The Best Ina Garten Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe Ever

Honey-roasted delicata squash transforms an ordinary vegetable into a sublime culinary experience that dances between sweet and savory.

Delicate golden edges hint at the caramelized magic waiting to unfold on your plate.

Seasonal ingredients merge in a symphony of unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and delight.

Warm, earthy undertones blend seamlessly with a whisper of herbal complexity.

Each bite promises a rich textural journey that elevates humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Shallots and sage provide subtle depth, while honey creates a glistening amber glaze that beckons hungry diners.

This recipe guarantees a memorable side dish that will spark conversation and spark joy: savor every moment.

Why Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash Is Sweet and Savory Bliss

• Elevate Vegetable Roasting: This recipe transforms delicata squash from ordinary to extraordinary with a simple honey glaze that creates a magical caramelized exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender.
• Quick and Foolproof Technique: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, delivering restaurant-quality results with just one sheet pan and less than 30 minutes of cooking time.
• Sensational Sweet-Savory Balance: The combination of honey's natural sweetness, sage's earthy notes, and roasting's caramelization creates a complex flavor profile that turns a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy side dish perfect for autumn meals and holiday gatherings.
• Nutritious Comfort Food Makeover: Delicata squash offers a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional sides, packed with vitamins and fiber, while the roasting method maximizes flavor without adding excessive calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence that feels totally decadent.

Delicata Squash Ingredient List You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• Delicata Squash: Sweet winter squash with edible skin, perfect for roasting and providing tender, caramelized texture.
• Shallots: Mild and sweet allium that adds delicate flavor complexity to the roasted vegetable dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior and allows even roasting of vegetables.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create beautiful caramelization on squash surface.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out moisture during roasting.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and mild spiciness to complement the sweet squash.

• Fresh Sage: Earthy herb that brings aromatic warmth and traditional autumn flavor to the dish.
• Fleur de Sel: Delicate, crunchy finishing salt that adds texture and refined seasoning at the end.

How to Roast Honey-Coated Squash Ina’s Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to a toasty 400°F, getting it ready for some roasting magic.

Step 2: Tackle The Delicata Squash

• Slice off both ends of the squash
• Cut the squash in half lengthwise
• Scoop out the inner seeds
• Chop into beautiful half-moon slices about ¾ inch thick

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

• Delicata squash pieces
• Chopped shallots

• Olive oil
• Golden honey
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh sage leaves

Pour the liquid mixture over the squash and shallots, then toss until everything is gloriously coated.

Step 4: Roast To Perfection

Spread the squash mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Slide into the hot oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even caramelization and tender goodness.

Step 5: Finishing Touch

Sprinkle with delicate fleur de sel right before serving. Enjoy this warm, sweet, and savory side dish straight from the oven.

Tips for Tender, Caramelized Delicata Squash

• Slice with Precision: Cut delicata squash into uniform ¾-inch thick rings to guarantee consistent roasting and prevent uneven cooking.
• Spread for Success: Give each piece breathing room on the baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper caramelization and crispy edges.
• Flip for Golden Perfection: Rotate squash midway through roasting to develop a beautiful, even golden-brown color on both sides.
• Embrace Fresh Sage: Opt for fresh sage leaves to infuse the dish with a vibrant, aromatic flavor that dried herbs can't match.
• Finish with Flaky Flair: Sprinkle fleur de sel just before serving to add a delicate crunch and elevate the squash's natural sweetness.

Storage Tips for Roasted Squash Done Right

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Transfer cooled squash to a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Consume within 2-3 days for maximum taste and texture, keeping the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Spread leftover squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil to maintain moisture, and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until heated evenly. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy results.
• Freezing Option: Seal completely cooled squash in freezer-safe containers or vacuum-sealed bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, remembering that texture might slightly change upon thawing.

New Flavor Pairings for This Squash Recipe

• Sweet and Spicy Squash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of maple syrup for a bold, complex flavor profile that brings warmth and depth to the classic recipe.
• Herb-Infused Roast: Substitute sage with fresh rosemary and thyme, creating an aromatic blend that enhances the natural sweetness of the delicata squash and adds a Mediterranean-inspired touch.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans over the roasted squash just before serving, introducing a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone that complements the honey's sweetness.
• Citrus-Kissed Version: Zest some orange or lemon over the squash before roasting, adding a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness and brings a fresh dimension to the dish.

Final Slice of Sweet Roasted Squash

Culinary magic blooms with Ina Garten’s honey-roasted delicata squash, a symphony of sweet and savory flavors.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious plate that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

Golden caramelized edges hint at deep, complex tastes waiting to unfold.

Mediterranean-inspired seasoning transforms humble squash into an elegant side dish.

Kitchen alchemists can craft this simple yet sophisticated recipe with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Passionate cooks and weekend warriors alike will find pure delight in this sensational squash experience – so gather friends, share this delectable dish, and let your culinary adventure begin!

Wild applause awaits those who like, comment, and spread the delicious news across social media landscapes.

Ina Garten Honey-roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s honey-roasted delicata squash delivers a sublime autumn side dish with golden-brown edges and caramelized sweetness. Maple-glazed and seasoned with rosemary, this simple recipe brings Mediterranean warmth to seasonal vegetables you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (900 grams) delicata squash, unpeeled
• 4 large shallots, peeled and cut into wedges

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or sea salt)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) good olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (40 grams) honey
• Fleur de sel (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even roasting.
2. Prepare the butternut squash by trimming off both ends, then carefully slice the vegetable in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove and discard the seeds, then cut the halves into uniform ¾-inch (2 cm) thick crescents.
3. Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine the sliced squash with finely chopped shallots. Create a flavor-infusing marinade by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, golden honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.
4. Finely chop fresh sage leaves and incorporate them into the olive oil mixture. Pour this aromatic blend over the squash and shallots, gently tossing to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the fragrant dressing.
5. Transfer the seasoned vegetables to a large rimmed baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer to promote optimal caramelization and prevent steaming.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning. The squash is ready when it turns golden brown and becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Remove from the oven and elegantly finish by sprinkling delicate fleur de sel over the roasted vegetables. Serve immediately while warm to preserve the intense, caramelized flavors.

Notes

• Keep squash pieces uniform by cutting them all to ¾ inch thickness for consistent roasting and caramelization.
• Maximize flavor by using fresh sage leaves instead of dried, which provide a more vibrant and aromatic herb essence.
• Prevent steaming by spreading squash and shallots in a single layer on the baking sheet, allowing each piece to develop golden edges.
• Elevate the final presentation by sprinkling fleur de sel just before serving, adding a delicate crunch and sophisticated salt burst.
• Achieve perfect roasting by flipping squash pieces once during cooking, ensuring both sides develop a rich, caramelized exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg