If you’re craving a snack or side that’s irresistibly crunchy yet light and packed with flavor, this Crispy Oven-Baked Squash Recipe is your golden ticket. Picture thin rounds of yellow squash, coated in a perfectly seasoned blend of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, baked to a glorious crisp outside while staying tender on the inside. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that transforms humble squash into a crispy delight that’s bound to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect crunch, flavor, and color. From the fresh sweetness of the yellow squash to the savory, slightly spicy seasoning, every element counts.
- Yellow squash, 3 medium: Thinly sliced for quick, even baking and a tender interior.
- Yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup: Adds a crunchy, grainy texture that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup: Ensures extra crispness and helps bind the coating to the squash.
- Powdered Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup: Brings a savory, nutty depth and a little richness.
- Cajun seasoning, 2 tsp: Offers a spicy kick that perfectly complements the mild squash (use all-purpose seasoning if you prefer milder flavors).
- Oil spray: A light mist to help the coating crisp without excess grease.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Squash Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot environment perfect for crisping. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then lightly spray it with oil. This step prevents sticking and promotes even baking so your squash slices come out perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, breadcrumbs, powdered Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning. This mixture is the heart of the Crispy Oven-Baked Squash Recipe, creating that irresistible crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Slice the Squash
Using a sharp knife or better yet a mandoline, slice the yellow squash into very thin, even rounds. Thin slices are key to achieving crispiness while allowing the squash’s natural sweetness to shine through without becoming mushy.
Step 4: Coat the Squash Slices
Toss the squash slices gently in the dry mixture. Press lightly to help the coating stick. This step ensures every bite of squash is perfectly seasoned and crisped with the flavorful crust that makes this recipe so special.
Step 5: Arrange and Oil
Lay out the coated squash slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. To help them crisp nicely in the oven, spray the tops lightly with oil. This adds just enough moisture to develop a golden, crunchy crust without excess oiliness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the slices for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping each slice halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even browning and maximum crispiness on both sides, resulting in that perfect crunchy bite we all crave from the Crispy Oven-Baked Squash Recipe.
How to Serve Crispy Oven-Baked Squash Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil over the warm squash for a fresh, vibrant finish. A little extra Parmesan dusted on top adds a final savory punch that amps up the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or a fresh summer salad. Its lightness and crunch offer a lovely contrast to creamy or hearty mains, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the crispy squash slices in small stacks or even dipped in your favorite sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, or marinara. Their crunch makes them perfect for finger food at parties or a fun, crispy component alongside dips and spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crispy squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the coating from getting soggy, place parchment paper between layers.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it may affect the crispness upon reheating. To freeze, flash-freeze the cooked slices on a tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This method helps preserve their shape and texture better.
Reheating
To restore the crispiness, reheat the squash slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until they regain their crunch. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crispy.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini works just as well in the Crispy Oven-Baked Squash Recipe and will deliver a similar delicious crunch with a subtly different flavor.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute it with your favorite all-purpose seasoning or even a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a mild kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. The cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.
How thin should I slice the squash?
Slices about 1/8 inch thick work best. Thin enough to crisp nicely, but thick enough to hold their shape and a pleasant bite.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. The crispy coating will still be delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Oven-Baked Squash Recipe is truly a game-changer for enjoying squash in a fun, flavorful way. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a crunchy, golden snack that’s perfect anytime. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate – I promise it will become a favorite you want to make again and again.
Print
Crispy Oven-Baked Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Oven-Baked Squash recipe offers a deliciously crunchy and flavorful way to enjoy yellow squash. Coated in a seasoned mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection, these squash rounds make a perfect healthy snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 medium yellow squash (about 5 cups), very thinly sliced
Coating Mix
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup powdered Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or all-purpose seasoning)
Other
- Oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Coating: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, breadcrumbs, powdered Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning (or all-purpose seasoning). Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Slice Squash: Thinly slice the yellow squash into even rounds using a mandoline or a sharp knife to ensure uniform cooking.
- Coat Squash: Toss the squash slices in the prepared dry mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere well to each slice.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the slices with oil to aid crisping during baking.
- Bake and Flip: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the slices once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispness and golden color on both sides.
Notes
- For best results, slice squash uniformly thin to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Using oil spray helps achieve a crispy texture without excess oil.
- Feel free to swap Cajun seasoning with all-purpose seasoning or your preferred spice blend.
- If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the squash for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
- This recipe is easily doubled or adjusted according to serving size requirements.
