Roasted Delicata Squash Seeds

Don’t throw out your delicata squash seeds! Roast them to crispy, crunchy perfection with this easy recipe and enjoy as a delicious garlicky herb snack.

If you’re like me, delicata squash is one of the most exciting things about the transition into late summer, early fall on the food front.

I love delicata so much, it’s the only squash I’ve grown in my garden for the last two years.

Currently, there’s about eight of them growing bigger each day as the squash vine literally takes over the entire floor of the garden.

If I had to liken their maturity to pregnancy, I’d say we’re definitely rounding into the third trimester.

They still need some time to ripen but they’re almost there, ya know?

But because I’m impatient, I had to buy a few at the grocery store to tide me over.

Last season, I broke down a tutorial on how to roast squash seeds and included info on all the winter squash.

But being as delicata is my all-time favorite (ok, buttercup squash and koginut, two varieties I discovered last year give it a good run for its money), I wanted to dedicate a recipe entirely to roasted delicata squash seeds.

So as we get into the season and you start considering meals like creamy delicata squash soup or stuffed delicata squash, SAVE THE DELICATA SEEDS!

Because these roasted delicata seeds are going to be your new favorite fall snack.

Their garlicky herb deliciousness will make them irresistible to stop picking straight off the baking sheet and their crunchy crispy texture renders them the best kind of snack food.

IS IT OK TO EAT DELICATA SQUASH SEEDS?

Surprisingly, there seems to be a lot of people out there who think the only squash seeds you can eat are pumpkin.

FALSE.

Delicata squash seeds along with basically every other winter squash are edible.

Not only are they edible, they’re nutritious too!

Squash seeds are high in fiber, high in magnesium and full of antioxidants.

It’s a literal shame to dump them in the garbage when you’re cooking with winter squash.

So broaden those horizons beyond pumpkin and let’s get to this roasted delicata squash seed recipe.

INGREDIENTS FOR ROASTING DELICATA SQUASH SEEDS

I suggest using the seeds from at least two delicata squash when roasting.

Since it’s a smaller winter squash, you’ll want at least that many to get enough seeds.

The ingredients below are proportioned for that amount of seeds but if you want to make more, just size up the seasonings and use the same method and bake time.

You’ll need the following for these roasted delicata squash seeds:

• delicata squash seeds
• extra virgin olive oil
• garlic powder
• minced fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, etc.)
• Kosher salt
• black pepper

HOW TO ROAST DELICATA SQUASH SEEDS

The key to a successful (not burnt but still crispy and golden) roasted squash seed is a moderately low oven temperature.

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Don’t be tempted to use a higher temp like you would if roasting turnips or making roasted kohlrabi.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Remove the seeds from the delicata squash. I like to use a grapefruit spoon to do this as the serrated spoon edges are perfect for seed removal. Randomly, they’re also great for peeling fresh ginger.

Try to discard as much pulp as possible when removing the seeds from the squash and place in a fine mesh strainer.

Rinse the seeds well under cold water and pick off any leftover pulp. It’s ok if a few bits and pieces of the squash remain attached to the seeds you just don’t want any large clumps.

Spread the washed seeds onto a kitchen towel or paper towel and pat dry.

Add the seeds to a bowl and mix together with the olive oil, herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Pour the seeds out onto the baking sheet and spread around in a single layer.

Roast for about 20 minutes, stirring/tossing once or twice while cooking until the delicata squash seeds are starting to turn a light golden brown around the edges.

The seeds will feel lighter than before roasting and should be crispy in texture.

Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before enjoying.

USING OTHER SEASONINGS

Much like roasted chickpeas can be made in all sorts of ways like BBQ roasted chickpeas and even cinnamon toast crunch roasted chickpeas, squash seeds and specifically delicata squash seeds can be as well.

I love this easy garlic and herb variation because it’s a crowdpleaser. Show me someone that doesn’t love garlic, salt, pepper and some herbs.

I’ll wait.

If you are or know that anomaly of a person though, feel free to vary up the seasonings to your liking.

Any spice mixture (cajun, southwestern, taco, Italian, za’atar, etc.) can be used.

You can even go in a sweet direction with some maple syrup and cinnamon for a dessert-like snack.

If going the fresh herb route like this recipe, feel free to switch it up using whatever you have on hand.

I used rosemary and sage here but thyme, oregano and even tarragon are great choices too.

WHAT DO ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH SEEDS TASTE LIKE?

When roasted, the seeds transform into a wonderfully nutty flavor.

When tossed in the olive oil (or feel free to use butter or ghee), they take on an almost popcorn like taste.

No wonder they’re pretty much impossible to stop eating once you start.

Forget Pringles, you won’t be able to stop popping these seeds into your mouth after the first handful!

Did you know the skin of delicata squash is edible too?

It’s part of the charm of this winter squash – the entire thing from skin to flesh to seeds is edible!

No peeling necessary and if you’re feeling lazy, you can even roast the seeds without scooping them out first.

Simply slice the delicata into either rings or half circles and leave the seeds intact. They’ll sort of stick to the interior of whatever shape you’ve chosen.

Place the delicata on a baking sheet, season it how you like and then roast just like you would this white acorn squash recipe or this roasted sweet dumpling squash.

The seeds will roast right along with the delicata squash and you’ve got a 2 for 1 recipe.

If I’m not roasting the seeds on their own, I’ll usually take this approach. I pretty much never throw out squash seeds any longer.

They’re just too delicious and too nutritious!

MORE SQUASH RECIPES TO ENJOY:

Kabocha squash soup
Kabocha squash chili
Twice baked spaghetti squash
Delicata squash flatbread with pecans, cherries and ricotta