Scrumptious Patty Pan Squash Recipe for Sunny Dinners

Summer gardens burst with these delicate, tender patty pan squash that transform ordinary meals into vibrant culinary experiences.

Sunlight-kissed and subtly sweet, these pale yellow or green squash bring delightful texture to your plate.

Each bite promises a tender, mild flavor that complements numerous cooking styles.

Farmers markets and backyard gardens overflow with these charming little vegetables during peak season.

Their unique scalloped edges and compact size make them a playful addition to any summer dish.

Sautéed, roasted, or grilled, patty pan squash delivers a fresh and delectable approach to seasonal eating.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or kitchen novice, this recipe will unlock the squash delectable potential.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 112 kcal

Servings: 5

Patty Pan Squash Recipe Ingredient List

• Patty Pan Squash: Delicate summer vegetable with unique flying saucer shape, best when young and tender with soft skin and mild flavor.
• Olive Oil: High-quality cold-pressed oil adds rich Mediterranean essence and helps achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization.

• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Parsley, Dill): Bright, aromatic green seasonings that complement squash's subtle sweetness and add vibrant color.
• Garlic: Pungent allium that brings deep, earthy undertones and creates incredible depth of flavor when roasted.

• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty Italian cheese that provides delightful crispy texture and rich umami complexity when melted.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that amplifies natural squash taste and balances overall dish profile.

Kitchen Tool for Patty Pan Squash Recipe

• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for trimming stems and cutting squash into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Paper Towel: Used for drying squash after rinsing.
• Large Bowl: Needed for tossing squash with oil and seasonings.
• Skillet: Preferably cast iron or non-stick for even browning of squash.
• Spatula or Tongs: Essential for turning squash and cooking evenly without breaking.
• Serving Dish: Warm plate to transfer cooked squash from stove.

Cooking the Patty Pan Squash Recipe Easily

• Squash Prep Moment Fresh patty pan squash gets a quick rinse and gentle towel dry. Slice through stems and rough edges, transforming larger squash into cute bite-sized pieces while keeping tiny ones whole and charming.
• Flavor Celebration Mix squash with olive oil, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Dance those ingredients together until every curve of the squash glistens with seasoning.
• Sizzling Pan Magic Heat olive oil in a skillet until it sparkles and whispers promises of deliciousness. Spread squash pieces in a single layer, creating a golden landscape of culinary potential.
• Golden Transformation Cook each side of the squash for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally. Watch as they transform into gorgeous caramel-colored morsels that promise incredible taste and tender texture.
• Final Flavor Burst Sprinkle extra garlic and herbs during the last minute of cooking. Let these final touches dance into the squash, creating a symphony of aromatic excitement.
• Plate and Celebrate Transfer your golden squash onto a serving plate. Crown with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs, ready to be devoured straight from the kitchen.

Patty Pan Squash Tips and Flavor Swaps

• Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to add unique taste profiles that complement the delicate squash flavor.
• Keep the small patty pan squash whole to preserve their adorable round shape and maintain a delightful texture during cooking.
• Try swapping Parmesan with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy alternative that brings extra richness to the dish.
• Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or toasted pine nuts for additional protein and crunch.
• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or za'atar seasoning to give the squash a bold, unexpected kick that will wake up your taste buds.

Serving Patty Pan Squash the Smart Way

• Rustic Farmhouse Plating: Arrange golden-brown patty pan squash on a wooden cutting board for a charming, rustic presentation that highlights the vegetable's beautiful color and texture.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Serve alongside hummus, olives, and warm pita bread to create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or side dish that brings vibrant flavors to the table.
• Fresh Herb Garnish Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives over the squash just before serving to add a burst of color, freshness, and aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Protein Pairing Perfection: Complement the squash with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted lamb to transform this simple side into a complete and satisfying meal that balances vegetables and protein.

Storing Patty Pan Squash Leftovers

• Smart Meal Scheduling: Plan this quick dish for busy weeknights when you need a speedy vegetable side that takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked patty pan squash in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy texture intact by avoiding moisture-heavy containers.
• Batch Cooking Hack: Prepare double the amount during initial cooking, using extra portions as salad toppings, sandwich fillings, or quick lunch additions throughout the week.
• Flavor Enhancement Technique: Allow leftover squash to cool completely before refrigerating, which helps maintain its golden-brown crispness and prevents soggy texture during storage.

Delectable Patty Pan Squash Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Golden Patty Pan Squash Skillet delights palates with delicate summer squash and herb-infused seasonings. Simplified preparation and fresh ingredients create a quick Mediterranean-inspired side dish perfect for sharing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) patty pan squash (small, medium, or large; cut as needed)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil (divided for coating and cooking)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh herbs (chopped, like thyme, parsley, or dill)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced and divided)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp pepper (to taste)
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Rinse patty pan squash under running water, pat dry, and trim stems or blemishes. Slice larger squash into uniform chunks, keeping smaller ones whole.
2. Seasoning: Coat squash with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional herbs. Ensure even distribution of seasonings by gently tossing the pieces.
3. Heating Skillet: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and wait until it shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
4. Caramelizing: Arrange seasoned squash in a single layer across the hot skillet, avoiding overcrowding. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior and tender interior that can be easily pierced with a fork.
5. Finishing Touches: During the final minute of cooking, sprinkle remaining minced garlic and fresh herbs into the skillet. Gently fold to distribute flavors throughout the squash.
6. Serving: Transfer the hot squash to a warm platter. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs. Serve immediately, bringing the sizzling skillet directly to the table.

Notes

• Wash Carefully: Thoroughly clean patty pan squash to remove dirt and potential pesticides, ensuring food safety and better taste.
• Cut Strategically: Uniform chunk sizes guarantee even cooking and consistent texture across all squash pieces.
• Heat Control Matters: Medium-high heat creates perfect caramelization without burning, developing rich golden-brown exterior while maintaining tender interior.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Single layer placement in skillet prevents steaming and ensures crisp, beautifully browned squash with maximum flavor development.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 112
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 3 mg