Name: Roasted Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 delicata squash (1.5 pounds each), ends trimmed, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced crosswise into ½ inch-thick slices; 2 cloves garlic, unpeeled; 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup raw pepitas; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup; ¾ teaspoon ground coriander; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; Flaky sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 42 reviews

If you are looking for a side dish that feels both cozy and elegant, the Roasted Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Recipe is here to wow you. This dish features tender, caramelized slices of delicata squash perfectly complemented by a nutty, maple-sweetened brown butter sauce infused with roasted garlic and toasted pepitas. It’s simple, vibrant, and delivers a delightful mixture of textures and flavors that turn humble squash into a restaurant-quality treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a woman's hand with a gold ring slicing a long white squash with green stripes on a wooden cutting board. The board has light and dark brown wood grain stripes. There are several round yellow slices of squash stacked beside the cut piece. On the right side of the board, there is a pile of orange squash seeds and stringy squash flesh. At the top of the cutting board, there is a small round squash with white and green vertical stripes. The surface below the board is white with a marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These uncomplicated ingredients come together effortlessly to create a symphony of flavor. Each element plays an important role from adding the warmth of roasted garlic to the crunch of toasted pepitas, balancing sweet and savory notes for an unforgettable bite.

Delicata squash (2, about 1.5 pounds each): Choose similar sizes for even cooking; the thin skin is edible and softens beautifully when roasted.
Garlic cloves (2, unpeeled): Roasting garlic whole mellows its pungency and adds depth to the brown butter sauce.
Extra-virgin olive oil (4 teaspoons): Helps with roasting and adds subtle richness to the squash.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a mild peppery warmth that balances sweetness.
Raw pepitas (½ cup): Toasted in brown butter for crunch and a nutty aroma.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The star for browning and creating that luscious sauce.
Pure maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Introduces a natural sweetness to complement the savory elements.
Ground coriander (¾ teaspoon): A subtle spice that adds complexity and warmth.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and balances richness.
Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons): Fresh herbaceous notes for garnish and color.
Flaky sea salt: A final sprinkle to boost texture and flavor when serving.

How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Squash and Garlic

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (218ºC) and place the rack at the lowest position. Trim the ends of the delicata squash, halve them lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and slice into half-inch rounds. Toss these slices along with the unpeeled garlic cloves in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange everything in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and cover tightly with foil. Roast this covered for 12 to 15 minutes until the squash begins to soften, allowing it to steam gently and soften the edible skins.

Step 2: Increase Oven Temperature and Crisp the Squash

Remove the foil and crank up the oven to 450°F (232ºC). Place the tray back in the oven and roast the squash until the side in contact with the pan turns golden and caramelized, about 10 to 12 minutes. Flip each slice carefully using a thin spatula and roast for another 10 to 12 minutes until the other side is just as beautifully browned. This two-step roasting process creates tender insides with lovely crisp edges full of flavor.

Step 3: Make the Brown Butter Pepita Sauce

While the squash roasts, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add raw pepitas and cook them, stirring often, until both butter and pepitas develop a deep golden color and a heavenly nutty scent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning, then stir in pure maple syrup and ground coriander. The mixture will bubble delightfully. Let it cool for a moment.

Step 4: Incorporate Roasted Garlic and Vinegar

Once the garlic has roasted and cooled, peel off the skins and mash the cloves into a paste. Stir this roasted garlic paste and apple cider vinegar into the warm brown butter mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. This vinaigrette is the luscious, flavor-packed finishing touch for the dish.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Transfer the golden roasted delicata squash slices to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the brown butter and pepita vinaigrette. Sprinkle chopped parsley and flaky sea salt on top for freshness and a crunchy burst. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm squash and silky sauce with a perfect crunch.

How to Serve Roasted Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Recipe

A silver pan holds a layer of toasted pumpkin seeds that are green and golden brown, scattered with shiny oil and light browning on some seeds. A wooden spatula with a white silicone head rests across the seeds, with small bits of seasoning on it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter. A final seasoning of flaky sea salt enhances the textures and elevates each bite with bursts of salty crunch. If you want a little more crunch, extra toasted pepitas on top add delightful texture.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains such as roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even pan-seared tofu for a vegetarian twist. Complement the warm, sweet-savory profile with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables to balance the meal with fresh and earthy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, consider plating the Roasted Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Recipe on a long platter with the sauce drizzled artistically. Scatter bright pomegranate seeds over the top for a festive pop of color and tart contrast. Or serve it in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of brown butter and a sprinkle of pepitas for personalized portions that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The squash fibers hold up well in the fridge, making it easy to enjoy a quick reheat that still tastes fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is not recommended. Due to the high moisture content in delicata squash and the delicate texture after roasting, freezing will cause the squash to become mushy and lose its vibrant consistency upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover the dish loosely with foil and heat at 350°F (175ºC) for about 10 minutes. This helps the squash retain its texture better than quick microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?

While delicata squash is ideal for its thin, edible skin and sweet flavor, you can experiment with acorn or butternut squash. Just note that cooking times and preparation methods may vary since those squashes have thicker skins and denser flesh.

Is it necessary to roast the garlic with the squash?

Absolutely! Roasting the garlic whole transforms its sharpness into a mellow, sweet paste that beautifully integrates into the brown butter sauce, elevating the overall flavor complexity.

What can I substitute for pepitas if I don’t have any?

Toasted pumpkin seeds provide the same delightful crunch, or you can use toasted walnuts or pecans for a different but delicious textural element.

How do I know when the brown butter is done?

The butter is ready when it foams, then starts to turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn; remove it from heat immediately once it reaches this stage.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

You can make it vegan by substituting the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or olive oil. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious. Just be sure to toast the pepitas in your choice of fat carefully for best results.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Roasted Delicata Squash with Brown Butter Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to side for gatherings or cozy weeknights. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, nutty, and fresh makes it a crowd-pleaser that feels special but is surprisingly simple to pull together. Give it a whirl and watch it disappear from the table every time!