Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for delicata squash
Best swap for delicata squash: Acorn squash.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Delicata Squash?
The best swap for Delicata Squash is Acorn Squash. Another option is Butternut Squash, 1:1 by weight; peel it first, since unlike delicata's, its skin is not eaten. The table below also lists Sweet Potato, Kabocha Squash and Sweet Dumpling Squash, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Acorn squash | Best match for Delicata Squash. How to use it: Use it 1:1 by weight, cut into pieces the size of the delicata. |
| Butternut squash | 1:1 by weight; peel it first, since unlike delicata's, its skin is not eaten |
| Sweet potato | 1:1; similar sweetness and roasted texture |
| Kabocha squash | 1:1 by weight; edible skin when roasted, like delicata; denser and sweeter |
| Sweet dumpling squash | 1:1; same size, sweetness and edible skin |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.