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    Home » Sides » What to Do with a Delicata Squash [Oven Fries]

    What to Do with a Delicata Squash [Oven Fries]

    Published: Sep 21, 2021 · Modified: Oct 12, 2024 by Eric Samuelson

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Wondering what the yellow squash with green stripes that you found at a farm stand, grocery store, or farmer's market is? You my friend are in possession of a Delicata squash, one, if not, the best tasting squash there is. It's our family's favorite squash. Find out what you can do with this fall treat.

    A pile of yellow Delicata squash with green strips and some green spots.

    This fall I am on a mission to more familiarize myself with the squash family.

    I did not grow up as a squash fan, but I am looking to make up for some lost time.

    I am experimenting with different recipes trying to find the best use for each type of squash. Butternuts are the only type I have spend much time with. I have mainly use them in Alton Brown's recipe for butternut dumplings. Such a good recipe!

    In my mission to branch out, I gave Delicata squash a try.

    Jump to:
    • ❓ What Is a Delicata Squash
    • ⏲️ How Long Do They Keep
    • 🍯 Darker Squash
    • 🍴 What to Do with Them
    • 🍽️ More Recipes
    • ❔ Do You Need to Peel Them?
    • 📧 Email List
    • 🔥 How to Roast
    • 📋 Other Types of Squash to Try
    • Delicata Squash Oven Fries

    ❓ What Is a Delicata Squash

    Here is the lowdown on this squash:

    CategoryDescription
    AppearanceLong yellow squash with green stripes and green spots throughout
    Other namesSweet potato squash, peanut squash, Bohemian squash
    NutritionGood source of dietary fiber and potassium
    Average weight1 to 2 pounds

    Let me give you just a bit more info on this variety. It has been around for quite a while but feel out of favor as it doesn't ship as well as other hard squashes.

    In recent years I have seen it more and more. They use to be only at the farmers markets, but now most stores carry them in the fall season. They are not available year round like acorn or butternut squash.

    RELATED - What's the Difference Between Butternut and Acorn Squash?

    ⏲️ How Long Do They Keep

    Another interesting tidbit is that the Delicata belongs to the same family as the zucchini and yellow crookneck squash. So really it's a summer squash with the longevity and harvest time for like a winter squash. Although they don't store as well as a butternut or an acorn, you can still get a few weeks out of them.

    Darker honey boat delicata squash that is a more of a brown mustard color with green stripes and some spots.

    🍯 Darker Squash

    You might find Delicata squash that looks darker with more of a mustard brown color instead of yellow. These are still Delicata squash and can be used the same. This is a strain that was developed in Oregon called Honey Boat Delicata.

    Does it taste any different? I did a side by side comparison.

    Honey boat delicata squash cut in half showing both sides next to a traditional yellow delicata cut in half showing both sides on a white with black board.

    The flavor of the darker Delicata was sweeter than the original one. I feel when roasted it had notes of roasted corn. The texture was the same and the cook time was the same. Maybe a tad moister but not that noticeable to make a difference.

    I say if you find it, go right ahead and get it. If you have the choice between the two which is rare to have, go with the darker skin. I was lucky to find a farmer at a farmer's market selling both types at once.

    A plate of Roasted Delicata squash pieces with the skin on on top of a larger plate on top of a gray and white striped towel. A black fork is next to the squash.

    🍴 What to Do with Them

    The first time we used one we just roasted it in the oven. Then we pureed it and used it as any ingredient for a Sili Squeeze treat when my daughters were young. Would also work well for baby food purees. They are sweet like a sweet potato, so that may be attractive to kids.

    The next time I used one I roasted them again but changed up the technique. I made them into "delicata squash fries" I sliced them into half moon slices and then made them like I would oven fries by tossing them onto a baking sheet with olive oil and seasonings.

    And we have a winner! The oven fries turned out fantastic and it's a real easy recipe. Find the recipe at the bottom of the post.

    💡 Tip - When roasting in the oven make sure to put the squash in a single layer. This is what will help them to cook evenly. You can also rotate the pan half way through.

    🍽️ More Recipes

    Here are some other recipes you'll want to check out:

    • Roasted Delicata Squash with Hatch Chile Butter
    • Purple Sweet Potato & Delicata Squash Hash
    • Air Fryer Delicata Squash
    • Roasted Delicata Squash Seeds
    Slicing up a Delicata squash with a knife on a green cuting board.

