This Trader Joe’s Roasted Delicata Squash is a sweet, savory, and incredibly easy recipe, which is the perfect side dish for any fall or winter meal. Tender rings of delicata squash are roasted at a high heat until perfectly caramelized and tender, then finished with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It’s a simple, healthy, and foolproof way to prepare this delicious seasonal squash, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Roasted Delicata Squash Ingredients
- 1 large Trader Joe’s Delicata Squash
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s California Estate Olive Oil (or olive oil spray)
- 1 teaspoon Trader Joe’s Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- Optional: A few grinds from a Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Sugar Grinder
How To Make Trader Joe’s Roasted Delicata Squash
- Prep the Oven and Squash: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully trim the ends from the delicata squash. Cut it in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
- Slice and Season: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a cutting board and slice them into ½-inch thick half-moon rings. Transfer the slices to a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and maple syrup, then add the salt and cayenne pepper. Toss until the squash is well coated.
- Roast Until Tender and Caramelized: Arrange the squash rings in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Bake Until Golden: Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the slices once halfway through, until the bottoms are deeply browned and caramelized and the squash is tender.
- Serve: Serve hot, with an optional extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar if desired.
Recipe Tips
- How to get perfectly caramelized squash? The two most important secrets are high heat and not overcrowding the pan. Spreading the squash in a single, even layer allows it to roast and get delicious caramelized edges instead of just steaming.
- Do I have to peel delicata squash? No, and that’s the best part! The skin of a delicata squash is completely edible, very thin, and becomes perfectly tender when roasted. This is a huge time-saver.
- The Ultimate Trader Joe’s Shortcut: This recipe is perfect for using up TJ’s staples. Grabbing a delicata squash, a bottle of their maple syrup, and their cinnamon sugar grinder makes this a delicious and effortless side dish.
- How to get even slices? For the most consistent cooking, try to slice your squash rings to a uniform thickness. A sharp chef’s knife is the best tool for the job.
What To Serve With Roasted Delicata Squash
This is a classic and versatile fall and winter side dish that pairs wonderfully with a huge variety of main courses. Serve it alongside:
- A whole Roasted Chicken or a Thanksgiving turkey.
- Pan-seared pork chops or a pork loin roast.
- A perfectly cooked steak.
- As a hearty and delicious topping for a fall-themed salad or grain bowl.
How To Store Roasted Delicata Squash
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat the squash on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven or in an air fryer for 5-10 minutes until they are heated through and the edges have crisped up again.
Roasted Delicata Squash Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
As written with ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne, this dish has a very mild background warmth that balances the sweetness. You can easily omit it for a completely mild dish, or add more for a spicier kick.
Yes, an air fryer is perfect for this! After tossing the squash with all the ingredients, air fry at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the squash is tender and has crispy, browned spots.
Look for a squash that is firm, has a creamy yellow color with green stripes, and is free of soft spots or blemishes. It should feel heavy for its size.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Coffee Rub Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Brookie Recipe
Trader Joe’s Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes25
minutes220
kcalA simple, delicious, and foolproof recipe for roasted delicata squash rings, finished with a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon for the perfect sweet and savory fall side dish.
Ingredients
1 large Trader Joe’s Delicata Squash
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Trader Joe’s Pure Maple Syrup
1 tsp salt
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
Optional: Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Sugar Grinder
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Trim the ends of the squash, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
- Slice the squash into ½-inch thick half-moon rings.
- In a large bowl, toss the squash rings with the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and cayenne until evenly coated.
- Spread the squash in a single, even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Serve immediately, with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- No Peeling Necessary: The most important tip for this recipe is that you do not need to peel the delicata squash. Its skin is thin and becomes perfectly tender when roasted.
- High Heat is Key: For the best caramelization and crispy edges, make sure your oven is fully preheated to a high temperature of 425°F.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For a true roast, not a steam, spread the squash out in a single layer on your baking sheet. Use two pans if necessary.
- The TJ’s Flavor Combo: The simple combination of Trader Joe’s Maple Syrup and an optional finish with their Cinnamon Sugar Grinder is the secret to a delicious, easy, and signature TJ’s-style side dish.
