Description
Crispy golden cheesy baked squash rounds showcase seasonal garden goodness with irresistible Mediterranean charm. Delicate squash slices melt with rich cheese, offering a simple yet elegant side dish that elevates any meal for hungry home cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) rounds
Cheese & Breading:
- 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) breadcrumbs
Seasonings & Oil:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Create a flavorful coating by combining breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over each squash round, ensuring complete coverage, then generously dredge in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture for a crispy exterior.
- Carefully arrange the coated squash rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each piece to promote even browning.
- Distribute shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of each squash round, creating a golden, melty layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown topping.
- Remove from the oven and allow the rounds to rest for 3-4 minutes, which helps the cheese set and prevents burning, then serve immediately while warm and crisp.
Notes
- Choose squash rounds with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Pat squash rounds dry with paper towels before coating to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create crispier edges.
- Try different cheese varieties like Gruyère or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles and melting characteristics.
- Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal for a low-carb, celiac-friendly alternative without compromising crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg