Learn how to cook delicata squash with this simple, flavorful roasted delicata squash recipe made with maple syrup and cinnamon. With just four ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep, this easy side dish brings a gentle sweetness and warm spice to any meal.
Roasted delicata squash with cinnamon and maple is quick to prepare and delicious. This winter squash recipe requires minimal ingredients and delivers big flavor without fuss.
You don’t need to peel delicata squash — just remove the seeds and slice. Toss the slices with olive oil and maple syrup, sprinkle with cinnamon, and roast until golden and tender.
This recipe is one of the best roasted delicata squash preparations because it’s fast, nutritious, and versatile. Delicata is relatively low in calories but rich in vitamins and fiber.
Serve it as a cozy side throughout fall and winter — it pairs especially well with Thanksgiving or any roast dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Delicata Squash: In season from early fall through late spring. The skin is edible, so you don’t need to peel it.
- Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and caramelization. You can omit it or swap in brown sugar if you prefer.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the squash roast evenly. Avocado oil works as a substitute.
- Ground Cinnamon: Optional but recommended for a warm, subtle spice.
Cooking Delicata Squash
- Prepare the squash. Rinse the squash, trim the ends, and cut it lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, then slice each half into 1/4-inch pieces.
- Toss with other ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the squash slices with olive oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast in the oven. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flip, then roast another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and tender.
Variation: For a savory version, skip the cinnamon and maple and toss the squash with spices such as curry powder, cumin, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Finish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
FAQs
Yes. The skin is thin and edible, so simply trim the ends, slice the squash, and remove the seeds — no peeling required.
Delicata has a mild, subtly sweet flavor similar to sweet potato or butternut squash, with gentle pumpkin-like notes. It’s smooth and pleasantly sweet when roasted.
Delicata is a winter squash typically available from early fall through late spring at grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
It’s easiest to halve the squash and remove the seeds before roasting. You can roast each half whole on a baking sheet if you prefer not to slice it before roasting.
Other Squash Recipes
- Roasted Zucchini and Squash
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
- Roasted Autumn Squash Soup
- Butternut Squash Risotto
- Baked Acorn Squash
- Sautéed Butternut Squash
If you want an easy way to enjoy squash, this baked delicata squash recipe is a perfect pick. It’s quick, reliable, and pairs well with many mains. Try it as a simple weeknight side or alongside a holiday centerpiece, and consider testing other squash recipes for variety.
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Roasted Delicata Squash with Maple and Cinnamon
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Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium Delicata squash
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Trim the squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Slice each half into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
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In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with olive oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
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Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes, flip, then roast another 10–15 minutes until golden and tender.
Notes
- Maple Syrup: Omit or substitute brown sugar. Use 2 tablespoons maple syrup for a sweeter result.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil is a good substitute.
- Ground Cinnamon: Optional, but it enhances the squash’s warmth and sweetness.
STORAGE
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.