This sautéed delicata squash has a sweet, nutty flavor in this easy and tasty side dish. Fresh thyme enhances the flavors of this dish which is pretty enough for holiday dinners but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Until a couple years ago, I had never heard of delicata squash. But each fall I started to get it in my farm CSA box and started to experiment with it. I loved the flavor and new I wanted to create a savory squash dish.
This squash dish is super easy to prepare, especially since delicata squash has a very thin skin that doesn't need to be peeled off. You can just eat it! And with only a handful of ingredients, it's ready in no time.
There are so many different kinds of winter squashes, all with unique flavors. If you enjoyed my air fryer acorn squash, then this recipe is for you.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: You only need the squash, olive oil and seasonings.
- Easy to prepare: This recipe takes only about 5 minutes of prep time. You don't even need to peel delicata squash.
- Delicious flavor: The sweet squash is even more flavorful when it caramelizes as it's sautéed.
What is Delicata Squash?
Delicata squash is variety of winter squash. It's known for it's small, oblong shape and cream-colored skin with green stripes. It has a thin skin that you can eat, which makes it easier to prepare since there's no peeling needed.
It tastes sweet and a little nutty. It can be roasted, sautéed as it is in this recipe, or used in soups. It's delicious and versatile.
Ingredient Notes
- Olive oil - You'll need 1-2 tablespoons of oil depending on the size of the squashes.
- Fresh thyme - Thyme is fairly strong so I wouldn't use more than 2 sprigs worth or it might overtake the flavor of the squash.
Please see the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and amounts needed.
Variations
It's easy to change up the taste of this side dish. Like many kinds of winter squash, delicata squash works well in dishes that have both sweet and savory flavors.
- Make it into sweet delicata squash. Instead of thyme and pepper, flavor the squash with cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice. Add a little bit of brown sugar or pure maple syrup as the squash finishes cooking.
- Change up the seasonings. This squash is also delicious with cumin and curry powder. Or you can add fresh herbs like rosemary and sage.
How To Make Sautéed Delicata Squash
Step 1: First, wash and dry your squash and carefully cut the squash vertically and scoop out the seeds.
Step 2: Slice each squash half in thin, half moons. Ideally you want the slices to be less than ¼" thick.
Step 3: Next, in a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the squash, thyme leaves, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
Ideally you would have the slices in a single layer. However, to do that you'd probably need multiple pans so I usually don't.
Step 4: Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the squash cooks evenly until it starts to get golden brown. Cover with a lid or foil for the last 5 minutes to "steam" the squash. This ensures the squash is tender.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Plate, serve and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Remember, one of the best things about delicata squash is that it's skin is thin and edible so you don't have to peel it. Of course, you always have the option to peel it if you want to.
- You can either toss the squash seeds or roast them like you would pumpkin seeds.
- Make sure the squash is cut in even, thin slices. If you have thick slices, they will take longer to cook.
- Use a sharp chef's knife (carefully) to cut the squash.
- Use a lid or some aluminum foil to cover the pan for a few minutes. This will speed up the cooking process.
Storage and Recipe FAQs
Once cooled to room temperature, store the cooked squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top.
You can sometimes find them in local grocery stores, but I usually see them at farmers markets or in my local farm csa during the fall season.
The best option is a lidded large sauté pan. But if you are using a pan without a lid then you can also use aluminum foil as a cover.
More Side Dish Recipes
If you tried this Sautéed Delicata Squash Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Recipe
Sautéed Deliciata Squash With Thyme
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squashes
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or less
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves only
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- First, wash and dry your squash. No need to peel it!
- Cut the squash vertically and scoop out the seeds. Cut each half in moon shaped slices, less than ¼" thick.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the squash, thyme leaves, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the squash cooks evenly. Cover with a lid or foil for the last 5 minutes to ensure the squash is tender.
- Plate and serve. Store leftover squash in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
Notes
- Make sure the squash is cut in even, thin slices. If you have thick slices, they will take longer to cook.
- Use a sharp chef's knife to CAREFULLY cut the squash. There's no need to peel it.
- Use a lid or some aluminum foil to cover the pan for a few minutes. This will speed up the cooking process.
Jen says
Delicata squash is such a delicious squash - by far my favorite winter squash. It's also easy to cook with since you can eat the peel and pretty! I make this easy recipe often when the squash is in season.