This parmesan crusted delicata squash recipe is a unique and delicious way to enjoy the sweet, nutty flavor of delicata squash. The melted parmesan forms a crispy crust on the squash, while the garlic, parsley, and thyme infuse it with savory depth. Finished with a touch of lemon zest, this dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Delicata squash might not be a regular item in your pantry. It's a variety of winter squash known for its delicate, edible skin and sweet flavor, somewhat similar to butternut squash. If you can't find it at your local supermarket, you could substitute it with butternut squash, just remember to peel it first.
Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash Ingredients
Delicata squash: A winter squash with sweet, creamy flesh and edible skin. It's the star of this recipe.
Olive oil: Used to coat the squash before baking, it helps to crisp up the parmesan crust.
Garlic clove: Adds a savory depth to the dish.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness of the squash and enhances its flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a lovely umami flavor and creates a crispy crust on the squash.
Parsley: Freshens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
Thyme: Its earthy flavor complements the sweetness of the squash.
Lemon zest: Brightens up the dish and balances out the rich parmesan.
One reader, Gram Joseph says:
This parmesan crusted delicata squash recipe is a game-changer! The squash turns out tender with a crispy, flavorful crust. The blend of herbs and cheese is simply divine. It's a delightful and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Techniques Required for Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash Recipe
How to prepare the delicata squash: Delicata squash should be washed and dried before being sliced in half lengthwise. The seeds can be scooped out with a spoon, and then the halves can be sliced into ¼-inch thick half circles.
How to make the parmesan mixture: In a small bowl, combine the parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, and lemon zest. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
How to coat the squash: Drizzle the olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper over the squash slices in a large bowl. Toss well to ensure the slices are evenly coated with the seasonings.
How to bake the squash: Place the coated squash slices on a prepared baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until they are soft and golden brown on the edges.
How To Make Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash
Roast up some flavorful delicata squash for your next side dish! It’s covered in salty parmesan and simple but flavorful seasonings for a tasteful dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 14ozdelicata squashwashed and dried
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1garlic clove
- ¼tspkosher salt
- black pepper
- ¼cupparmesan cheesefresh grated
- 2tbspparsleyfinely chopped
- 1tspthymefinely chopped
- ½tsplemon zest
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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Line a large baking sheet with parchment, then lightly spray it with oil.
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Slice the squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
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Slice the seeded halves into ¼-inch thick slices of half circles, then place them in a large bowl.
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In a small bowl, combine the parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme and lemon zest.
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Drizzle the olive oil, garlic, salt and black pepper over the squash slices, tossing toss well to coat.
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Lay flat on the prepared baking sheets, then pour the parmesan mixture over the squash.
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Bake in the center of the oven for 25 minutes until soft and golden brown on the edges.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 242.73kcal
- Fat: 14.29g
- Saturated Fat: 4.20g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.91g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.61g
- Carbohydrates: 23.28g
- Fiber: 3.42g
- Sugar: 0.22g
- Protein: 8.55g
- Cholesterol: 12.64mg
- Sodium: 501.47mg
- Calcium: 299.10mg
- Potassium: 745.32mg
- Iron: 1.98mg
- Vitamin A: 91.35µg
- Vitamin C: 28.64mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash
When preparing the delicata squash, ensure to slice it into even ¼-inch thick slices. This promotes even cooking and ensures that all pieces will be perfectly tender and golden brown at the same time. Also, when tossing the squash slices with the olive oil and seasonings, make sure every piece is well coated. This will help the parmesan crust to adhere better, resulting in a more flavorful and crispy finish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delicata Squash Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and season the squash in advance to cut down on prep time when you're ready to cook.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded parmesan cheese to save time on grating and measuring.
Convection bake: Consider using the convection setting on your oven for faster and more even cooking.
Sharp knife: Use a sharp knife for slicing the squash to make the process quicker and more efficient.
Multi-task: While the squash is baking, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency.
Substitute Ingredients For Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash Recipe
cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil spray: Olive oil spray can provide a similar non-stick coating and adds a hint of olive oil flavor to the dish.
delicata squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
garlic clove - Substitute with 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to Parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can provide a similar herbaceous flavor and aroma to the dish as parsley.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, providing a slightly different but complementary herbal flavor to the dish.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest can provide a similar citrusy flavor and aroma to the dish as lemon zest.
