. They not only bring a burst of flavor to your table but also a touch of elegance, perfect for serving in your most cherished antique glassware. Make this year’s Thanksgiving unforgettable with a side dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Your guests will thank you, and you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe time and time again.