Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds Recipe

The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds Recipe to Savor Tonight

Golden, crisp squash rounds sprinkled with melted cheesy baked squash rounds create a mouthwatering side dish that steals the spotlight at any dinner table.

Vibrant yellow squash slices transform into a delectable treat with just a few simple ingredients.

Each round becomes a canvas of savory flavors, promising a delightful crunch in every bite.

The cheese melts into delicate pools, caressing the tender squash with rich, tangy goodness.

Fresh herbs add a subtle brightness that complements the creamy, golden exterior.

This recipe offers a quick and easy way to elevate humble squash into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single crispy, cheesy morsel straight from the baking sheet.

FAQs

  • What type of squash works best for this recipe?

Yellow summer squash or zucchini are perfect for this dish, providing a tender texture and mild flavor that absorbs seasonings wonderfully.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar all work great. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the squash’s delicate taste.

  • How thin should I slice the squash?

Aim for 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures even cooking and allows the cheese to melt perfectly without making the squash soggy.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the squash rounds ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just add the cheese right before putting them in the oven for the best crispy texture.

Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds To Try

  • Create Impressive Dessert: Design stunning half-sphere cheesecake domes that look like professional pastry shop creations, guaranteed to wow guests and spark conversation.
  • Master Gourmet Techniques: Learn sophisticated dessert-making skills like using silicone molds, creating fruit fillings, and working with delicate ingredients without complex professional training.
  • Customize with Flair: Easily swap ingredients like choosing different nuts or fruits, allowing personal creativity and making the recipe adaptable to individual taste preferences and seasonal availability.
  • Prepare Ahead Brilliantly: Make these elegant desserts in advance, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions where you want stress-free entertaining with a show-stopping finale.

Ingredients For Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds

Main Ingredients:
  • Squash: A fresh, versatile vegetable that serves as the base for these delicious rounds.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds a rich, melty topping that creates a golden and crispy texture.
Seasoning and Flavoring:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients provide a savory and aromatic enhancement to the squash rounds.
Preparation Support:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents the squash from sticking to the baking sheet.

Step-By-Step Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some delicious veggie magic.

Step 2: Transform the Squash

Grab your cutting board and slice the squash into perfect circular rounds that are thin and uniform.

Step 3: Season and Coat

Toss the squash slices with these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Make sure each slice gets a delicious coating of seasonings.

Step 4: Create a Tasty Landscape

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully arrange the seasoned squash rounds in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overlapping.

Step 5: Shower with Cheesy Goodness

Generously sprinkle a blanket of shredded cheese over each squash round, covering them with melty deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and let the squash rounds bake for 12-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden and start bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Cool and Devour

Remove from the oven and let the rounds rest for a few minutes.

Then dive in and enjoy these crispy, cheesy vegetable treats while they’re still warm!

Tips For Perfect Cheesy Squash Rounds

  • Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform 1/4-inch squash rounds for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Pat squash slices dry with paper towels before seasoning to remove excess moisture and ensure crispy edges.
  • Opt for harder cheeses like parmesan or sharp cheddar that melt beautifully and provide a rich, tangy flavor.
  • Experiment with different squash varieties like zucchini or yellow squash to add variety and increase nutritional value.
  • Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent cheese from burning and achieve perfect golden color.

Creative Variations For Cheesy Squash Rounds

  • Zucchini Parmesan Rounds: Replace yellow squash with zucchini, use parmesan cheese instead of mixed cheese.
  • Vegan Nutritional Boost: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast, use almond parmesan for dairy-free topping.
  • Spicy Herb Squash Bites: Add red pepper flakes, sprinkle fresh chopped basil and thyme before baking for extra flavor.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Use aged cheddar cheese, reduce cooking time slightly to maintain crispier texture.

Best Pairings For Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the cheesy, roasted squash with its bright acidity and herbaceous notes, cutting through the richness of the melted cheese.
  • Match with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Serve these cheesy squash rounds alongside a succulent herb-roasted chicken for a balanced, satisfying meal that highlights the vegetable's delicate flavor.
  • Enhance with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy squash rounds.
  • Add Grilled Salmon Option: Pair the squash rounds with a perfectly grilled salmon fillet, which provides a delicate protein that beautifully complements the crispy, cheesy vegetable rounds.

Storing Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds Safely

  • Store leftover squash rounds in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Warm rounds at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and revive melted cheese texture. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer for best results.
  • Quickly crisp rounds in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning once to ensure even heating and maintain cheese's golden color.
  • Skip microwave reheating as it makes cheese rubbery and squash soggy, compromising the original crispy, cheesy texture.
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Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds Recipe

Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy golden squash rounds embrace melted cheese in this irresistible Mediterranean-inspired side dish. Delightful circles of squash promise a simple yet elegant accompaniment that brings warmth and comfort to your table, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 medium yellow squash or zucchini
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or a mix)

Seasoning:

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal roasting environment for the squash.
  2. Carefully cut the squash into uniform 1/4-inch circular slices, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the squash rounds, then generously season with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, coating each slice thoroughly.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  5. Strategically arrange the seasoned squash slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
  6. Distribute shredded cheese evenly across the surface of each squash round, creating a melty, golden topping.
  7. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesy squash rounds to cool slightly, helping the cheese set and preventing burns.
  9. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the crispy, cheesy vegetable rounds as a delightful side dish or appetizer.

Notes

  • Choose firm, fresh squash for the best texture and even cooking.
  • Pat squash slices dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy edges.
  • Try different cheese varieties like parmesan, cheddar, or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
  • For a low-carb option, swap regular cheese with nutritional yeast or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 225 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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