Crispy Parmesan Delicata Squash Rings

These Crispy Parmesan Delicata Squash Rings are absolutely delicious! Such an easy recipe to make for an appetizer, side dish or whenever. Made with all gluten-free and grain-free ingredients.

As the fall season rolls in and the crisp air starts to creep in, our kitchens fill with hearty, comforting ingredients that make us crave those cozy, home-cooked meals. Delicata squash, often overshadowed by its bigger cousins like butternut and acorn squash, deserves a spotlight of its own. These delicate, easy-to-prep squashes have a sweet, nutty flavor and are perfect for roasting. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is by transforming them into crispy, cheesy delicata squash rings.

These delicata squash rings are not just your average roasted vegetable side dish. With a Parmesan cheese coating, infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and onion powder, these rings become crunchy, flavorful bites that are hard to resist. The best part? They’re so simple to make and versatile enough to pair with any meal or even enjoy as a snack with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or pesto.

If you’re looking for an appetizer or side that will impress everyone at the table (and is secretly healthy), these delicata squash rings are it. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore some tips for making these perfectly crispy rings!

What ingredients you need to make Crispy Parmesan Delicata Squash Rings:

• Delicata squash – These are smaller and easier to handle than other squash varieties. Plus, the skin is edible, so you don’t need to peel them!
• Olive oil – For drizzling and roasting the squash.
• Eggs – Whisked to help the coating stick to the squash.
• Grated parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, cheesy crunch to the squash.
• Garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder – This blend enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Tapioca or arrowroot flour – Helps the coating adhere to the squash and adds a little crispness.
• For serving: marinara sauce, pesto, your desired dipping sauce!

How to make these Delicata Squash Rings:

Step 1: Preheat your oven.
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the squash.
Start by washing and drying the delicata squash. Next, place the squash on a sturdy cutting board and slice it into 1 to 1 1/2 inch thick rounds. Once you have your rounds, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the center of each slice, leaving behind a beautiful squash ring.

Step 3: Roast the squash.
Place the squash rings on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle them with a bit of olive oil. Roast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, just to soften them up slightly while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 4: Prepare your coating station.
While the squash is roasting, set up your coating station with three shallow bowls:

• In the first bowl, whisk the two eggs.
• In the second bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
• In the third bowl, add the tapioca or arrowroot flour.

Step 5: Coat the squash rings.
Once the squash rings are done roasting, let them cool slightly. Now it’s time for the fun part – coating the rings!

• Start by dipping each squash ring into the tapioca (or arrowroot) flour, making sure it’s lightly coated.
• Next, dip the ring into the whisked eggs, letting any excess drip off.
• Finally, press the squash ring into the cheese and spice mixture, making sure it’s well coated on all sides.

Repeat this process with all the squash rings. Depending on how many rings you have, you may need to add a bit more cheese, spices, or flour.

Step 6: Bake until crispy.
Once all the rings are coated, return them to the baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on the outside. You’ll want to flip them halfway through to ensure even browning.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy!
Allow the rings to cool for a few minutes before serving, then pair them with your favorite dipping sauces. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but they also taste amazing with pesto, aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo!

Tips for Perfect Delicata Squash Rings:

1. Choose the right squash: Delicata squash should be firm with smooth, unblemished skin. Since the skin is edible, there’s no need to peel it, which makes prep even easier.

2. Don’t skip the pre-roast: Roasting the squash briefly before coating helps soften it slightly, ensuring that it cooks through perfectly while the outside crisps up. This step also makes the squash easier to handle when coating.

3. Use a light hand with the coating: You want each squash ring to be lightly coated in flour, egg, and Parmesan mixture, but don’t pile it on too thick. A thinner coating will give you that crispy texture without overpowering the natural flavor of the squash.

4. Flip halfway through baking: For the crispiest results, flip the rings about halfway through the roasting time. This ensures that both sides get golden and crunchy.

Why We Love Delicata Squash:

Delicata squash is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, all of which support overall health. Plus, its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory, smoky flavors of this recipe.

Unlike other winter squashes that require peeling, delicata squash has thin, tender skin that becomes perfectly edible after roasting. This makes it a low-maintenance option for busy weeknights or quick appetizers.

Pairing Ideas for Your Squash Rings:

While these crispy delicata squash rings make an excellent snack or appetizer on their own, you can also serve them as a side dish alongside your favorite mains. Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Roasted chicken or turkey: The sweetness of the squash complements the savory, roasted flavors of poultry.
• Grilled steak or pork chops: The smoky paprika in the coating pairs well with grilled meats, adding a nice contrast of flavors.
• Salads: Toss a few of these rings on top of a leafy green salad for added texture and flavor. They make a great crouton alternative!

Dipping Sauce Recommendations:

When it comes to dipping sauces, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few that work well with the crispy, cheesy squash rings:

• Marinara sauce: A classic and always delicious.
• Pesto: The herbaceous, garlicky flavors of pesto complement the squash perfectly.
• Spicy aioli: Add a little heat by mixing mayo with garlic, lemon juice, and sriracha.
• Honey mustard: The sweet and tangy combo of honey mustard is a great match for these savory rings.

These crispy Parmesan-coated delicata squash rings are a game-changer when it comes to healthy snacks and sides. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they also offer a unique way to enjoy one of fall’s most underrated vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a new appetizer to serve at your next gathering or a creative side dish for dinner, these squash rings are sure to be a hit. Give them a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite dipping sauces for an added touch of deliciousness!

A few other delicious vegetable recipes to make:

Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

2-ingredient Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Smashed Sweet Potatoes

One-Skillet Creamy Brussels Sprout Bake