Best Way to Present Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the delicata squash slices in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each other to create an elegant and visually appealing presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and thyme over the delicata squash to add a pop of vibrant green color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
- Incorporate a drizzle: Create a beautiful drizzle of high-quality olive oil around the delicata squash, adding a glossy finish and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
- Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the delicata squash to stand out, creating a visually striking and sophisticated presentation.
- Add a touch of citrus: Grate a hint of fresh lemon zest over the delicata squash to introduce a subtle citrus aroma and a burst of bright yellow color, enhancing the overall visual impact of the dish.
- Consider the plate selection: Choose a pristine, white plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the delicata squash, allowing the dish to take center stage and exude elegance.
Essential Tools for Making Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash
- Cooking spray: A non-stick cooking spray used to grease baking sheets or pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Parchment: Parchment paper is used to line baking sheets or pans to prevent food from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking in the oven.
- Knife: A sharp cutting tool used for slicing and preparing ingredients.
- Spoon: A utensil with a small bowl-shaped head used for scooping and stirring ingredients.
- Large bowl: A spacious container used for mixing and tossing ingredients.
- Small bowl: A smaller container used for combining and mixing seasonings or ingredients.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food items.
How To Store and Freeze Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash
- Let the parmesan crusted delicata squash cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled squash in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the delicata squash:
- Arrange the cooled squash slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren't touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the squash slices are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen squash slices to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen parmesan crusted delicata squash will keep well for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the refrigerated or frozen squash, place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- If reheating frozen squash, there's no need to thaw it first. Simply place the frozen slices directly on the baking sheet or in the air fryer and add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.
How To Reheat Leftover Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover parmesan crusted delicata squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is heated through and the parmesan crust is crispy once again. This method helps to restore the original texture and flavor of the dish.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover squash in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the squash is heated through. Keep in mind that the parmesan crust may not be as crispy as it was originally, but the flavors will still be delicious.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover parmesan crusted delicata squash. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the squash in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the squash is heated through and the crust is crispy. This method is quick and helps to restore the original texture of the dish.
For a stovetop option, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan, then add the leftover squash. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the squash is heated through and the parmesan crust is crispy. This method is ideal if you want to add a little extra flavor to the dish.
Random Fact About Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash
Delicata squash is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is high in vitamins A and C, and also contains potassium, magnesium, and manganese. This makes it a nutritious and delicious addition to your meals.
Is This Delicata Squash Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This parmesan crusted delicata squash recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, delicata squash, is affordable and nutritious. The addition of olive oil, parmesan cheese, and herbs enhances the flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $8-$10. This dish offers a delightful and healthy option for a family meal. I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste.
Is This Delicata Squash Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This parmesan crusted delicata squash recipe is a healthy and delicious option for a side dish or snack. Delicata squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. The recipe uses minimal oil and incorporates herbs and spices for added flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats. The parmesan cheese provides a source of protein and calcium, while the lemon zest adds a bright, fresh taste and a boost of vitamin C.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a light coating of olive oil spray instead of drizzling oil to reduce the overall fat content
- Increase the amount of herbs and spices used, such as garlic, thyme, and parsley, to enhance the flavor without adding extra calories
- Experiment with different types of hard, flavorful cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago to vary the taste and nutritional profile
- Serve the delicata squash alongside a lean protein source and a variety of colorful vegetables to create a balanced, nutrient-rich meal
Editor's Thoughts on Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash Recipe
The recipe for parmesan crusted delicata squash is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of delicata squash brings a natural sweetness, while the parmesan crust adds a savory and crispy element. The addition of garlic, thyme, and lemon zest enhances the overall complexity of the dish. The recipe's simplicity makes it accessible for home cooks, and the end result is a visually appealing and delicious side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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Why trust this Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its perfect blend of flavors and textures. The delicata squash is roasted to perfection, creating a tender yet slightly crispy bite. The combination of parmesan cheese, thyme, and lemon zest adds a burst of savory and citrusy notes, elevating the dish to a whole new level. With the addition of garlic and olive oil, the squash is infused with a rich and aromatic essence. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and savor the delectable outcome.
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