Description
Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash is a quick and healthy side dish that combines tender yellow squash slices with a crispy, golden Parmesan and breadcrumb crust. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers a cheesy, savory flavor with a satisfying crunchy texture, making it a family-friendly and versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 medium fresh yellow squash, rinsed and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided; some for greasing and some for topping mixture)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help the edges brown evenly.
- Slice the Yellow Squash: Rinse and dry the squash, then cut into even ¼-inch thick rounds. Uniform slices ensure that everything cooks evenly without any pieces getting soggy or overdone.
- Mix the Topping: In a bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil just enough to moisten the mixture and help it brown while baking.
- Assemble the Squash: Arrange the yellow squash slices in a single layer in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top, making sure to cover all slices for maximum crispiness.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid burning.
Notes
- Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform thickness, which promotes even cooking.
- Fresh Parmesan Is Key: Grate your own cheese for the best melt and flavor profile.
- Avoid Soggy Results: Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; give each slice space so the heat circulates properly.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Adding a light coat over the topping helps with browning and crisp texture.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool a few minutes before serving so the topping firms up nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg