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If you’re hunting for a snack or side dish that wraps up comfort, flavor, and a little bit of pizzazz in one easy bite, the Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish features tender, thinly sliced squash rounds baked to perfection under a blanket of bubbling, golden cheese. With its irresistible crisp edges and melty cheesy topping, it’s the kind of recipe that turns everyday squash into something memorable and utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or impressing guests, these crispy rounds bring warmth and freshness that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients combine to create a truly satisfying dish here—each plays a starring role in bringing out the best in those squash rounds. From the subtle sweetness of yellow squash to the rich creaminess of mozzarella and Parmesan, every element adds texture, flavor, and color that makes this recipe shine.
- Yellow squash (2 medium): The base of your dish, sliced thinly for the perfect tender-crisp bite.
- Olive oil (1–2 tablespoons): Helps to roast the squash beautifully and keep the cheese from sticking.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle, savory kick without overpowering the squash.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Brings that gooey, melty texture we all crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): For a nutty, crispy topping that’s pure flavor gold.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish): A fresh, herbal note to brighten up the dish.
How to Make Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for achieving that perfect crispy edge on the squash while ensuring the cheese melts beautifully. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Coat the Squash Rounds
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced squash rounds with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. This step ensures that each round is evenly coated, which helps the flavors penetrate and the squash develop a golden hue in the oven.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lay the squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced without overlapping. This spacing is essential for air circulation, which gives you those irresistibly crispy edges on every slice.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella followed by grated Parmesan over each squash slice. This combination creates a luscious, cheesy crust that melts and browns while baking, perfectly complementing the tender vegetable beneath.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Golden
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the squash is cooked through, and the cheese looks melted and golden.
Step 6: Broil for Extra Crispy Finish
If you love a little extra crunch, switch your oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on the rounds as the cheese bubbles and browns quickly—you want a golden finish, not burnt cheese!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the squash rounds cool just a bit before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This final touch adds freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are fantastic for garnishing these crispy rounds, offering a slight peppery or sweet aroma that cuts through the richness of the cheese. A light drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes can also add an exciting layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
These cheesy squash rounds pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, a hearty grain like quinoa or farro, or alongside grilled chicken or fish. Their versatility means they fit right in whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a comforting dinner side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking the cheesy squash rounds in mini towers for a playful appetizer. You could also serve them on a platter with various dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli to turn them into a shareable party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they don’t usually last long), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cheesy crust might soften a bit but reheats nicely.
Freezing
Freezing cheesy squash rounds is possible but not ideal if you want to keep the crispy texture. If you do freeze them, wrap the rounds individually and store them in a freezer bag for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps crisp them up again better than a microwave, which tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works just as well and offers a similar mild flavor and texture. Feel free to swap one for the other or even mix both for variety.
Is garlic powder necessary?
Nope, garlic powder is optional. It adds a subtle depth of flavor, but the squash and cheeses are flavorful enough on their own if you prefer to skip it.
How do I get the squash rounds extra crispy?
The key is not overlapping the slices on the baking sheet and finishing with a quick broil. Make sure the oven is fully preheated when you start baking to get a nice roast on the edges.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can try using vegan cheese alternatives and olive oil as usual. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ, but it can still be delicious!
What can I serve with Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe?
These rounds are fantastic with fresh salads, roasted meats, or as a part of a larger vegetable platter. They also make a tasty snack on their own!
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and packs so much flavor into such a simple dish. Whether you’re a squash lover or just looking to elevate your veggie game, this recipe is a wonderful way to bring comfort and joy to the table. Give it a try and watch how quickly these cheesy bites disappear—your taste buds will thank you!
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Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds are a delicious and healthy appetizer or side dish, featuring tender yellow squash slices topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection with a crispy finish. Simple to prepare and perfect for a quick snack or a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Squash Rounds
- 2 medium yellow squash (or zucchini), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare squash slices. In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced squash rounds with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange on baking sheet. Lay the squash rounds out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap for even cooking.
- Add cheese topping. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over each squash round to cover the surface.
- Bake the squash. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the squash is tender and the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
- Broil for crispiness. For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil the rounds for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute zucchini for yellow squash if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil according to your preference for crispiness.
- If you do not have garlic powder, you can omit it or use fresh minced garlic.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- These rounds are best served fresh while warm and crispy.
