Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe
If you’re ready to level up your veggie game, Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds are pure gold. Picture perfectly tender circles of yellow squash topped with a bubbling, golden cheese crust—savory, flavorful, and so utterly snackable, you’ll find yourself craving just one more bite. These rounds are everything: a quick side, a secretly healthy snack, or a colorful highlight for casual dinners with friends. The best part? You just need a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps to turn everyday squash into an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Trust me, this Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds recipe will quickly become your go-to for cheering up any weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all about letting the fresh flavor and texture of squash shine while adding enough cheese and crunch for serious satisfaction. Each item on this list brings something special—flavor, crispness, or that picture-perfect browning you crave from oven-baked snacks.
- Yellow squash: Offers a mildly sweet, tender base with beautiful color and takes on all that cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and creates a crunchy, savory topping as it bakes.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving each round a gooey, stretchy texture.
- Breadcrumbs: The secret to the ultimate crisp factor—panko adds extra crunch, but regular works fine!
- Garlic powder: Sprinkles in a little savory depth that complements both the cheese and the squash.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a balanced blend of herbs that makes each bite taste like something truly special.
- Salt: Enhances all those flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the squash.
- Black pepper: Brings a mild kick and rounds out the savory profile.
- Olive oil spray or drizzle: Helps everything crisp up in the oven and adds that lovely richness.
How to Make Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your rounds from sticking and also makes cleanup a breeze. If you’ve got convection, even better! It’ll help that cheese and breadcrumb topping get extra golden and crunchy.
Step 2: Slice and Oil the Squash
Using a sharp knife, slice your yellow squash into even 1/4-inch rounds. Lay them flat in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush both sides with olive oil—you want just enough to help the cheese mixture stick and to encourage browning, but not so much that they become soggy.
Step 3: Mix Up the Cheesy Coating
In a small mixing bowl, combine your grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good toss. You’ll notice this combo already smells fantastic and promises that satisfying crunch and savory flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Top the Rounds Generously
Spoon a heaping mound of the cheesy breadcrumb mixture onto each squash round. Pat it down gently with your fingertips—don’t be shy! You want the coating to really stick so each round ends up perfectly crisp and golden on top.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy, Golden Perfection
Slide the baking sheet onto the middle rack and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. You’re looking for gorgeous golden brown tops and fork-tender squash underneath. Want even more crunch? Broil for a minute or two at the end, but keep a close eye so they don’t burn.
Step 6: Let Them Cool and Enjoy
Let your Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds rest for a couple of minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set for easy lifting—and makes them less likely to burn your fingers when you dive in!
How to Serve Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds color and a burst of freshness that’s the perfect contrast to all that rich cheese. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can also wake things up.
Side Dishes
These rounds shine as a side for just about anything: pair them with simple roast chicken, a grilled steak, or a fresh salad. They’re also right at home on an appetizer platter—think ranch dip or a marinara sauce for dunking.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds in little towers for a fun party appetizer, or serve them arranged in concentric circles on a platter to turn any meal into a colorful celebration. For potlucks, tuck them into lunchboxes or set out with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but miracles do happen), store cooled rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a bit of crispness, but a quick refresh in the oven brings them right back to life.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds! Arranged in a single layer and frozen until solid, they can be stored in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Just let them thaw for a few minutes before reheating so they re-crisp rather than steam.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F (205°C) for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the coating is crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but the rounds will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works wonderfully in this recipe, offering a similar mild flavor and texture. Just be sure to slice it to the same thickness for even baking.
What’s the best way to get maximum crunch?
Use panko breadcrumbs and finish the rounds under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet, which lets the heat circulate and keeps the rounds crispy.
Are Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds gluten-free?
This recipe, as written, uses regular or panko breadcrumbs, which aren’t gluten-free. But simply swap them for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb option, and you’re set!
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble and coat the squash rounds, then refrigerate (covered) for a few hours. Bake just before guests arrive so everyone gets to enjoy them fresh and crispy.
Why did my rounds turn out soggy?
If the rounds are too thick, or if you add too much oil, they can become soft rather than crisp. Stick with 1/4-inch slices, use a light hand with oil, and be sure to give them space on the baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
If you love recipes that are easy, inviting, and impossible to stop nibbling, give these Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds a try. They’re light on effort, big on flavor, and guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face—so grab some squash and make a batch soon!
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Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds are a delightful and flavorful way to enjoy summer squash. With a golden brown, crispy cheese topping, they make a perfect side dish or low-carb snack.
Ingredients
Yellow Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- olive oil spray or drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Squash: Lightly spray or brush both sides of the squash rounds with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add Cheese Topping: Spoon or sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over each squash round, pressing it down gently to adhere.
- Bake: Bake for 20–22 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Great as a side dish or low-carb snack.
- For extra crispiness, broil the rounds for the last 1–2 minutes.
- Zucchini can be used in place of yellow squash.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8 rounds
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
