Crispy Parmesan Roasted Squash

Sneak Peek: Crispy Parmesan Roasted Squash is a simple side dish made with thinly sliced yellow squash, olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Roasted to golden perfection, these squash rounds are delightfully crispy and packed with flavor!

Roasted Parmesan Squash- on a plate garnished with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes on the sidePin

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Do you ever try the recipes printed on the back of boxes or food packages you buy at the store? I first saw a version of this recipe for Crispy Parmesan Roasted Squash on the back of the zippered plastic bag containing yellow squash. Despite ignoring it for months, I decided to try this recipe in a fit of boredom one night at 6 PM.  It blew me away.

These baked squash “chips” become irresistible when the Parmesan cheese browns and turns crispy. Despite their simplicity, they are a delightful addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

  • Just 3 ingredients (plus salt and pepper)
  • Crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite
  • Adjustable servings – one small squash per person
  • Oven or air fryer friendly

Happy Cooks Speak Up

“I cooked these in my Airfryer and they turned out SO yummy. They were the first thing gone from the plates 🙂 This will be my go-to snack or side dish… Thanks a bunch!” — SAMANTHA

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • SQUASH:
    • Yellow summer squash–first choice
    • Crookneck squash or zucchini will also work
  • OIL:
    • Olive oil for the best flavor
    • Sub avocado oil or any mild vegetable oil
  • PARMESAN CHEESE:
    • I like the pre-shredded Parm from Costco
    • Shred the real stuff yourself.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Roasted Squash

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan

  • Heat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or non-stick foil.

📌Kitchen Tip📌 Use Non-Stick Aluminum Foil: Reynolds Wrap Non-Stick Aluminum Foil (paid link) is excellent for baking with cheese or making sticky dishes like brownies or lasagna. While it’s a bit pricey, its non-stick properties make it worth it. Save it for special uses and avoid wasting it on everyday tasks like covering bowls or wrapping sandwiches.

2. Slice the Squash

slicing vegetables with mandolinPin
For most people (and me), mandolines are quicker than knives, but they can be a little dangerous if you don’t pay attention. Be careful!

3. Coat with Oil

  • Option 1: Drizzle oil directly onto the baking sheet, then toss squash slices in it.
  • Option 2: Toss squash and oil in a bowl before arranging on the sheet.

4. Arrange & Season

  • Spread squash in a single layer (no overlapping!)
  • Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
raw yellow squash sprinkled with ParmesanPin
The yellow squash is prepared and ready to bake.

5. Bake Until Crispy

  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • For extra crispiness, leave in the oven a few extra minutes.
baked summer squash on cookie sheetPin
Bake for 20 minutes at 450˚F (230˚C) or until the cheese turns golden brown.

FAQs

Why isn’t my squash crispy?

Make sure the slices are evenly spread on the pan and not overlapping. Overcrowding traps steam, making them soggy.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

What seasonings pair well with this?

Try garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.


Parting thoughts: I’m not gonna lie. Although this recipe couldn’t be simpler, slicing and arranging the squash on a cookie sheet takes a few minutes. It’s worth it, though.

More ideas for yellow squash: Kids and adults both love these Squash Patties. If you want something for a nice meal, you can’t beat this Squash Souffle (it’s not a traditional souffle, but it acts like one). If you like spicy casseroles, Spicy Green Chile and Yellow Squash Casserole is a comfort food at my house.

Need help troubleshooting? Please email me: Paula at saladinajar.com–photos welcome!

