Roasted Patty Pan Squash

The Roasted Patty Pan Squash dish is a vibrant, summery celebration of simplicity and flavor. With tender squash infused with the aromatic essence of garlic, thyme, and a hint of lemon zest, this side dish offers a fresh and wholesome way to make the most of seasonal produce. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of a light lunch or pairing it with grilled meats or plant-based mains, its buttery texture and golden edges bring comforting richness without overpowering your plate.

Best of all, this recipe comes together in under 35 minutes, making it a convenient and healthy addition to any meal. The patty pan squash itself is not only adorable in shape but also rich in nutrients like vitamin C and fiber. Tossed in olive oil and roasted to caramelized perfection, it’s an ideal way to convert even the most veggie-shy diners. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh herbs to elevate both taste and presentation effortlessly.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1½ lb patty pan squash, halved or quartered if large

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a large bowl, toss the patty pan squash with olive oil, garlic, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well coated.

3. Spread the squash out in a single layer on a baking sheet.

4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly browned.

5. If using, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the squash and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes until melted.

6. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 130 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Roasted patty pan squash is a delightful, vibrant, and nutritious dish that celebrates the bounty of the summer garden. Known for its distinctive scalloped edges and playful UFO-like shape, patty pan squash is as visually appealing as it is delicious. When roasted, its firm flesh becomes tender and golden, with crisped edges and a sweet, nutty flavor enhanced by olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon zest or Parmesan.

This dish is a favorite among seasonal eaters, vegetarians, and those who simply want to enjoy a clean and uncomplicated side that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. Whether you’re looking to lighten your meal, use up your farmers market haul, or explore new vegetables, roasted patty pan squash is an easy and flavorful place to start.

What Is Patty Pan Squash?

Patty pan squash is a variety of summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash. It’s known for its unique shape round and shallow with scalloped edges earning it nicknames like “scallop squash” or “sunburst squash.” These squashes can come in a range of colors including pale green, bright yellow, or even white, and are typically harvested when they’re 2–4 inches wide for optimal tenderness and flavor.

Unlike winter squash, patty pan has a soft, edible skin and mild, buttery flavor that pairs well with herbs, garlic, cheese, and citrus. Its firm texture holds up well to roasting, making it a perfect candidate for high-heat cooking techniques that bring out its natural sugars and earthy flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

Roasting patty pan squash is one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring out its subtle, nutty-sweet flavor. High-heat roasting caramelizes the edges, creating a lovely contrast between the crisp outside and the tender, almost creamy inside. Garlic adds depth, herbs like thyme or basil bring brightness, and lemon zest or Parmesan rounds out the flavor with acidity or umami, depending on your preference.

This recipe works beautifully for several reasons:

• Simplicity: The ingredient list is short and seasonal, allowing the squash’s flavor to shine.
• Versatility: You can customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or add-ins like onions, cherry tomatoes, or chili flakes.
• Nutritional Value: Patty pan squash is low in calories and carbs but high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Visual Appeal: The squash’s unusual shape makes the final dish look rustic and impressive with minimal effort.

The Health Benefits of Patty Pan Squash

This summer squash is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. A single serving provides a healthy dose of:

• Vitamin C: Essential for immune health and skin support.
• Dietary Fiber: Helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full.
• Potassium: Aids in blood pressure regulation and muscle function.
• Antioxidants: Help fight inflammation and support cellular health.

Additionally, roasting it in olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, and if you choose to top it with Parmesan cheese, you also get a little protein and calcium. This dish can be enjoyed as part of a Mediterranean diet, a vegetarian or low-carb meal plan, or simply as a nutritious way to enjoy more vegetables.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Roasted patty pan squash is incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as a side dish, especially alongside grilled meats like chicken, pork, or steak. It also makes a great companion to baked fish, seared tofu, or hearty grain bowls.

Here are a few ways to serve it:

• As a Side Dish: Plate alongside roasted chicken, salmon, or lamb chops.
• On a Salad: Toss with arugula, goat cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette.
• In a Grain Bowl: Add to quinoa or farro with chickpeas and tahini dressing.
• For Brunch: Serve with eggs and crusty sourdough toast.
• As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve with a yogurt dip or pesto.

Roasted squash also keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Tips for Best Results

To get the best results from your roasted patty pan squash, consider the following tips:

• Cut Evenly: Try to keep your squash pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• High Heat is Key: Roasting at 425°F ensures a nice golden color and caramelization.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the squash room to roast rather than steam.
• Optional Cheese: Add grated Parmesan for a salty, nutty finish after roasting.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh thyme, parsley, or basil for a bright flavor contrast.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add chili flakes for heat or balsamic glaze for sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Despite its simplicity, there are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Overcooking: Patty pan squash becomes mushy if roasted too long. Watch it closely.
• Undersalting: Because squash is mild, under-seasoning can lead to a bland result.
• Not Drying Squash: Too much moisture will steam the squash instead of roasting it.
• Skipping the Garnish: Fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice elevate the whole dish.

Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t find patty pan squash, you can substitute with other summer squashes like zucchini or yellow squash. You can also enhance this dish with some creative add-ins:

• Red onion or shallots for sweetness
• Cherry tomatoes for juiciness
• Feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan
• Toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch
• Fresh mint or dill instead of parsley or basil

For a heartier take, mix roasted squash with cooked grains and beans to create a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Why You’ll Love It

Roasted patty pan squash hits the sweet spot between healthy and indulgent, easy and impressive. Its elegant presentation and delightful flavor make it a winning dish for casual weeknight dinners or elegant summer gatherings. It’s also:

• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
• Low in calories and carbs
• Adaptable to many flavor profiles
• Quick and easy to make with minimal prep
• Perfect for showcasing seasonal produce

This recipe proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring and that vegetables can be the star of the plate.

Conclusion

Roasted patty pan squash is a vibrant, healthy, and delicious dish that deserves a spot in your summer recipe rotation. With its caramelized edges, tender texture, and herbaceous notes, it transforms a humble vegetable into a standout side or light main dish. Its simplicity is its strength no fancy ingredients or techniques required, just fresh produce, a hot oven, and a few pantry staples.

Perfect for vegetarians and omnivores alike, this dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight meals. Once you try this roasted version, you’ll never look at squash the same way again. And if you’re lucky enough to find patty pan squash at your local market, this is the recipe that will help you fall in love with it.

Embrace seasonal eating, enjoy every bite, and let roasted patty pan squash bring a burst of color and flavor to your table.

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