This oven-baked yellow squash recipe is a simple and healthy side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of the squash. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for any meal.
The recipe allows for customization with various seasonings and toppings, making it versatile for different tastes.
Overview of Oven-Baked Yellow Squash
This oven-baked yellow squash dish is a delightful addition to any meal, showcasing the natural sweetness of the squash.
With a simple preparation process, it transforms a humble vegetable into a vibrant side that can complement a variety of main courses.
The golden brown slices, glistening with olive oil and topped with Parmesan, create an inviting presentation that is sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this dish, you will need a few key ingredients.
The star of the show is the yellow squash, which should be fresh and firm.
Olive oil is essential for achieving that perfect golden color and enhancing the flavor.
Seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder add depth, while Parmesan cheese brings a savory richness.
Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley can elevate the dish further, adding a touch of color and freshness.
Preparation Steps
Preparation is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.
Next, wash and slice the yellow squash into rounds.
In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with olive oil and seasonings until they are well coated.
This step is crucial for flavor distribution.
Baking the Squash
Once the squash is seasoned, arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Bake the squash for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
The goal is to achieve a tender texture with a slight caramelization on the edges, enhancing the natural sweetness of the squash.
Finishing Touches
In the final minutes of baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the squash.
This adds a deliciously cheesy crust that melts beautifully.
Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and added flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only tasty but also offers nutritional benefits.
Each serving contains around 120 calories, making it a light yet satisfying side dish.
With healthy fats from olive oil and a good source of vitamins from the squash, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
The addition of Parmesan cheese provides a boost of protein, making it a well-rounded option.
Easy Baked Yellow Squash Recipe
This dish features sliced yellow squash seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then baked until tender and slightly caramelized. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or minced garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Squash: Wash and slice the yellow squash into rounds.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the sliced squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly browned, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Add Cheese: If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the squash during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g