Sweet Dumpling Squash is a delicious winter squash that can be roasted in either the air fryer or oven, turned into a puree, or used in virtually any recipe that calls for winter squashes like pumpkin, butternut, and acorn. It's a sweet, mild and nutty squash that's great for stuffing with meats, nuts, and vegetables and serving at holiday dinners.
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Sweet Dumpling Squash
Sweet dumpling squash is a winter squash that's available during the fall and winter months. It's a small winter squash about the size of a large apple or grapefruit and weighing around one pound. It has a cream or white colored skin with mottled green, yellow, or orange markings. Scalloped lobes form the rind making it look similar to a small pumpkin. Inside, it has a smooth and sweet flesh that's bright orange in color.
Sweet dumpling squash has a sweet and nutty flavor. It has a smooth and creamy texture when roasted. Like other winter squashes, sweet dumpling is high in vitamin A and C, beta-carotene and fiber.
Sweet dumpling squash is sold at grocery stores during the fall and winter months. You'll find it near the butternut squash, acorn squash, zucchini and other winter squashes. It can also be found at many local farmer's markets starting in late August or early September, depending on where you live.
Sweet dumpling squash can be used like other winter squash and can be used in place of any recipe that calls for winter squash, including butternut, acorn, kabocha, yellow and more.
It can be seasoned and roasted or cooked and pureed as you would do to make pumpkin puree. Mix it into pasta the same way that I do in this acorn squash pasta and pumpkin pasta, or turn it into a creamy winter soup.
It pairs well with nuts, cheeses, and dried fruit and can be stuffed with meats, grains, vegetables, and nuts to make a delicious side dish for a holiday meal. Brushing it with a mix of maple syrup, honey, butter and brown sugar is always a winner, too!
And remember- the seeds are edible and make a healthy and delicious snack. So instead of discarding the seeds, roast them just as you would pumpkin seeds.
Whole, uncut squash will keep for up to 4 months in a cool, dry place. Once sliced, store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cooked squash will keep for up to 7 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Choosing Squash
Pick a squash that is firm, free from bruises and is heavy for it's small size.
Preparation
Thoroughly wash the squash before using in a recipe. The skin can be hard to peel, but luckily it's thin and edible when cooked, although a little on the tough side. It's best to leave the skin on and either eat it or peel it off once it's cooked. Much like when roasting an entire pumpkin, the skin peels off easily once cooked.
If keeping the squash whole, there is no need to do anything more to prepare it for cooking. If cutting into slices, remove the stem and slice with a sharp chef's knife into the size slices or chunks that your recipe calls for. Sweet dumpling squash can also be halved (seeds removed) and roasted hollow side up or down.
Cooking Sweet Dumpling Squash
Sweet dumpling squash can be cooked much like any other winter squash. It can be cut into slices or kept whole. Roast it in the oven or in the air fryer. Sweet dumpling squash can also be pressure cooked, like you would an acorn squash or pumpkin, and eaten plain or added to other recipes.
Once you have decided whether to cook the squash in the oven or air fryer, you're ready to prepare the squash. You'll also need to decide whether to cut it into slices or keep it whole. Then follow the steps below.
Sliced Squash
STEP 1: Cut Squash In Half
STEP 2: Remove Seeds
STEP 3: Slice and Season Squash
Slice the squash into your desired size pieces. Season and brush with melted butter, olive oil, honey, or maple syrup (optional).
STEP 4: Cook the Squash
Bake it in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until beginning to caramelize, about 15-25 minutes depending on thickness. In the air fryer, roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.
Air frying sweet dumpling squash is my preferred way to cook it because of how much quicker it is than the oven. The air fryer gives it the same caramelized, sweet taste in a fraction of the time. Both basket-style air fryer and oven-style air fryers work, though you'll probably have to work in batches. I like using my Instant Omni Plus because it's large and can hold a lot of squash slices at once.
Whole Squash
STEP 1: Wash and Dry Squash
STEP 2: Cook the Squash
Bake it in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, until a fork easily pokes through the flesh. In the air fryer, roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.
Serve with your favorite fall and winter inspired dishes, like celery soup, barbecue cheddar meatloaf, and air fryer chicken tenders.
Enjoy!
Recipe
How To Cook Sweet Dumpling Squash (Oven or Air Fryer Methods)
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 sweet dumpling squash approximately 1 pound, sliced into ¼ inch thick slices
Optional Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F or the air fryer to 400°F. Line the pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place the squash slices on the pan and brush with the sauce. (see notes on cooking a whole sweet dumpling squash)
- Place in the preheated air fryer or oven. Cook for 8 minutes in the air fryer or 20 minutes in the oven, until the squash begins to carmelize.
- Serve warm, sprinkled with brown sugar and extra cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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Audrey says
I had never cooked this type of squash before, thanks for the great tips.