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Holiday Hot Honey Delicata Squash (Orange Hot Honey Glaze).
Delicata squash rings roasted until caramelized with an orange hot honey glaze, then piled with pomegranate, pistachios and thyme. They look like little wreaths and disappear first at the holiday table.
What is hot honey delicata squash?
Hot honey delicata squash is delicata squash cut into rings and roasted until tender, brushed with an orange glaze made from Spice Witch Hot Honey, then finished with pomegranate arils, pistachios and fresh thyme. The rings look like little wreaths, which makes it a holiday side dish that decorates the table for you.
This recipe comes from Lee of The Rogue Brussel Sprout (@TheRogueBrusselSprout), who developed it and shot the photos for us. Lee served it to the neighbors on Saturday night and everyone loved it. You also don't have to peel delicata, which is half the reason it's so easy.
Holiday Hot Honey Delicata Squash
You will need:
For the squash and garnish
- 2 large delicata squash of similar size
- 1 tbsp Spice Witch Chili Oil
- 2 tbsp pomegranate arils
- 2 tbsp roasted salted pistachios
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp Spice Witch Hot Honey, for the final drizzle
For the orange hot honey marinade
- Zest of 1 large navel orange
- ¼ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp Spice Witch Hot Honey
- 1 tsp salt
What you do:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Cut the ends off the squash, then cut it into ¼-inch rings. Use a small paring knife to remove the seeds from each ring.
- Toss the rings in the chili oil and lay them flat on a large baking sheet, using two sheets if you need to. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, until barely tender.
- While the squash roasts, zest and juice the orange, then stir the zest, juice, hot honey and salt together.
- Pull the squash out of the oven and brush it with the marinade.
- Return the tray to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the squash is tender and the glaze has started to caramelize.
- While it finishes, coarsely chop the pistachios and strip the thyme leaves from the sprigs.
- Move the squash to a serving platter and top with the pomegranate, pistachios, thyme and a last drizzle of hot honey.
Why this works
The orange keeps the hot honey bright instead of heavy, and roasting the rings flat lets the glaze caramelize on both sides. The pomegranate adds a tart pop and the pistachios add crunch, so every bite lands on sweet, a little heat, citrus and salt. Spice Witch Hot Honey is real honey (not syrup, not concentrate) with chili flakes, coriander, fennel, black pepper and garlic, so the spices carry right through the glaze. It's $19.99 for the 14 oz squeeze bottle, made in small batches in Asheville, NC, by a woman-owned brand.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to peel delicata squash?
No. The skin is thin and edible, and it softens as the squash roasts.
How thick should I cut the rings?
About ¼ inch, so they cook through before the glaze starts to burn.
What can I use if I can't find delicata squash?
The recipe was developed with delicata, which is what gives you the wreath shape, so that's the squash to look for.
What does Spice Witch Hot Honey taste like?
It's sweet with a gentle, warm heat and a savory edge from the coriander, fennel, black pepper and garlic. It's made with real honey and chili flakes.
What do I serve it with?
It's built for the holiday table, next to roasted meats, grains or greens. For more squash, try the Chili Crisp Hot Honey Squash or add the Hot Honey Butter to the rolls.
More from Lee: Rosemary Black Garlic Chili Crisp Carrot Fries
xo, spice witch
