Description
Roasted Delicata Squash is a simple and flavorful fall side dish featuring tender, golden slices of delicata squash coated in melted butter, fresh sage, seasoned salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe captures the essence of autumn with its savory and slightly nutty flavors, perfect for a cozy family dinner or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Squash
- 2 medium delicata squash (about 2 pounds)
Seasoning & Topping
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the delicata squash slices to a perfect golden brown.
- Prepare the Squash: On a large cutting board, carefully cut each delicata squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard all the seeds. Then slice each half crosswise into 1-inch thick slices and place these slices into a large mixing bowl.
- Season the Squash: Pour the melted salted butter over the squash slices in the bowl. Add the chopped fresh sage, seasoned salt, ground black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat every slice with the butter, herbs, seasoning, and cheese.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the seasoned squash slices in a single layer on an unlined baking sheet. Make sure not to overlap the slices to allow even roasting and caramelization on all sides.
- Roast the Squash: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the squash slices for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, flip the slices to promote even browning. Roast until the squash is tender and beautifully golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the tray from the oven and serve the delicata squash warm or allow it to come to room temperature. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of fall meals and is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Notes
- Delicata squash has a thin, edible skin, so there’s no need to peel it before roasting.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chili flakes before roasting.
- Use fresh sage for the best aroma and taste; dried sage can be substituted but reduce amount by half.
- Ensure the squash slices are spread out and not crowded on the baking sheet to allow proper roasting and caramelization.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.