Orange and Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash

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(Note: this post was originally published on December 20, 2020. The date above reflects migration to the new platform.)

Delicata Love

Sometimes the simplest things are truly the best, and that is undoubtedly the case with this squash. A very small number of ingredients come together to create a dish that is cozy, warming, nostalgic, and complex. This Orange and Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash has rapidly become a fall and winter go-to for us and I hope it will for you as well.

If you've followed this blog for a while, you're aware of my love for delicata squash. They're the easiest and fastest winter squash to work with because you can eat the skin. Just scoop out the seeds, cut them into slices, roast for about 20 minutes, and that's it- squash in no time. I also love their delicate, sweet flavor and creamy texture.

At the risk of stating the obvious, we eat a tremendous number of these little squashes during the winter. I can't get enough of them, and they're a great weeknight squash. We usually just roast them and toss them onto salads, although I also love stuffing them (check out my Wild Rice Stuffed Delicata Squash!). If you haven't explored delicata yet, now is the time.

Roasted delicata squash on a platter with seasonal garnishes

Festive Holiday Flavors

My goal with this dish was to turn my everyday squash into something very festive and holiday-appropriate. This dish takes 25-30 minutes from beginning to end, most of which is hands-off, which means you can easily add it as a side dish to holiday meals or winter get-togethers. Yet the flavors here are truly special and celebratory.

The flavors in this squash remind me of wassail, the holiday drink (google it if you're unfamiliar, you need to experience it!). Wassail is usually a combination of apple cider, orange juice, and warming spices, cooked all day so that the flavors meld. I've mimicked those flavors here by tossing the squash in apple cider, maple syrup, orange zest, cinnamon, and the tiniest bit of cayenne for warmth. It's a flavor combination that screams holiday.

Roasted delicata squash on a sheet tray

Two Special Secret Tricks!

While this is an incredibly quick and easy recipe, there are two little tricks: one for the method and one for the flavor. In terms of cooking, I like to roast the squash plain until the slices are barely tender, then toss them in the marinade, then return them to the oven for another ten minutes. It's a (quick) extra step, but it prevents the maple syrup and orange zest from burning. Please trust me on this, it only takes about two extra minutes!

In terms of flavor, you'll see that the ingredient list calls for a pinch of cayenne. This isn't to make the squash spicy! Rather, it's there to provide a tiny bit of warmth and depth, and to act as a counterpoint to the sweetness. Don't omit it, but don't go overboard either. It's the unidentifiable subtlety of the cayenne that really brings this dish to life.

Roasted delicata squash with seasonal garnishes

Let's Talk Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

  • Delicata squashes
  • Oil. Whatever you prefer for roasting at high temperature.
  • Salt and pepper
  • Apple cider. You can use orange juice instead if you don't have cider, although I love the extra depth of flavor that cider adds.
  • Maple syrup
  • Orange zest
  • Cinnamon
  • Cayenne. Note that the goal here isn't to make these "spicy"! The cayenne is just to provide some very subtle warmth as a complement to the cinnamon, so use some restraint. You don't need much.
  • Fresh thyme
  • Roasted pecans. Or use maple roasted!
  • Greens. Optional, but I like to plate this squash alongside a few greens for extra-festive colors.
  • Pomegranate arils. Also optional, but they make for such a pretty garnish.

Roasting delicata squash with orange zest

Closing Thoughts

Make this squash all winter long, whenever you need some comfort food. It will make your house smell amazing! You can serve it as a side dish alongside a festive meal, put it on top of salads, or use it as an element in a cozy Buddha Bowl. We've especially been enjoying it as a Friday date night nibble alongside some wintry cocktails!

However you use it, this squash is like a cozy hug.

Roasted delicata squash for a holiday meal

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

Suggested Pairings

Spiced Pomegranate Daiquiri

Maple Sea Salt Hummus

Apple Cider Harvest Salad

Harvest Wild Rice Salad

No-Bake Ginger Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Orange and Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash

This fragrant, comforting, seasonal dish features delicata squash roasted in sweet orange and spicy cinnamon. It's festive enough for a fall or winter holiday, but easy enough for a weeknight.

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

  • 3 medium delicata squashes
  • Oil of choice for roasting
  • Generous salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp apple cider
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • Zest of a large navel orange
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Tiny pinch of cayenne
  • Few sprigs of fresh thyme
  • Small handful of roasted or maple-roasted pecans
  • Optional greens and pomegranate arils for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425.
  2. Trim the ends off the delicata squashes, cut each in half length-wise, and scoop out the seeds. Then cut them into quarter-inch thick slices, making sure to get even slices so they cook at the same rate.
  3. Lay the slices out on a well-oiled baking sheet (or two, if needed) so that each has full contact with the metal. Salt and pepper generously, then roast for about 10 minutes until barely tender.
  4. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the apple cider, maple syrup, orange zest, cinnamon, and cayenne.
  5. When the delicata slices are slightly tender, dump them into the mixing bowl and give them a gentle toss so that each is fully coated in the marinade. Try not to damage the slices as you do this.
  6. Return them to the baking sheet and roast for another 5-10 minutes until fragrant, tender, and slightly caramelized.
  7. Place the roasted squash on a serving bowl. Top with the leaves of a few sprigs of thyme and a handful of roasted pecans.
  8. If desired, garnish with some greens and pomegranate arils. Serve immediately.

Leave a Comment

Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

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Jen
January 3, 2022
Looooooove this quick, flavorful squash. We like things spicy so I used a generous sprinkle of cayenne. So good with the orange!
Pamela
January 20, 2021
Once the pomegranate is cleaned, this comes together quickly. It’s a very pretty side dish with a lovely combination of warm, fall spices.