Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds Recipe

Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds are everything I love in a summer side: vibrant, golden slices of yellow squash topped with nutty parmesan and a savory blend of herbs, all roasted until the edges are wonderfully crisp. This is a dish that lets seasonal produce shine, transforming simple ingredients into something you’ll want to snack on straight from the tray. Whether you’re cooking for family or bringing a dish to a cookout, these rounds are a crowd-pleaser that always disappear in minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds is in how just a handful of pantry essentials come together to make magic. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to add a punch of flavor, a touch of crisp, or a burst of color, proving that sometimes less really is more.

• Yellow summer squash: Fresh, seasonal squash brings a delicate sweetness and gorgeous golden color to every bite.
• Olive oil: The secret to those beautifully crisped edges and rich, silky undertones.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds irresistible savory crunch and that signature, golden crust.
• Garlic powder: Lends a subtle, aromatic warmth that pairs perfectly with the squash.
• Dried thyme: A whisper of herby flavor that wakes up the veggies beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for teasing out every nuanced flavor in the dish.

How to Make Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds won’t stick and makes cleanup a total breeze—plus parchment is a neat trick for guaranteeing extra crispness underneath.

Step 2: Slice the Squash

Wash and pat dry your summer squash, then slice them into even 1/4-inch rounds. Consistent thickness is key here for even roasting. Too thick and they’ll stay soft, too thin and they’ll get overly crisp (or even burn!).

Step 3: Toss with Seasonings

In a large bowl, combine the squash rounds, olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss until every piece is glistening and well-coated—this helps every round soak up those incredible flavors and ensures that edge-to-edge crisp.

Step 4: Arrange and Top with Parmesan

Lay out the seasoned rounds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, taking care not to overlap. This gives each slice its best chance at a crispy exterior. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese liberally over all the rounds so every single bite gets that golden, savory crunch.

Step 5: Roast and Flip Halfway

Slide the tray into the hot oven and roast for 20–22 minutes, flipping each round halfway through. This extra flip ensures both sides get beautifully crispy and the parmesan gets golden brown instead of just melting. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly browned around the edges with a crispy bite.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once your Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds are out of the oven, serve them piping hot. For an extra flourish, scatter freshly chopped herbs on top—then watch as they disappear faster than you can say “summer harvest”!

How to Serve Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, basil, or chives elevates both the look and flavor of your Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds. For a vibrant finish, add a quick grating of extra parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.

Side Dishes

These golden rounds are stellar alongside simple grilled chicken, lemony fish, burgers hot off the grill, or as part of a colorful spread of summer salads. Their mild, crisp flavor makes them the kind of side that goes with practically anything.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds in a spiral on a platter for a laid-back yet gorgeous presentation, or pile them in a little basket lined with parchment for a casual snack-style vibe. You can even layer them onto toasted crostini with a pop of pesto for super easy summer appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover rounds cool completely, then transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While they may soften a bit, a quick reheat brings back much of their lovely texture.

Freezing

Although you can technically freeze Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds, keep in mind that the moisture in squash may affect their crispness after thawing. If you do freeze them, lay rounds out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reclaim as much crisp as possible, reheat the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which tends to turn them soft. A few minutes in the air fryer also works wonders!

FAQs

Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?

Absolutely! Zucchini works beautifully for Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds; you’ll get a similar texture with a slightly milder flavor and a splash of green. Feel free to mix both for a colorful presentation!

Can I make this dish vegan?

Of course—simply swap the parmesan for your favorite vegan parmesan alternative or use nutritional yeast for a similar savory punch and crispy effect.

Why did my squash rounds turn out soggy?

To avoid sogginess, slice the squash evenly and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Spacing the rounds out allows hot air to circulate and crisp up each piece, instead of steaming them.

What other herbs work well in this recipe?

Besides thyme, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika add wonderful depth. You can also finish with fresh dill, basil, or mint for extra freshness just before serving.

Can Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds be prepped ahead?

You can slice the squash and mix the seasonings ahead of time, storing both in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day. When ready, just toss and roast for that just-out-of-the-oven goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to embrace the best of summer’s bounty, Crispy Roasted Summer Squash Rounds are as fun to make as they are to eat. Bright, savory, and addictively crispy, this recipe is a must-try whenever yellow squash is in season. Gather your ingredients and share a tray at your next meal—you’ll be amazed how quickly they vanish!

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