Bacon Wrapped Delicata Squash

Bacon wrapped delicata squash combines the natural sweetness of roasted squash with the smoky, savory flavor of crispy bacon, creating the perfect fall appetizer or side dish. Each bite is a satisfying blend of tender squash and rich bacon, finished with a hint of salt and pepper.

Why This Recipe Works

• Delicata squash’s edible skin: There’s no need to peel delicata squash because the skin becomes soft and tender as it cooks. This makes it easy to prep and enjoy without extra work.
• Bacon adds incredible flavor: Crispy bacon complements the squash’s natural sweetness, and wrapping it around the squash keeps everything moist while adding a smoky flavor.
• Versatile cooking options: Whether you grill or roast in the oven, this recipe allows you to use your preferred cooking method while still delivering crispy, flavorful results.

What is a Delicata Squash?

Delicata squash is a type of winter squash known for its sweet, nutty flavor and thin, edible skin. Unlike butternut squash or other hard-to-peel varieties, you don’t need to remove the skin, making delicata squash easy to prep and cook. It has a creamy texture when roasted, which pairs perfectly with the crisp bacon in this recipe.

You can usually find delicata squash at your local supermarket in the fall and winter months. It’s one of the most user-friendly squash types out there, and its crescent-shaped slices make it ideal for wrapping with bacon!

Supplies Needed

• Baking sheet
• Wire rack (optional- but helps when rendering the bacon)
• Foil or parchment paper
• Knife
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Paper towels
• Grill or oven
• Basting brush (for BBQ sauce or maple syrup)

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make bacon-wrapped delicata squash:

• Delicata squash: You’ll need two squash for this recipe, sliced into crescent moons. If you can’t find delicata, butternut squash or acorn squash can work as substitutes.
• Bacon: Regular pork bacon works great, but you can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option. Make sure the bacon slices are cut in half to wrap each piece of squash.
• Seasoning: A mix of salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning blend adds a ton of flavor. If you’re into experimenting, try different seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, or fresh thyme.
• Sauce: Finish the bacon-wrapped squash with a glaze of BBQ sauce or maple syrup. Want to switch it up? Try making my homemade maple bourbon bbq sauce or this Guinness BBQ sauce recipe.

Preparation

1. Start by slicing your delicata squash in half vertically, scooping out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the squash into crescent moons—about 1 1/2 inches thick is perfect. Because the skin is edible, no peeling is needed, making this a simple recipe to prepare quickly.

2. Wrap each squash piece with half a slice of bacon, making sure the seam side is down so the bacon doesn’t unravel during cooking. For extra flavor, season the wrapped squash with salt, black pepper, and a BBQ seasoning blend. You can also try a pinch of chili powder or garlic powder to customize the taste.

3. If you’re grilling, set the grill for indirect medium heat, about 350°F. For oven roasting, preheat your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Using a wire rack on top of the baking sheet helps the bacon cook evenly and allows the rendered bacon fat to drip away from the squash, making it crispy.

Cooking Tips

• Basting for extra flavor: Whether you choose BBQ sauce or maple syrup, make sure to baste the bacon-wrapped squash during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will help the bacon get golden brown and caramelized.
• Crisp bacon tip: To achieve crisp bacon, make sure the squash pieces are spaced out on the grill or oven rack so they cook evenly. If using an oven, placing the rack in a preheated oven is key to ensuring the bacon gets crispy without burning.
• Watch for doneness: The cooking process can vary depending on your equipment. In the oven, you’ll want to check the squash around the 20-minute mark. If you prefer crispier bacon, leave it in for an extra few minutes.

What to Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Delicata Squash

This delicata squash recipe is a great side dish for many meals. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, as the sweet and smoky flavors complement classic dishes like roasted turkey or a hearty beef roast.

For a complete meal, serve it alongside this crowd pleasing dish for baked brie bread with autumn salad. If you want to keep things simple, a bowl of garlic mashed potatoes or a plate of roasted Brussels sprouts would be delicious partners.

If you’re making it for a party or game day, pair it with other finger foods like smoked stuffed mushrooms, crispy pork belly burnt ends, or pan meals like this Italian sausage and gnocchi sheet pan dinner with roasted vegetables.

Thos dish also works well with dipping sauces like a smoky BBQ sauce or a tangy apple cider vinegar-based dip. Store any leftovers in an air-tight container and reheat in the oven to keep the bacon crispy next time!

More Recipes To Try

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Smoked Butternut Squash

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup

Acorn Squash Pot Pies