(Note: this post was originally published on December 20, 2020. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)
Sometimes the simplest flavor combinations are truly the best, and that's undoubtedly the case with this roasted delicata squash recipe. A 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 me and I hope it will for you as well.
Although this recipe is packed with fall flavor, it takes less than half an hour from beginning to end, and most of that time is hands-off. That's because, unlike most winter squash, you can eat the skin of delicata and they cook quickly. This roasted squash with cinnamon feels celebratory enough for a holiday meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but is simple enough to make on any weeknight.
Ready to dive in? Keep scrolling to read about why delicata squash is my personal favorite winter squash (and why it should be yours too!), how to prepare delicata squash, how to roast delicata squash, and my secret trick to keep the marinade from burning. You're going to love how easy this cinnamon roasted squash is and how it makes your whole house smell like the holidays!
Delicata squash is a long, narrow squash with a beautiful striped exterior and a bright yellow interior. It's a great "weeknight squash" because it's the fastest and easiest winter squash to prepare. The skin is edible, so there's no messy peeling needed. Delicata squash also cooks quickly and can be ready in as little as 15-20 minutes, depending on how you prepare it.
Delicata squash has a delightful, delicate flavor. It's less "squashy" than other types. Accordingly, if you're cooking for people who aren't big squash fans, this pretty little squash is a great place to start.
Delicata squash is fast and easy to prepare in general, and that's especially true for this roasted squash with cinnamon and orange. For this recipe, you'll cut the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, cut it into slices, and bake the slices at high temperature in the oven. You'll toss the slices in a flavorful marinade half-way through the baking time. Roasting at high heat helps the squash caramelize beautifully, giving you those irresistible golden edges that make any roasted vegetable shine.
Want other ideas for how to prepare delicata squash? You can roast the squash halves whole and stuff them, like in this Wild Rice Stuffed Delicata Squash recipe (it's my favorite vegan/vegetarian main course for a holiday). Delicata also cooks great in the air-fryer; if you want to try it, follow the same steps outlined here but air-fry the slices at 400 degrees for about 10-12 minutes total. You can even cook delicata in a skillet, as long as you keep a close eye on the slices and cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat.
Although delicata squash is easy to roast, it takes long enough (15-20 minutes) that any marinade you add can burn. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to my favorite trick for roasting delicata. To prevent this problem, start by roasting the squash slices with just a dash of oil, salt, and pepper, for the first 10 minutes until they're just barely tender. Take them from the oven, transfer them to a bowl to toss with the marinade, and return them to the oven for the final 5-10 minutes. This simple trick allows the marinade to thicken and start to caramelize, without risking burning.
This simple roasted delicata squash recipe is packed with big harvest and holiday flavors. The combination always reminds me of wassail, the classic holiday drink. Wassail is usually a mixture 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 a pinch of cayenne for warmth. It's a flavor combination that screams holiday.
Although there's cayenne in this cinnamon roasted squash recipe, the point 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. Just a small pinch or two is enough. In fact, it's the unidentifiable subtlety of the cayenne that really brings this dish to life.
Here's what you'll need for this roasted squash with cinnamon, 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.
After you try this combination, I'm confident you'll want to make this orange and cinnamon roasted delicata squash all fall and winter long. The combination of fragrant orange, sweet maple, warming cinnamon, and the tiniest hint of spicy cayenne is guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for more.
This simple roasted delicata squash is versatile too, so you can enjoy it a variety of ways throughout the season. It's a great vegan Thanksgiving side dish, especially since it features seasonal flavors and colors. You can also use it to top salads or as a component in a fall-inspired bowl meal. We've especially been enjoying it as a Friday date night nibble alongside some seasonal cocktails. However you use it, this squash feels like a cozy hug.
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.
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This comforting seasonal dish features delicata squash roasted in fragrant orange, spicy cinnamon, and sweet maple. It's festive enough for a holiday, yet easy enough for a weeknight.
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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