Delicata Squash Recipes That Will Steal Hearts This Fall

Step aside, pumpkin and butternut. Delicata squash is a seriously underrated veggie we can't stop talking about. The oblong winter squash is mildly sweet, rich in vitamins A and C, and tastes like a mash-up of sweet potato and butternut squash. We adore it for its flavor and its thin skin that's delicate (get it?!) enough to eat—no need to fight with a peeler. If you've never cooked with delicata squash (we've got plenty of tips for that) before, we're already betting it's about to become a new favorite. Keep reading for delicious ways to add the versatile delicata squash to your menu this season.

Sausage-Stuffed Delicata Squash

If you enjoy stuffed acorn squash, butternut squash, or even zucchini, you'll absolutely love stuffed delicata squash. This hearty entrée is overflowing with Italian-style turkey sausage, kale, golden raisins, and melty Swiss cheese.

Baked Delicata Egg Cups with Crispy Herbed Crumbs

For a vegetable-forward twist on the kid-favorite concept of toads in a hole or eggs in a basket, this skillet recipe calls for cracking an egg inside 2-inch-thick delicata rings. Brush with oil, bake, and top with seasoned bread crumbs. Brunch can't get much better than this. (Unless you add a mimosa.)

Kale, Fennel, and Roasted Delicata Salad

Roasting your veggies makes your produce nice and caramelized on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Here roasted delicata squash becomes the sweet salad accompaniment to leafy kale, sliced fennel, and pickled raisins. Don't toss those delicata squash seeds! Toast them for a delicious crunchy topper.

Crostini with Delicata Squash Butter

Apple butter and pumpkin butter get lots of love come fall. It's time to add delicata squash butter to your autumn condiment repertoire. To make it, roast a squash with its seeds removed for 30 minutes with a head of garlic, then puree both in a food processor ($59, Target) with a splash of lemon juice. Season to taste and spread on toast alongside ricotta cheese and fried sage leaves for a simple yet elegant appetizer.

Pork, Ginger, and Delicata Stir-Fry

A half-pound of pork tenderloin is plenty to feed a family of four when you amplify your recipe with a pound of squash, a couple of healthy handfuls of green beans, and serve it all over a bed of warm rice. This takeout fakeout is slightly spicy and loaded with enticing "I need another bite!" courtesy of a stir-fry sauce made with red curry paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and more.

Delicata Squash Rings

Onion rings, you've met your match. These jerk-seasoned squash rings are dunked in a batter that includes cornstarch and ginger beer for the lightest, tempura-like coating. Try them dunked in spicy barbecue sauce or ranch dressing.