Baked Parmesan Yellow Squash Rounds: A simple and delightful recipe using only two ingredients—yellow squash and grated Parmesan! Every summer, one of my most beloved recipes is the Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds, and this year, it has gained viral attention once again.
Enjoy this crispy roasted yellow squash topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs, which requires only three ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation. You can pair this summer squash with almost any main dish—whether it’s BBQ chicken, grilled steaks, pasta, or fried fish. This versatile, tasty recipe is also great with zucchini!
On one hand, I find it amusing that the recipe for Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds is so simple (just two ingredients!) that it nearly escaped being shared at all. On the other hand, I get why it’s a summer sensation—its simplicity is matched only by its addictiveness. Seriously, it’s my top pick for enjoying zucchini, and I could easily devour an entire pan myself! Unfortunately, my family feels the same way, so sharing is a must.
With its recent rise in popularity, I’ve received inquiries about whether this zucchini dish could be adapted for yellow squash—also known as summer squash. I was skeptical at first; I’ve always felt the zucchini version was perfect as is and had specific ways I preferred to enjoy yellow squash, like in a cheesy, baked Southern Squash Casserole.
However, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to try making Baked Parmesan Yellow Squash Rounds. And wow, why hadn’t I done this sooner? This version turned out just as delightful and addictive as its zucchini counterpart! After photographing them, my seven-year-old, my husband, and I couldn’t help but gather around the plate and devour them all—grabbing them with our fingers, and I have zero regrets. It turned into the best sort of appetizer, and I was secretly proud that we polished off two whole squashes so quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulge in the simplicity of summer cooking with recipes that require minimal effort and ingredients, like this delicious oven-roasted yellow squash. Unlike the more complex dishes such as cheesy zucchini gratin or fresh muffins that demand more preparation, this side dish is a perfect last-minute addition to your meal. It only needs 10 minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, sparing you the hassle of urgent grocery runs and lengthy cooking times.
The result? Delectably crispy, browned Parmesan atop tender squash, which you can enhance with fresh herbs if available. It’s not essential, but it adds a nice touch. This flavorful, effortless dish pairs wonderfully with nearly any main course, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.
How to Cook Yellow Squash
This two-ingredient recipe is surprisingly delicious. Start by slicing your yellow squash into pieces no thicker than ¼-inch — they will shrink slightly as they bake. Lay them out on a baking sheet, season with salt and pepper (garlic salt is a great alternative for added flavor), and top each slice with a generous amount of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese. Bake until the squash softens and the cheese turns bubbly and golden — you might even broil it for the last few minutes for extra crispiness. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Choosing the Best Parmesan for This Recipe
The type of Parmesan you use can significantly influence the dish’s flavor and texture. I recommend using freshly-grated Parmesan, which you can grate yourself or buy pre-grated from your grocery store’s cheese counter. This type of Parmesan melts beautifully and integrates seamlessly into the dish.
You could experiment with real shredded Parmesan, though it may melt and brown differently from what is shown in the photos. And if you opt for the pre-packaged cheese from the green shaker can, be aware that it might not melt as well, if at all.
So, are you ready to fall in love with yellow summer squash, or at least give it a chance if you weren’t a fan before? These Baked Parmesan Yellow Squash Rounds are a newfound favorite summer side of mine, and I’m thrilled to finally share this easy, tasty recipe with you.
Baked Yellow Squash with Parmesan Topping Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow summer squashes
- Garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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