Get ready for a delicious twist on a classic veggie! This Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash is crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. It transforms humble yellow squash into a flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a golden-brown, cheesy breadcrumb topping, this baked squash offers delightful texture and a savory taste that even picky eaters will love.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash is a standout in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore it for its simplicity and incredible flavor payoff! What I love most is how it takes a mild vegetable like yellow squash and elevates it with a fantastic crispy, cheesy crust. The blend of Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning creates a savory, aromatic topping that gets perfectly golden and crunchy in the oven. It’s a healthy way to enjoy squash that feels indulgent, and it cooks up quickly with minimal fuss. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a brilliant way to make vegetables truly shine!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Swaps and Notes
- Yellow Squash: Choose firm, fresh yellow squash. Slicing them into even 1/4-inch thick rounds is important for uniform cooking. Zucchini can be used as a substitute, or you can use a mix of both.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps the squash brown and the coating adhere.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and forms a superior crust compared to pre-grated.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for their extra crispiness. Regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These provide classic savory and herbaceous notes. You can swap Italian seasoning for dried thyme, oregano, or a mix of herbs.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season generously to taste. The salt helps draw out moisture from the squash, aiding in browning.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness after baking.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash baking!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or give it a light greasing with cooking spray.
- Prepare Squash: Slice those beautiful yellow squash into even 1/4-inch thick rounds. Lay the slices out on paper towels and use more paper towels to pat them dry. This step helps remove excess moisture, which is key for them to roast perfectly and become tender-crisp.
- Toss Squash with Oil & Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried squash slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper until they’re well-coated.
- Make Crispy Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix together the 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried thyme). Stir until well combined. This is your delicious crispy topping!
- Arrange & Top: Arrange the squash slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overlapping, as this will cause them to steam instead of roast. Sprinkle the cheesy breadcrumb mixture generously and evenly over each squash slice, giving them a gentle press with your fingers to help it stick.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork and the topping is a lovely golden brown and crispy.
- Broil for Extra Crisp (Optional): For an extra crispy, beautifully golden finish, you can carefully broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it under the broiler, as toppings can burn quickly!
- Serve: Once done, transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil if you like. Serve hot as a delightful side dish or snack!
Tips for Success
- Pat Squash Dry: This is crucial! Removing excess moisture from the squash before roasting helps it caramelize and prevents a soggy result.
- Single Layer: Arrange squash slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the squash, making it soft rather than tender-crisp.
- Panko for Crispness: While regular breadcrumbs work, Panko breadcrumbs provide a superior crispy texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until tender-crisp, not mushy. The internal texture should still have a slight bite.
- Watch the Broiler: Broilers vary widely. If using, stand by the oven and pull the tray out as soon as it reaches your desired golden-brown level.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the topping is at its crispiest.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash is a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with:
- Roasted Chicken or Pork: A flavorful vegetable accompaniment to any roasted meat.
- Grilled Fish or Shrimp: Its light and fresh flavors complement seafood beautifully.
- Steak: A cheesy, savory side for a hearty steak dinner.
- Pasta Dishes: A great non-carb side to balance rich pasta.
- As an Appetizer: Serve as finger food at a party.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing one-pan meals or vegetable dishes, consider our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit or our This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
Storage and Leftover Tips
While best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispness, leftovers can be stored and reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The topping may lose some of its crispness.
- Reheating: For best results in regaining some crispness, reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350-400°F (175-200°C) until warmed through and the topping re-crisps. Microwaving is possible but will result in a softer texture.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish as the texture of the squash and the crispy topping will likely be compromised upon thawing and reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, crispy, and delightful nature of this baked squash, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring wholesome goodness and satisfaction to your table:
- For another easy weeknight shortcut that’s packed with flavor, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun option.
- If you’re a fan of simple, crowd-pleasing sheet pan meals, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a winner.
- And for a fun, interactive way to serve a crowd, our This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd is always a hit!
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying vegetable dish to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a quick dinner side, promising a plate full of tender squash and a delicious cheesy crunch that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite way to bake or roast fresh summer vegetables? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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