If you are looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish, this Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe is exactly what you need. Featuring tender yellow squash rounds topped with a crisp layer of golden Parmesan, it’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes that elevates humble vegetables into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe brings a lovely balance of savory, cheesy goodness with just the right hint of garlic and olive oil that complements any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a punch together. Each component plays a role: fresh squash offers moisture and mild sweetness, olive oil adds a rich silkiness, and Parmesan provides that crispy, salty topping you’ll crave.
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds: Choose firm squash to ensure the slices hold shape during baking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This coats the squash and helps the Parmesan brown evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor without overpowering the delicate squash.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that crisps up beautifully on top of each squash slice.
How to Make Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, get your oven heating to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to achieving those irresistibly crisp edges on the Parmesan. While the oven preheats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This also means less cleanup later, which is always a win.
Step 2: Arrange and Season the Squash
Lay your thinly sliced yellow squash rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spacing them evenly allows each slice to cook uniformly and crisp up nicely. Drizzle the olive oil over the squash, then gently toss or brush to coat every piece. This ensures the garlic powder, salt, and pepper will stick and that each bite is flavorful throughout.
Step 3: Add the Parmesan Topping
Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each squash slice. This cheese melts and crisps in the oven, creating a golden crust that is absolutely addictive. Make sure not to skimp here — Parmesan is what truly transforms this squash into a memorable dish.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Tender and Golden
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the slices after the first 15 minutes; you want the squash to be tender but not soggy and the Parmesan topping a deep golden color. This careful timing is what makes the difference between a crispy, cheesy delight and a limp side dish.
How to Serve Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a splash of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the Parmesan. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory squash.
Side Dishes
This Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal, or alongside a hearty pasta dish. It can also shine on a festive table of roasted meats and seasonal vegetables, rounding out the plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the squash rounds in a pretty spiral on the plate or serving them layered in a small gratin dish for a rustic presentation. For casual gatherings, arrange them on a large platter with toothpicks tucked into each slice for easy appetizer-style serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid stacking slices tightly as the Parmesan coating can soften.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh to savor that crisp Parmesan crust, you can freeze cooked squash slices. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 1 month but note that the texture may become softer after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help re-crisp the Parmesan and warm the squash evenly without making it soggy like a microwave can.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is traditional here, zucchini or even pattypan squash work beautifully. Just slice them evenly and follow the same method.
Is it necessary to use garlic powder or can I use fresh garlic?
Garlic powder provides an even coating without risking burnt bits from fresh garlic. However, finely minced fresh garlic can be used if you add it sparingly and distribute it carefully.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan option, substitute Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast to get a similar cheesy flavor. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil to help with browning.
What if I don’t have parchment paper? Can I just grease the pan?
Yes, lightly greasing the pan with nonstick spray or olive oil will work fine but parchment helps with even cooking and makes cleanup much easier.
How thin should I slice the squash?
About 1/4-inch slices are ideal; too thin and they might become mushy, too thick and the Parmesan may brown unevenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make something surprisingly simple yet impossibly delicious, don’t hesitate to try this Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe. It’s a quick fix for an impressive side and a great way to enjoy squash in a new way that everyone will love. Trust me, once you make it, it will become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
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Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash recipe offers a deliciously crispy and cheesy twist on tender yellow squash rounds. Lightly seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then baked to golden perfection with Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the squash slices to a tender and golden finish.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray to prevent the squash from sticking during baking.
- Arrange Squash: Place the thinly sliced squash rounds evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap to cook evenly.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the squash slices, then toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the slices to add flavor.
- Add Parmesan: Top each squash slice with a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy and cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the Parmesan cheese has turned golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately as a tasty side dish that complements any meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place squash slices on a wire rack over the baking sheet while baking.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preference, adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make sure slices are uniformly thin at 1/4-inch to ensure even cooking.
