Description
Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds are a delicious and easy appetizer or side dish featuring thinly sliced yellow squash or zucchini topped with a blend of melted cheese and mild spices, baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful, and healthy snack that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium yellow squash or zucchini
Seasonings & Oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or a mix)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the squash rounds evenly.
- Slice the squash: Slice the yellow squash or zucchini into thin, 1/4-inch rounds to create uniform pieces that cook evenly and allow the cheese to melt nicely on top.
- Toss with seasoning: In a bowl, gently toss the squash slices with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to evenly coat each slice and infuse them with flavor before baking.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Lay the seasoned squash rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each squash round, making sure each piece gets a good cheesy coverage which will melt and brown beautifully.
- Bake: Bake the squash rounds in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the cheesy squash rounds cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can use yellow squash, zucchini, or a mix depending on your preference or what’s available.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella or gouda.
- The optional paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Make sure to slice the squash evenly for uniform cooking time.
- Serve these as a healthy snack, appetizer, or a side dish to complement your main course.
