Fall is my favorite time of year probably because it reminds me so much of going to college in the Midwest, wearing Fair Isle sweaters in our pumpkin-spice latte-less world. If you had told me all these years later that I’d be a flavor-obsessed content creator, I’d have laughed. Some things never change, though, and that cozy fall feeling is exactly what this delicata squash gives me.

I coat the delicata in a warm, spicy seasoning mix before roasting and a generous sprinkling of tart cranberries once they come out of the oven. It’s a simple side dish that I love to serve with the Thanksgiving turkey and homemade mashed potatoes.

This post contains links to affiliate websites including Amazon. I make a small commission for any purchases made using these links. Thank you!

Delicata squash notes

Typically found in grocery stores starting in August, delicata squash is a yellow squash with orange (sometimes green) thin stripes. Its sassy pinstripes earn it the “best dressed” of the squashes as far as I’m concerned. Plus. the skin of delicata is thin and edible making it one of the easiest fall squashes to cook with.

Spicy seasoning mix for Delicata squash

I went warm and almost Southwest for the seasoning of this squash side dish. The sweetness of the squash when roasted balances the heat in the spices.

• Ancho chili powder. Adds a smoky flavor. You can use a medium to hot chili powder if you don’t have access to ancho chili powder.
• Crushed red pepper. The extra heat from crushed red pepper works so well with the chili powder. Don’t have any? Use a little sprinkling of cayenne!
• Fresh thyme. There is nothing like fresh herbs to me but no worries about using dried.

Coring delicata squash

You have choices: the pretty route that’s a little more time consuming or the easier route that results in a simpler slice of squash. And one more described below that isn’t pictured here.

It’s up to you, my friend!

For a double scalloped slice [even MORE time] : First cut the squash into slices and then remove the seeds with an apple corer as shown here working your way around the slice (1). This gives you an scalloped interior that’s as pretty as the outside rim.

For a single scallop slice [EASIER] Cut the squash in half and then scoop out the seeds with a spoon (2) like cleaning a pumpkin.

For half slices [EVEN EASIER]. Cut the squash in half from root to stem. Run a spoon or medium ice cream scoop down the center of the squash scraping out and discarding the seeds. Slice each half into slices (not pictured).

Time to roast delicata squash

When you see how easy this squash recipe is, you’ll want to roast it for everything! Ok– everything might be a stretch but you’ll be on high alert for delicata come Fall!

Flavor variations

• Sweet – sprinkle squash with some cinnamon, a little brown sugar and nutmeg for a sweet variety. You could even try pumpkin pie spice.
• Sour. Drizzle over some balsamic syrup or glaze to the recipe for a touch of acid.