Roasted Patty Pan Squash with Parmesan

Sharing is caring!

You are going to love this roasted patty pan squash with parmesan - it's a fantastic summer squash recipe!

I truly think this is the best way to make patty pan squash. Most summer squash is better sauteed - it doesn't stand up well to roasting. But, a patty pan is a denser, sturdier summer squash that benefits from a good roast in the oven.

Patty pan are a little tricky to find, and may only be available at your local farmer's market. Keep your eyes peeled for them starting in July. They're usually available all through the later summer months.

What Are Patty Pan Squash

Pattypan squash (or patty pan) is a summer squash varietal that has a mild flavor similar to yellow squash and crookneck squash. Their skin is slightly thicker than other summer squashes and zucchini, but it's edible and quite tasty.

Patty pan squash is also called UFO squash (for its resemblance to a flying saucer shape), granny squash, and custard squash. Its unique scalloped edge shape and small size make some people think it's just a decorative and inedible gourd! I think you'll find that it's a delicious, tender, and uniquely flavored squash.

You'll likely find patty pan comes in a variety of colors. They're often light green, dark green, white, yellow, orange, or some variety of several of those colors.

In general, the smaller the squash the more tender and flavorful it will be. If you have a large pattypan squash, I recommend stuffing it like acorn squash.

Patty pan squash is often grown by backyard gardeners and you can often find it at the farmers market. If you're lucky, your local grocery store will have it in stock in July or August.

Jump to:

• What Are Patty Pan Squash
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• More Great Summer Squash Recipes
• Substitutions & Variations
• What to Serve with Squash
• Storage
• Tips for Making this Recipe
• Roasted Patty Pan Squash with Parmesan

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this patty pan squash recipe.

• Patty pan squash
• Olive oil, avocado oil, or neutral oil
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Optional - finely chopped parsley or micro greens for a garnish

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F. 

Slice the patty pan squash lengthwise into ¼ inch slices. 

Place the squash slices in a single layer on a parchment or aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Use two baking sheets if necessary. 

Brush the squash slices with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on each slice. Flip the squash and repeat with olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

Sprinkle most of the parmesan cheese across the squash slices (reserving 2 to 3 tablespoons). 

Bake the squash for 20 minutes. Then turn the broiler on high for 1 minute till the cheese is lightly browned. 

Remove the squash from the oven and place on a serving dish. Sprinkle on the remaining parmesan. 

Serve immediately with an optional garnish of chopped parsley or micro greens. 

More Great Summer Squash Recipes

Love delicious summer squash? Try some of our other favorite recipes with zucchini and yellow summer squash.

• Zucchini Spaghetti (Zoodles with Marinara)
• Sautéed Yellow Squash
• Baked Cotija Zucchini Fries
• Summer Squash Tomato Gratin

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some other variations to this recipe and substitution ideas.

• Fresh Herbs - instead of using micro greens or parsley to top the squash, use some chopped fresh basil, oregano, thyme, sage, or whatever other seasonal herbs you have available.
• Balsamic Vinegar - if you want a little tang, drizzle some balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the squash after they come out of the oven.
• Cheese - feel free to substitute the type of cheese used on these squash - you may enjoy the flavor of goat cheese as well. If you use a softer cheese, cook the squash for 10 minutes before adding it, and then bake for 10 more minutes after adding the cheese.
• Breadcrumbs - if you'd like a crispy squash topping, sub ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese for ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs. Mix the panko and parm together and use it to top the squash slices.

What to Serve with Squash

Here are some wonderful main course ideas that pair well with roasted summer squash.

• Baked Parmesan Panko Cod Recipe - a delicious crispy cod recipe.
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs - zesty and flavorful chicken thighs.
• Pan-Seared Halibut with Capers and Dill - a robust, flavorful fish dinner recipe.
• Easy Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe - the simplest way to make shrimp!

Storage

This recipe is best served fresh from the oven. However, you can save the squash in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, in an airtight container.

Reheat the squash in the oven or a toaster oven as using the microwave will make it too damp.

Tips for Making this Recipe

Links on some posts are affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cooking Tips - Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment, aluminum foil, or a silpat. This will keep the squash from sticking and make clean up much easier!

Ingredient Tips - try to find patty pan squash that are about the size of your palm. Any larger and they won't be as tender.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Connect with us on Instagram and share your photos or leave us a rating.