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Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash

Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash

Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash is a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish featuring tender roasted yellow squash rounds topped with a crispy, golden Parmesan cheese crust. Perfectly balancing soft sweetness and savory notes, this easy-to-make recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and ideal for weeknight meals, kid-friendly dinners, and versatile pairings with grilled meats, pasta, and salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 3 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds

Cheese & Dairy

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the squash: Wash the yellow squash thoroughly. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking and perfect layering under the Parmesan crust.
  2. Season the slices: Arrange the squash slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs to enhance the flavor.
  3. Add the Parmesan topping: Sprinkle a thick layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each slice. For extra texture and crunch, add a pinch of Panko breadcrumbs if desired.
  4. Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the Parmesan topping is bubbling and golden brown.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the squash from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to let the cheese set perfectly and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline slicer to achieve even, uniform squash rounds for consistent cooking.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a richer and more authentic cheesy flavor.
  • Arrange squash slices in a single layer with space between them to ensure crispiness and avoid sogginess.
  • Keep an eye on baking time after 15 minutes, especially if you added breadcrumbs, to prevent burning.
  • Let the baked squash rest briefly after removal from the oven to allow the cheese crust to set and enhance texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan, Yellow Squash, Baked Squash, Healthy Side Dish, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Easy Side Dish, Cheesy Vegetables, Roasted Squash