If you’ve never tried this Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe, you are absolutely missing out on a simple yet spectacular way to elevate squash to something irresistibly savory and satisfying. Tender rounds of yellow squash are kissed with olive oil, sprinkled with garlic, then crowned with golden, bubbling Parmesan cheese that brings an unbeatable crispy, cheesy crust. It’s one of those dishes that feels both fancy and homey, making it a perfect side for any occasion or a speedy snack when you crave something fresh and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe lies in its pared-down ingredient list, where each element plays an important role. Every ingredient contributes to the final taste, texture, and color, balancing freshness with rich cheese and aromatic seasoning.
- Yellow squash, 2 medium: Sliced into 1/4-inch rounds for that perfect tender bite that cooks evenly.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Adds beautiful moisture and helps the Parmesan achieve its golden crisp.
- Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Offers subtle, savory depth without overpowering the delicate squash.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup: The star ingredient, providing a nutty, salty crunch that transforms this dish.
How to Make Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). This high heat will give the Parmesan that perfect golden crust. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step prevents sticking and helps the squash slices bake evenly into delicious little rounds of perfection.
Step 2: Arrange the Squash
Next, lay your yellow squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Arranging them in a single layer ensures each slice cooks evenly, giving you tender, slightly caramelized edges without sogginess.
Step 3: Season and Oil the Squash
Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil over the squash slices, then toss or brush them gently so each round is evenly coated. This helps the squash soften nicely and provides the perfect base for the flavors to cling to. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the slices for that tasty, aromatic kick.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Topping
Now for the best part: sprinkle a small mound of grated Parmesan cheese over each slice. Don’t be shy here—this addition is crucial for creating that irresistibly crispy, salty top layer that makes this Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe shine.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the squash becoming tender and the cheese turning a lovely golden brown. This transformation in the oven creates a fantastic texture contrast between the soft squash and the crispy Parmesan crust.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once baked, serve your Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash immediately, while the cheese is still delightfully crisp. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot for the full flavorful experience!
How to Serve Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this dish with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and mild heat. A light squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or even a hearty pasta dish. It’s the perfect lighter complement that adds a savory, cheesy vegetable side without overwhelming the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer your Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash onto crostini with a smear of goat cheese for an elegant appetizer, or toss the baked slices into a warm grain salad for an extra cheesy, veggie-packed boost. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep that crispy Parmesan topping, it’s best to reheat them briefly and not let them sit too long.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because the squash becomes watery and the Parmesan loses its crispness. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a few days.
Reheating
To reheat, place the squash slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This quick blast of heat helps restore the crunch to the Parmesan topping while warming the squash through.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works just as well and can be substituted one-for-one for yellow squash in this Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the squash before slicing?
There’s no need to peel the squash; the skin is tender and adds great color and nutrition, plus it crisps up nicely when baked with the Parmesan.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can swap the Parmesan cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Fresh minced garlic can be used, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the squash. Garlic powder offers a more balanced, subtle garlic flavor in this recipe.
What’s the best way to slice the squash thinly and evenly?
Using a mandoline slicer is the easiest way to get uniformly thin slices, ensuring even cooking and a nice presentation for your Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious way to enjoy fresh summer squash, this Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe is just the ticket. It’s simple to prepare but packs an impressive punch of flavor and texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this easy, cheesy, golden treat again and again.
Print
Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Thinly Sliced Parmesan Squash recipe features tender yellow squash rounds baked to golden perfection with a flavorful coating of olive oil, garlic powder, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, crispy, and savory side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Squash & Seasonings
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the squash slices nicely while melting the Parmesan.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Squash: Lay the 1/4-inch thick squash slices out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping to allow even cooking.
- Oil and Season: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the squash slices and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly atop for flavor.
- Add Cheese: Top each slice with a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and form a golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the squash becomes tender and the Parmesan turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately as a delicious, crispy side dish to complement your main course.
Notes
- For a sharper flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Make sure the squash slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- You can substitute yellow squash with zucchini if preferred.
- Watch the baking time closely to avoid burning the Parmesan cheese.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or roasted chicken.
