Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (2024)

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This crispy roasted yellow squash with Parmesan and fresh herbs requires just 3 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. Serve the summer squash alongside just about any of your favorite entrees — from bbq chicken to grilled steaks, pasta to fried fish. The simple, flavorful recipe works equally well with zucchini, too!

Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (1)

How to Roast Yellow Squash | 1-Minute Video

There always seems to be a bumper crop of fresh zucchini and yellow squash during the months of July and August in Central Virginia. We throw the mild veggies into chocolate cakeandquick bread, turn it intofries, and use it to make casseroles.You can always find them at farmers’ markets, too!

When my neighbor, Mrs. Peachey, gave me a bag of her homegrown yellow squash a couple of weeks ago and told me about her recipe for roasted yellow squash, I was instantly intrigued. We love new ways to turn fresh vegetables into tasty sides, and this simple dish does not disappoint!

An Easy Weeknight Side Dish

While we enjoy a cheesy zucchini gratin or a batch of fresh muffins when time allows, the best weeknight sides are those that come together at the last minute with simple ingredients. No rushed trips to the grocery store, and no hours spent slaving over a hot stove.

Instead, this oven roasted yellow squash comes together in about 10 minutes — and it tastes delicious! Crispy, browned Parmesan cheese sits on top of the tender squash. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs if you’ve got them, but it’s certainly not necessary. The flavorful, easy side dish goes well with almost any entrée!

What is the yellow squash called?

Yellow squash comes in two varieties: crookneck and straightneck. Crookneck squash has larger seeds and a thicker, waxier skin, and its shape can make it harder to slice into rounds. As a result, I prefer yellow straightneck squash for this recipe. Its close green cousin, classic zucchini, also works well!

What is summer squash vs zucchini?

Zucchini and yellow squash are both part of the larger summer squash family, which also includes yellow crookneck, zephyr squash, chayote, cousa, yellow zucchini (or golden zucchini), and pattypan squash. All of the seasonal gourds in the summer squash group have an edible thin skin, tender insides, and typically a fairly mild flavor. As I mentioned above, green zucchini works as a great substitute for the yellow squash in this recipe!

What do I do if my yellow squash is too big?

If you wait to harvest yellow squash until it’s very large, the skin will be thicker, the seeds will be larger, and the taste and texture will not be nearly as good as the smaller, less-mature version. That said, nobody wants to throw away homegrown veggies! Instead of using the over-sized squash in this recipe, I recommend saving that big guy for a loaf of bread or a batch of muffins. Just scoop out the huge seeds and grate the squash to use in a baking recipe like you would use zucchini.

Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (2)

Ingredients

This is a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you’ll need for a batch of oven roasted yellow squash with Parmesan and herbs. As always, specific measurements and complete cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.

  • Yellow summer squash: or use zucchini, or a combination of the two.
  • Olive oil: the fat that adds flavor, prevents the vegetables from sticking to the pan, helps them brown, and helps the seasoning adhere to the squash.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: enhance the other flavors in the dish. I don’t count these in my list of “3 ingredients!”
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: freshly-grated Parmesan is best, if available. Otherwise, feel free to use a can of the pre-grated stuff…they both work!
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley, thyme or basil are a delicious finishing touch if you have them in your garden, but they’re certainly not necessary.

How to Roast Yellow Squash

Sometimes simple is best, and Mrs. Peachey’s roasted summer squash is the perfect example of an easy recipe that allows the vegetables’ flavor to shine.

  1. Toss together squash rounds, olive oil, salt and pepper.
  2. Arrange squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Top with Parmesan cheese.
  4. Roast in a 400°F oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  5. Transfer to the broiler for 1-2 more minutes, or until the cheese on top is crisp and golden brown.
  6. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (3)
Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (4)
Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (5)
Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (6)

What to Serve with Oven Roasted Summer Squash

This versatile side dish goes well with almost any of your favorite dinners. Here are a few ideas to serve with the yellow squash:

  • Grilled Steak
  • Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Peach Sauce or Grilled BBQ Pork Chops
  • Baked Salmon, Grilled SalmonorSouthern Glazed Salmon
  • Baked Baby Back Ribs
  • Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe
  • Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
  • Lemon Chicken Piccata
  • 4-Ingredient Pork Loin Roast
  • Crispy Southern Fried Catfish
  • Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast or Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
  • Shrimp and Grits
  • Grilled Pork Tenderloin
  • Fried Chicken
  • Baked Ziti with Sausage
  • Lasagna
Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (7)

Storage

This dish is best when enjoyed immediately, while the squash is still crisp on top. Leftoverswill last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I don’t recommend storing leftovers in the freezer, as the vegetables will have a mushy, watery texture when thawed.

Recipe Variations

  • Use zucchini instead of yellow squash, or try a combination of the two.
  • Add more seasoning, to taste. Try Italian seasoning, garlic powder, seasoned salt, or our favorite all-purpose seasoning blend.
  • Top with chopped nuts. For a special touch and added crunch, sprinkle with toasted almonds, pecans or walnuts before serving.

Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (8)

Tips for the Best Roasted Yellow Squash Recipe

  • How to Cook Yellow Squash so it’s Not Mushy: Slice the squash rounds thicker than you would typically slice for sautéing. A good ½-inch thick disc is perfect, because it becomes tender in the oven, but doesn’t turn to mush. If you prefer a more crisp-tender texture, I recommend slicing the rounds even thicker. The other key to avoiding mushy squash is just not over-cooking it. Keep an eye on the rounds and pull them out of the oven before they become too tender.
  • You do not need to peel yellow squash before cooking. The skin is thin enough that it’s best left intact. This makes prep time faster, and the skin also helps the squash hold its shape in the oven.
  • Use freshly-grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. If you don’t have fresh Parmesan from a wedge, you can use a can of pre-grated Parmesan instead.
  • Garnish the roasted summer squash with fresh herbs, when possible. I love a sprinkling of chopped parsley, thyme or basil with this dish.
Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (9)

More Recipes with Summer Squash

Sautéed Zucchini

Southern Squash Casserole

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Casserole

Zucchini Fritters

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Morning Glory Farm Zucchini Bread

Zucchini Banana Bread

One-Bowl Zucchini Muffins

Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (18)

Roasted Yellow Squash

5 from 14 votes

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 15 minutes minutes

Total: 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 65 kcal

This crispy roasted yellow squash with Parmesan and fresh herbs requires just 3 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep!

Rate RecipePrint Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. yellow summer squash (about 2 medium), cut into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Place squash rounds in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat.

    Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (19)

  • Arrange squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Top with Parmesan cheese.

    Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (20)

  • Roast in the oven for 12-14 minutes, or until squash is tender. Transfer to the broiler for 1-2 more minutes, or until the cheese on top is crispy and golden brown.

    Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (21)

  • Garnish with fresh herbs and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

    Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (22)

Video

Notes

  • How to Cook Yellow Squash so it’s Not Mushy: Slice the squash rounds thicker than you would typically slice for sautéing. A good ½-inch thick disc is perfect, because it becomes tender in the oven, but doesn’t turn to mush. If you prefer a more crisp-tender texture, I recommend slicing the rounds even thicker. The other key to avoiding mushy squash is just not over-cooking it. Keep an eye on the rounds and pull them out of the oven before they become too tender.
  • You do not need to peel yellow squash before cooking. The skin is thin enough that it’s best left intact. This makes prep time faster, and the skin also helps the squash hold its shape in the oven.
  • Use freshly-grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. If you don’t have fresh Parmesan from a wedge, you can use a can of pre-grated Parmesan instead.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 of the recipeCalories: 65kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 302mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 259IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 1mg

Keyword: oven roasted yellow squash, parmesan roasted yellow squash, roasted yellow squash, roasted yellow squash and zucchini, yellow squash recipes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Author: Blair Lonergan

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Tag me on Instagram at @theseasonedmom

Roasted Yellow Squash {3 Ingredients!} - The Seasoned Mom (2024)

FAQs

Should yellow squash be peeled before cooking? ›

Yellow squash does not need to be peeled, because the skin is so tender and thin. If you do prefer to peel your squash, peel it just like you would a carrot or a potato. Slice in half, lengthwise.

What is the healthiest way to eat yellow squash? ›

Yellow squash can be eaten cooked or raw -- either way provides you with lots of nutrition. (Although you'll lose some of the water content when you cook the squash.) It's low-calorie, low-sugar, and its fiber and water content can help you stay fuller, longer.

Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash? ›

Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior.

What is the difference between yellow zucchini and yellow squash? ›

Zucchini is generally deep green — though it can be golden yellow — while yellow squash is, well, bright yellow. Shape is another indicator. Zucchini is mainly straight, while yellow squash sports a bulbous bottom, which tapers as it gets toward the top.

Are you supposed to eat the bumpy yellow squash? ›

Your summer squash is overmature! Pick off those that have turned dark yellow and bumpy, or the plant will stop producing additional fruits. Crook neck squash should be picked when it's still lemon-yellow and the flesh is tender.

Is it OK to eat yellow squash raw? ›

As a certified executive chef, Tiner says the short answer is simple: Yes, you can. "You can eat raw squash, however, the taste may not be to everyone's liking," Tiner notes. "Squash contains a toxin known as Cucurbitacin E, which can give the squash a bitter taste.

Is yellow squash an anti inflammatory food? ›

Anti-inflammatory Capacity

Although anti-inflammatory effects can certainly extend to arthritis and gout, studies on squash have specifically linked its impact to reducing gastric and duodenal ulcer reduction, as well as to general anti-inflammation of the cardiovascularsystem.

Does yellow squash raise blood sugar? ›

Its low glycemic index can help prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for maintaining stable glucose levels. Moreover, the dietary fiber content in squash aids in slowing down the absorption of sugar, promoting better blood sugar control and overall metabolic health.

Is it better to roast squash face up or down? ›

Is it better to roast butternut squash face up or down? I personally prefer to roast my butternut squash with the cut-side-up. In my opinion, roasting it cut-side-up allows for the butternut squash to caramelize, rather than just steam and cook.

How do you know when squash is done in the oven? ›

Place the spaghetti squash cut side down on the baking sheet and use a fork to poke holes. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned on the outside, fork tender, but still a little bit firm. The time will vary depending on the size of your squash.

Do you leave skin on squash when roasting? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

What are the big yellow squash called? ›

Yellow Crookneck Squash

Yellow squash comes in two varieties: straightneck and crookneck. Crookneck squash (pictured above) has a bulbous bottom and slender neck that's curved at the top. Crookneck squash has larger seeds and a thicker, waxier skin than many other squash varieties.

Is A squash A vegetable or a fruit? ›

All types of squash have seeds and come from the flowering part of plants. In fact, edible flowers even grow out of squash and are known as squash blossoms. Therefore, squash is considered a fruit.

Can dogs eat yellow squash? ›

Dogs can eat any type of squash, but you'll want to make sure that you remove the seeds before feeding it to your dog. While a few seeds won't hurt your dog, if they eat too many, they can cause a backup in your dog's digestive system.

Can you cook squash with the skin on? ›

“Some (winter) squash have really delicate skins and they become tender when cooked. You can bake them and eat the whole thing.”

What squash needs to be peeled? ›

We recommend peeling kuri, kabocha, or butternut.

Generally, size is a good thing to consider when deciding whether or not to eat squash skin.

Can you eat squash without peeling? ›

In fact, squash peel is completely edible. All of it. It's actually very nutritious too, with plenty of fibre and a rich source of vitamin A. Of course, 'edible' simply means that eating it isn't dangerous, and it doesn't necessarily follow that it will be pleasant to eat.

Do you have to take the seeds out of yellow squash? ›

The seeds and skin are soft and fully edible. They are sometimes referred to as “soft shell squash” and as such, can be cooked or eaten raw. The entire squash is edible, versus the winter squash's hard seeds and shell that needs to be removed. The most common summer squash are yellow squash and zucchini.

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