Deliciously Crispy Baked Parmesan Squash Rounds
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious side dish that packs a punch of flavor, these Baked Parmesan Squash Rounds are a must-try. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe brings together the natural sweetness of yellow squash with the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese and your favorite seasoning blend. The result? Crispy, golden-brown rounds that are as satisfying as they are easy to make. This is my families favorite way to make baked squash slices.
Baked Parmesan Squash Rounds
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a snack, these squash rounds are sure to be a hit. You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste, making them as mild or as bold as you like. Plus, with just a few ingredients and a short bake time, you’ll have these ready to go in no time.
What really sets these Baked Parmesan Squash Rounds apart is their texture. The thinly sliced squash becomes tender while the Parmesan cheese crisps up perfectly, creating a delightful contrast that will leave you reaching for more. Pair them with your favorite main dish, or enjoy them on their own—either way, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
What someone will love about this recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures it offers. The tender squash, combined with the crispy, golden-brown Parmesan, creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for customization with your favorite seasonings, making it easy to adapt to any palate. Additionally, the simplicity and quick preparation make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, delivering a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized yellow summer squash
- Garlic powder
- Kinders Brown Sugar Rub (or your favorite seasoning, such as Season-All)
- ½-1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Slice the squash into rounds, approximately ¼ to ⅛ inch thick.
- Arrange the squash slices on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are close together with minimal space between them.
- Season the squash with garlic powder and your chosen seasoning rub.
- Top each slice with a generous layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese melts and turns a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them, especially if using multiple trays, as the bottom tray may cook faster. Consider switching tray positions to ensure even cooking.
- Broil briefly to add extra crispiness to the cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How Crispy Should They Be
You can easily adjust the crispiness of these Parmesan squash rounds to suit your preference. In our household, we love them extra crispy! My son always says, “The crispier, the better,” so we tend to keep them in the oven a bit longer, finishing off with a quick broil to achieve that perfect crunch. Feel free to play around with your cooking and broiling times. Just keep an eye on them, and pull them from the oven when you reach your desired level of crispiness. Whether you like them lightly browned or deeply crisped, this recipe is versatile enough to make everyone happy!
Tips & Tricks
- Even Slicing: To ensure uniform cooking, try to slice the squash evenly, around ¼-⅛ inch thick. A mandoline slicer can be particularly helpful for this, giving you consistent slices that cook evenly.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to experiment with the seasoning. While the recipe calls for garlic powder and a rub like Kinder’s Brown Sugar Rub, you can easily switch it up with other seasonings such as Italian herbs, paprika, or a spicy blend if you prefer a little heat.
- Crispiness Control: The key to achieving the perfect crispiness lies in keeping a close eye on the rounds during baking and broiling. If you prefer them crispier, extend the baking time slightly and finish with a broil. Keep in mind that broiling can quickly turn from golden brown to burnt, so monitor them closely.
- Nonstick Solutions: Lining your baking sheet with foil and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray will help prevent sticking, making cleanup easier. Alternatively, using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can also work well.
- Double the Batch: If you’re making a large batch, you might need to use two trays. To ensure even cooking, rotate the trays halfway through baking. This prevents the lower tray from getting too done while the top tray is still cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: These rounds are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can also pair them with a marinara or ranch dipping sauce for an added flavor boost. They make a fantastic side dish or a healthy snack option.
FAQs
Baked Parmesan Squash Rounds
If you're looking for a simple, delicious side dish that packs a punch of flavor, these Baked Parmesan Squash Rounds are a must-try. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe brings together the natural sweetness of yellow squash with the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese and your favorite seasoning blend.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized yellow summer squash
- Garlic powder
- Kinders Brown Sugar Rub (or your favorite seasoning, such as Season-All)
- ½-1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Slice the squash into rounds, approximately ¼ to ⅛ inch thick.
- Arrange the squash slices on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are close together with minimal space between them.
- Season the squash with garlic powder and your chosen seasoning rub.
- Top each slice with a generous layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese melts and turns a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them, especially if using multiple trays, as the bottom tray may cook faster. Consider switching tray positions to ensure even cooking.
- Broil briefly to add extra crispiness to the cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 61Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 152mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 4g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
