Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant appetizer or a crave-worthy side, look no further than these Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds. Each bite combines golden-baked squash with a bubbling cheesy topping, resulting in an irresistible combo of crispy edges, creamy cheese, and a whisper of garlic. Whether you serve them for a casual dinner or as a dazzling party snack, these rounds deliver big flavor with a surprising lightness––destined to become a favorite in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds is their wonderful simplicity. Each ingredient has a starring role, contributing something essential to the taste, texture, or color. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why each component matters.
- Yellow squash (or zucchini): The star of the show! Both options roast up beautifully, soaking in the olive oil and crisping at the edges.
- Olive oil: Just enough to help the squash rounds roast and get delightfully crisp without being greasy.
- Salt and black pepper: A must for brightening flavor and enhancing all the cheesy goodness.
- Garlic powder: Totally optional, but it delivers a mild savory note that plays perfectly with melted cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This is where the creamy, melty magic happens.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty edge and helps create that irresistible crispy top.
- Fresh parsley or basil: A burst of color and fresh flavor to finish off your rounds, making them as pretty as they are tasty.
How to Make Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have parchment paper, line your baking sheet with it––this means easy cleanup and prevents sticking. If not, a light coating of oil will do the trick. Setting up your pan ahead of time makes everything else a breeze.
Step 2: Toss the Squash
Slice your yellow squash (or zucchini) into lovely 1/4-inch rounds. Place them in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you want a hint of extra flavor. The oil ensures they roast up golden and crisp, and those seasonings wake up the mild squash perfectly.
Step 3: Arrange for Maximum Crispiness
Lay out your seasoned rounds on the baking sheet in a single, even layer. Give them some space! If the squash slices are crowded or overlap, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you want those golden edges on every piece.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Now the best part: generously sprinkle each squash round with both mozzarella and grated Parmesan. The mix gives you gooey meltiness and a crunchy top––the signature of these Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Bake your squash rounds for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as the cheese melts, bubbles, and begins to turn beautiful shades of gold. The squash should be just tender, not mushy.
Step 6: Broil for Extra Crunch
If you love a real crunch, switch your oven to broil for just 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely—this step transforms your cheese into golden, crispy perfection, but can go from lovely to burnt in a flash.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Let your rounds cool for a minute so the cheese can settle, then shower them with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve them up warm, and get ready for a chorus of “just one more!”
How to Serve Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished rounds with fresh chopped parsley or basil to elevate their color and aroma. A dash of crushed red pepper or a squeeze of lemon brings a zippy accent that cuts through the richness, if you want to switch things up.
Side Dishes
Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds make a delightful companion for everything from grilled chicken to roast salmon. Try pairing them with a crisp salad, or add them to a Mediterranean-inspired spread with olives and hummus.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a wooden board for an appetizer tower, or tuck a few rounds into lettuce leaves for fun low-carb “tacos.” You can also use them as a playful topper on a grain bowl or as a hearty snack for a kid-friendly lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’re delicious even cold if you’re looking for a quick, protein-packed snack the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze these rounds if needed. Lay them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag—this prevents sticking. Keep in mind, the texture will soften after thawing, but the flavor remains spot-on.
Reheating
To revive that signature crispiness, reheat your rounds in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the squash soggy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash for Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds?
Absolutely! Zucchini works beautifully, and you can even mix different squashes together for a colorful platter. Just try to slice them evenly for best results.
Do I have to use both mozzarella and Parmesan?
While the combination delivers the richest flavor and texture, you can use only one if that’s what you have on hand. Swap in other cheeses like cheddar or Asiago for a twist!
How do I keep the rounds from turning out soggy?
The secret is spacing: arrange your rounds in a single layer with plenty of room so steam doesn’t build up. Broiling at the end also helps create an ultra-crispy top.
Can these be made dairy-free or vegan?
Definitely! Use your favorite vegan cheese alternatives—look for those that melt well—and follow the same baking directions. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top adds a cheesy flavor boost too.
Are Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they work well for meal prep. Bake a batch and enjoy them over the next few days as a side, snack, or salad topper—just store and reheat as described above for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds, you’ll see just how easy and addictive they can be. With their golden crunch and gooey center, they’re proof that a few humble ingredients can create something truly memorable. Give them a try and share the joy—they might just become your new go-to favorite!
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Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these crispy baked cheesy squash rounds as a delightful appetizer or side dish. The perfect combination of tender squash with gooey melted cheese will have everyone coming back for more!
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
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Toss Squash: In a bowl, toss the squash rounds with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the squash rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over each squash round.
- Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Broil for Crispy Top: For an extra crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end until bubbly and lightly browned—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Crispy Baked Cheesy Squash Rounds, Squash Appetizer, Baked Squash Recipe, Cheesy Squash Rounds