    ❔ Do You Need to Peel Them?

    Later on I learned that you can actually get away without peeling the squash for this recipe. The skin is actually edible when you cook it.  You can still peel it if you want, but I love saving the time.

    📧 Email List

    Join our community of squash enthusiasts!

    Simply enter your email below to start receiving our tasty recipes and cooking and buying tips. Get seasonal updates on the best squash varieties.

    Half moon shaped Delicata squash on top of a parchment paper with olive oil drizzled on top.

    🔥 How to Roast

    The key to roasting them is to slice them into half moon shape squash pieces. Do this by slicing the half, removing the seeds, and then slicing each half into the moon shapes. Since it has a thinner skin than most winter squash, this is a lot easier to do. Remember this squash has an edible skin, so skip the peeling.

    Here are some more tips for roasting the oven fries. Full instructions in recipe card below.

    • You can spice them up by adding plenty of fresh cracked black pepper and/or cayenne pepper.
    • Don't forget the kosher salt (I like Alton Brown's favorite), it's the best salt choice as it draws out moisture for crispier squash.
    • I add a little olive oil to help the squash brown nicely.
    • Place the squash into a hot oven - 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Then rotate the pan and cook for another 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and soft in the middle.
    • Save the seeds. Delicata squash seeds can be roasted just like pumpkin seeds. Any type of squash seeds can be roasted really.

    You can also cook them in the air fryer. Check out this post for the instructions.

    📋 Other Types of Squash to Try

    Want to keep trying different types of squash? Here are a couple others I recommend:

    • Honeynut Squash (like a mini butternut)
    • Spaghetti Squash (try putting a meat sauce on them)
    • Tiger Stripe (a pumpkin variety found at Trader Joe's)

    Delicata Squash Oven Fries

    4.70 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Servings: 4
    Author: Eric Samuelson

    Ingredients

    • 2-3 1 lb Delicata squash
    • oilve oil
    • kosher salt
    • freshly ground black pepper
    • garlic powder

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
    • Peel (or leave the skin on) the squash
    • Slice in half.
    • Remove seeds (don't throw them out, save them for roasting)
    • Cut squash into ½ inch slices
    • Place on sheet pan.
    • Coat with some olive oil and salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
    • Bake in the oven 12-15 minutes, then turn and bake another 12-15 minutes until they have darkened along the edges and soft in the middle

    Notes

    The "fries" in my picture look black around the edges. Don't worry even if they are dark, they didn't taste burned even in the slightest. I thought they were perfectly cooked.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @eatlikenooneelse or tag #eatlikenooneelse
    « The Best Way to Roast Tender Delicata Squash Seeds
    Baked Delicata Squash with Brown Sugar & Spicy Butter »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda

      September 28, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      Looks so yummy, still on the look out for them 😀

    2. Jan Revelle

      September 07, 2021 at 6:49 am

      I grew these and the vine is plentiful. I can't wait to try this recipe. Thanks!

    3. Eric Samuelson

      September 09, 2021 at 5:17 am

      You are welcome. Glad to hear of your plentiful harvest.

    4. Lin

      October 04, 2021 at 5:39 pm

      I sauté mine in plant butter…delicious!

    5. Brenda Sugarman

      December 11, 2021 at 11:57 am

      I made this squash, it came out wonderful.

    6. Lex

      January 16, 2023 at 9:53 am

      Thank you for the recipe, we added thinly cut raw garlic on top of the sliced up squash and baked. We really enjoyed them! Next time I will remove the skin before baking.

    7. Eric Samuelson

      January 18, 2023 at 5:29 pm

      You are welcome and thanks for sharing. Garlic on top is a great addition.

    8. Chris Gray

      January 01, 2024 at 7:51 pm

      5 stars
      thank you! mine are finishing in the oven as i type this. 🤩🥂

    9. Eric Samuelson

      January 08, 2024 at 1:39 pm

      I hope they turned out great

    10. Denise

      August 07, 2024 at 6:26 am

      5 stars
      Great dipped in catsup like fries. If you have the space, they are easy to grow. But I warn you, the vine will take over your garden!!😳

    11. Eric Samuelson

      August 08, 2024 at 10:26 am

      Yes so good dipped!!!!

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    Hi! I'm Eric : Father of 4, living just south of Ann Arbor, MI. I'm a reformed picky eater finding a new way to not conform. Eating what's in season is my jam (I also make it!)

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