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If you’re looking for a deliciously innovative way to enjoy yellow squash, look no further than these mouthwatering Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds. This recipe is a game-changer, turning a humble vegetable into crispy, cheesy bites that will have your family asking for seconds.
Last summer, when my garden was bursting with yellow squash, I stumbled upon this recipe and it instantly became a household favorite. The combination of gooey cheddar, savory Parmesan, and crunchy breadcrumbs takes these squash rounds to a whole new level of flavor.
Whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your picky eater’s diet or simply looking for a tasty side dish to accompany your grilled meals, these Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds are sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your squash game and add a touch of cheesy goodness to your table with this easy and irresistible recipe.
Quick Benefits
- Transform how you think about yellow squash – a delicious twist on a humble vegetable
- Appeals to picky eaters – even children enjoy these cheesy squash rounds
- Versatile and customizable – try different cheese combinations and seasoning for variety
- Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser – perfect for family meals, barbecues, or as a tasty snack
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds: Easy and Delicious Recipe Recipe
- Transformative Flavor: The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese along with the crispy texture of the breadcrumbs elevates the humble yellow squash into a delicious and flavorful dish.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters have been won over by these cheesy baked squash rounds, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized with different cheese combinations, herbs, and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Surprisingly Addictive: Even vegetable skeptics have been converted after trying these cheesy rounds, making them a great way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their veggies.
- Easy to Pair: These squash rounds make a perfect side dish for any meal and can be served alongside a variety of main dishes, making them a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
- Great for Snacking: Whether as an after-school snack or a party appetizer, these cheesy squash rounds are a satisfying and flavorful option that everyone will love.
- Endless Variations: With different cheese, herb, and topping combinations, you can create a variety of flavors to keep things interesting and cater to different preferences.
- Perfect for Experimenting: Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own by trying out different ingredients and flavors to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Vegetables
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Cheese & Breading
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Coating
Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 3: Coat Squash
Coat both sides of each squash round with olive oil, then cover with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Arrange & Top
Arrange the coated squash rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Allow to sit for a few minutes before serving while still warm.
Storage Tips
Once you’ve made a batch of these delicious cheesy baked squash rounds, you may have leftovers that you’d like to store for later. To keep them fresh, allow the squash rounds to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers of squash rounds to prevent them from sticking together. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the squash rounds again, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they are warmed through and the cheese is melty and gooey.
If you have a larger batch of cheesy baked squash rounds that you’d like to store for a longer period, you can freeze them for later use. Allow the squash rounds to cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the squash rounds are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Properly stored, the cheesy baked squash rounds will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Enjoy the cheesy goodness of these squash rounds even on your busiest days by having a stash ready in the freezer.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lactose-free or vegan alternative, you can substitute the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheddar and nutritional yeast. This swap will still give you a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Additionally, you can try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture in the dish.
If you want to experiment with different flavors, consider using different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a Mediterranean herb blend instead of the oregano and basil for a unique taste profile. You can also switch up the type of squash used in this recipe; zucchini or pattypan squash can be great alternatives if you have those on hand. These variations can add a new twist to the dish while still maintaining the essence of the cheesy baked squash rounds.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your usual side dish routine with these cheesy baked squash rounds. For a fun and interactive appetizer, set up a DIY squash round bar with various toppings like crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or different cheese blends. Let your guests customize their own squash rounds before baking them to crispy perfection. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and excited about eating their veggies.
Take these cheesy squash rounds to the next level by turning them into a delicious vegetarian main course. Layer the baked rounds with marinara sauce, fresh basil, and more cheese to create a squash parmigiana dish. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, then serve with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the biggest vegetable skeptics.
FAQs for Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! Zucchini can be a great substitute for yellow squash in this recipe. The taste and texture will be very similar, so feel free to use whichever one you have on hand or prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?
While these cheesy baked squash rounds are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness, you can certainly make them ahead of time and reheat them. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of these cheesy baked squash rounds by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and skipping the Parmesan cheese. Look for vegan cheddar-style shreds and breadcrumbs that do not contain any animal products.
Can I freeze these cheesy squash rounds for later?
While the texture may not be as crispy after freezing and reheating, you can freeze these cheesy squash rounds for later enjoyment. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through.
Conclusion
As you embark on your culinary journey with Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds, remember that the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these crispy delights are sure to win over even the pickiest of eaters. Experiment with different cheese blends, herbs, and toppings to make this dish uniquely yours.
So go ahead, bring a little magic to your table with these Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds. Let the aroma of melted cheese and herbs fill your kitchen as you create a dish that will have your family and friends coming back for more. Embrace the joy of transforming a humble vegetable into a delicious and wholesome treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds: Easy and Delicious Recipe
“Transform humble yellow squash into crispy, cheesy bites with this irresistible recipe that even vegetable skeptics will love.”
Prep Time10 Minutes
Cook Time25 Minutes
Total Time35 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings4 Servings
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Cheese & Breading
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare Coating: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
-
Coat Squash: Coat both sides of each squash round with olive oil, then cover with the breadcrumb mixture.
-
Arrange & Top: Arrange the coated squash rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
-
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
-
Serve: Allow to sit for a few minutes before serving while still warm.