Oven roasted yellow squash with parmesan on a cookies sheet with tongsPin
Yield: 3 servings

Crispy Parmesan Roasted Squash

Crispy Parmesan Roasted Squash is a quick and easy vegetable side dish featuring thinly sliced yellow squash tossed in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and topped with Parmesan cheese. Roasted at high heat, these squash slices turn golden and slightly crispy, making them a delicious addition to any meal. Serve them fresh from the oven as a side dish, snack, or appetizer!
5 from 49 votes
PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 3 (588 g) medium yellow squash thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon table or sea salt
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450˚F (230˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick foil.
  • Slice 3 (588 g) medium yellow squash into ¼-inch rounds.
  • Toss squash with 1 tablespoon (14 g) olive oil (either on the pan or in a bowl).
  • Spread slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overlapping.
  • Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon table or sea salt, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh grated pepper, if you like.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 524mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 464IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 1mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

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4.78 from 49 votes (46 ratings without comment)

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21 Comments

  1. Here is a Tip, the non shinny side of foil is also non-stick. Reynolds knew that so they made both sides non shinny and put a fancy label on the package and charge more. Cheers! poko

    1. Thanks, Mike. I’ll have to check this out.

  2. How long do I cook it at 350*?

    1. I just noticed you said 350˚F. I have never tried baking these at that temperature so I have no idea. It would be hard to get them crispy at such a low temperature.

  3. 5 stars
    I cooked these in my Airfryer and they turned out SO yummy. They were the first thing gone from the plates 🙂 This will be my go-to snack or side dish… Thanks a bunch!

    1. Sounds like they were a hit for you. Love it! Thanks for the 5-star rating.

  4. Carrie Juska says:

    I was “foraging” at my local food bank and there was a gigantic box of yellow and green squash so I grabbed a yellow. Honestly, I had to Google the veg just to find out what it actually was at first! The next step on my journey was to find out how to cook the lil’ bugger and that’s where your recipe came in! Just ate my first round and Yum! The rinds are a bit much but overall…thanks ’cause it’s great!
    ✌❤

    1. Hi Carrie,

      I’m curious about what you call “rinds.” The skin on yellow squash is thin and tender. If it is tough, the squash stayed on the vine too long. Was the squash also large? (over 6 or 7 inches) Next time, look for small squash less than 7 inches long so there won’t be a “rind.” At any rate, I’m glad you liked the squash. Thank you for taking the time to write.

  5. Gwynette in NEArkansas says:

    Hubby is grilling marinated wings for dinner today. He also likes to add sweet peppers and thick sliced onions coated with olive oil in a grill pan for a side dish. I’m going to bake this squash recipe in my toaster oven to avoid extra heat in the the kitchen and we will enjoy an easy meal! Thanks for another idea to use up our prolific squash crop!!

    1. Using your toaster oven when you aren’t cooking for a crowd is brilliant.

  6. Evette Gordon says:

    Hi, I am not a big fan of Parmesan cheese so could I use a cheddar or pepper jack, even if I have to do it after the squash is partially done?

    Thanks, Evette

    1. Evette,

      I think your idea to try it after the squash is partially done is a good one. Pepper Jack seems like an especially good idea.

  7. I made this and it was Amazing!!

  8. Lori Jones says:

    Just made this and this is the way to go!!! Super easy and very delicious. Thank you for sharing!!

    1. So happy you liked them, Lori. Thanks for returning to let me know.

  9. Dr. Satnam Singh says:

    5 stars
    Finally, this is looking very Delicious and definitely, I will also try to make this dish at home.

    Thank you for sharing your thought with us!

  10. This looks so good, Paula. I am a big fan of yellow squash. I will try this post haste! By the way, I have gotten a lot of good recipes from the backs of packages, and if you think about it, it makes sense. They are using the recipes to sell their products, and they probably use the best ones they can find for this purpose.

    1. 100% agreed re: back of the box recipes! Paula

  11. Dr. Satnam Singh says:

    5 stars
    Finally, this is looking very Delicious and definitely, I will also try to make this dish at home.

    Thank you for sharing your thought with us!

  12. Beth Pope says:

    Yum – Don & I just got back from Germany and Praque (NO vegetables in Praque); so we are craving vegetables.

    1. Hey Beth, I know what you mean. We went in May and I came home vowing to eat nothing but fresh veggies for a week! Of course, the men loved all the meat and potatoes.