Want to spice up your recipes with a delicata squash substitute? I’ve found some great ideas for you!
Ever wanted to use delicata squash in a recipe but couldn’t find any? I’ve run across this issue previously, and I’m willing to bet that others have, too.
Fear not! Here are my fave delicata squash alternatives for a range of dishes: from delicious soups to festive holiday meals.
Let’s get cooking if you’re ready to try something new!
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What is delicata squash?
Delicata squash, often called sweet potato squash, peanut squash or Bohemian squash, is a sweet winter squash.
Its cylindrical body is cream-colored with green stripes or dots. The yellow, butternut-like flesh has a nutty, sweet flavor.
Delicata squash is an excellent choice for those who want to increase their vegetable intake. It has a low-calorie count and a high fiber content, plus it’s loaded with healthy nutrients including vitamins A and C and minerals.
The squash can be used in savory or sweet applications, whether roasted, sautéed, baked, or pureed. Farmers’ markets and certain supermarket shops sell delicata squash from summer through October.
Delicata squash substitute ideas
These substitutes for delicata squash make great alternatives in terms of flavor and texture.
- Butternut squash
Butternut squash, with its sweet flavor and tender flesh, is a perfect substitute for delicata squash. Roast, sauté, purée, or use it in soups and stews in place of delicata squash.
I love roasting butternut squash with olive oil and sea salt to bring out its sweetness and buttery flavor.
If you need an alternative squash, there are several tasty options to replace butternut squash. Check them out for more inspiration!
- Acorn squash
Acorn squash is a sweet and delicious winter squash variety with green skin and beautiful orange-yellow flesh. It’s a meaty and healthy option for roasting, baking, and pureeing.
like to cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and then roast it with some maple syrup, cinnamon, and butter until it’s soft and caramelized. It makes a very healthy side dish!
- Sweet dumpling squash
Sweet dumpling squash and delicata are only different in shape—the former is round and slightly bigger while the latter has an oblong shape. They have almost identical flavors that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Stuffing sweet dumpling squash with a savory filling is one tasty cooking method for this vegetable. Quinoa with chopped vegetables is an excellent choice!
- Carnival squash
Carnival squash, a hybrid of the sweet dumpling squash and acorn squash, can sometimes be used instead of delicata squash. Roasting, baking, or puréeing brings out its natural sugary and soft texture, making it a versatile ingredient.
- Sweet potatoes
When delicata squash is unavailable, use sweet potatoes. They’re wonderful for sweet and savory recipes because they’re sweet and tender. They’re good in casseroles, pies, muffins, and roasted squash sides.
If you’re a fan of this veggie, you’ll love these tasty sweet potatoes alternatives!
- Kabocha squash
Kabocha squash—Japanese pumpkin—is another delicata squash replacement with yellow-orange flesh and edible skin. It’s fantastic for soups, stews, and curries because of its nutty flavor and delicata squash-like texture.
Another advantage is its nutritional profile adorned with dietary fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.
This is probably the best time to bring up the fantastic alternatives to kabocha squash that I’ve discussed in another article. Check these out and let me know what you think!
- Spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash can also replace the taste of delicata squash. Its stringy meat can be roasted or sautéed to make a delightful side dish or a low-carb spaghetti substitute. Its mild sweetness complements many flavors.
One of my favorite ways to prepare spaghetti squash is to roast it and then combine it with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce as a healthier alternative to regular spaghetti.
- Hubbard squash
This winter squash tastes like delicata squash. Its rich flesh and sweet, nutty flavor make this type of squash ideal for roasting, baking, or pureeing into soups and stews. It’s rich in vitamin A and potassium.
- Buttercup squash
This winter squash can replace delicata squash. Somewhat sweet and creamy, this squash works well in sweet and savory recipes. For example, you can use it as a nutritious substitute for roasted delicata squash, seasoned with honey and cinnamon.
- Golden nugget squash
This little type of winter squash resembles delicata squash in roasted and baked recipes. Sweet dishes get an amazing burst of flavor when you add golden nugget squash.
Its mild sweetness and creamy texture complement a variety of comforting dishes. I love how golden nugget squash soups taste with spices like ginger and cumin.
- Buttery crookneck squash
This summer squash can replace delicata in some recipes even though it’s not a winter squash. This buttery squash is great in salads, soups, and stews.
Like acorn squash, spaghetti squash, zucchini, and pumpkin, crookneck squash is a Cucurbita pepo. In some dishes, these delicata cousins can work as excellent substitutes. Zucchini can be baked as a side dish, while spaghetti squash can replace pasta.
- Sugar pumpkin
Sugar pumpkin often called pie pumpkin or pumpkin pie squash is a delicious delicata squash alternative. It has a little sweetness, a velvety texture, and a light, luscious flavor.
Delicata squash substitute FAQs
Butternut squash, kabocha squash, acorn squash, sweet dumpling and delicata squash are some of the sweetest winter squashes.
Yes, delicata squash has an edible rind that can be cooked along with the flesh.
No, delicata squash and butternut squash aren’t the same. They’re different in shape, color and level of sweetness.
I think butternut squash is one of the best alternative options for delicata squash in soup.
BOTTOM LINE: Butternut squash, acorn squash, sweet potatoes, kabocha squash, and spaghetti squash all make delicious options. If your grocery shop doesn’t have delicata squash, consider one of these substitutes.
Which substitutes for delicata squash do you like the most? Share your favorite types of squash in the comments!
Are you looking for more culinary inspiration? Why not check out these ideas for a celery root substitute, ways to replace barley and tasty alternatives to cashews?