The perfect fall side dish has arrived. The combination of honey roasted delicata squash and cranberries lightly glazed with cinnamon and orange will make your dinner plate sing.

This roasted delicata squash is the perfect fall side dish. It is just a little sweet from the honey and a little tart from fresh or frozen cranberries. Plus there is a hint of citrus to bring it all together. It brings bright gem tones to you dinner plate and loads of flavor too!
We got a lovely haul of winter squash the last few weeks of the CSA season. I set them aside to use up the more perishable produce first.
By the time I got back to the squash, I think it had multiplied. There was a mountain of different varieties waiting for me!


That is a good problem in my world, I love squash. So we’ve been having it every which way.
I did some in our new air fryer and that was delicious. I hope to share a recipe soon.
But this mix of tender squash, honey and cranberries is perfect too and doesn’t require any equipment you aren’t likely to have.
I used some cranberries I froze during last year’s season. You could also use fresh berries.


If you want to use dried, I’d either throw them in towards the end or soak them in water or orange juice before using them.
My husband and I were both huge fans with how this turned out. I’m definitely making more and maybe I’ll sub in slices of acorn squash next time!

If you are a fan of this recipe, you may also like parmesan roasted acorn squash in the air fryer. It is a more savory way to enjoy squash.
What are your favorite ways to fix winter squash? We still have a whole pile of acorn, delicata, butternut and spaghetti squash left.

Honey Roasted Delicata Squash With Fresh Cranberries
Ingredients
- 3 medium delicata squash
- 1 cup cranberries
- 3 Tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: zest of an orange
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a sheet pan.
- Clean squash, cut them in half and remove the seeds. Cut squash into 3/4 inch slices.3 medium delicata squash
- In a mixing bowl, stir together oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, pepper and orange zest if using.3 Tablespoons cooking oil, 3 Tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, Optional: zest of an orange
- Toss the squash and cranberries in the honey mixture and spread over prepared sheet pan.1 cup cranberries
- Roast for about 35 minutes, stirring half way through.
Video

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Delicate squash is my new favorite vegetable! In our area, only found in a more upscale grocery store (Fresh Market). I’ ve only used it roasted but it’s a different, sweeter taste than other squash. If you can find it, do give it a try….I’ve got one now plus a cup of leftover fresh cranberries from baking, so will eagerly give this recipe a try. And, no, you do not need to peel.
I really like it too! I can get it seasonally from our CSA, but I don’t see it often in our grocery stores.
I have never even heard of this ‘Delicata Squash’ but I’m going to hunt it down at my locate farmers market. My question is, do you eat the skin or should I peel it first?
You can eat the skin. If you can’t find it, you can use acorn squash instead.
I am exited to try this. We like winter squash a lot, but have never seen the delicate. If I can find one, I will try that on my first go around. Then I will try butternut. We like the gray sweet meats, but didn’t get any this year.
You could make the recipe with acorn squash or something similar if that is easier to find.
I'm never made delicata squash before. Is it similar in taste as an acorn squash?
The taste of the acorn squash and delicata squash are similar for sure. The flesh of the delicata is a much paler yellow color and I'd say the flavor is a bit more subtle as well. The taste of delicata squash is reminiscent of a sweet potato almost.
Hi Carlee, who knew squash could be so festive? Love the flavours in this recipe. My favourite way to have squash in mashed with plenty of butter and fresh black pepper. Simple, but I like it.
xx
Squash really is versatile, but like most things it is easy to fall into a routine. Though now I want mashed squash!
Delicata is one of my most favorite squashes, and you made such a beautiful dish out of it. Stunning presentation!
Thank you! I only started using delicata last year but it is quickly becoming one of my favorites as well!
I keep hearing amazing things about delicata squash! It needs to find it's way onto my to-make list.
It definitely does!
What a beautiful guests would be wowed with this yummy squashness!!! I bet the flavors are incredible! Have the sweetest weekend precious friend!