When you want a veggie side everyone will dive into, these Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds are true crowd-pleasers! They’re tender yellow squash slices bathed in Italian-inspired seasonings and smothered in bubbly, golden cheese. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect low-carb appetizer, a tasty addition to weeknight dinners, or just a fresh new way to love your summer squash, this recipe is simple yet utterly satisfying. Expect requests for seconds!

Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds lies in their short, accessible ingredient list. Each element is purposeful, bringing either juicy texture, savory depth, or melty goodness that works so well together on your baking pan.

Yellow squash: Offers a sweet, mild flavor and tender bite, perfect for soaking up spices and cheese.
Olive oil: Adds subtle flavor and helps the seasonings cling to every slice.
Garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic note that highlights the squash.
Onion powder: Adds depth without overpowering; a little goes a long way!
Salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and seasoning each bite.
Black pepper: A hint of heat to balance the richness of the cheese.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and crisps up beautifully for that irresistible golden crust.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For creaminess and that gorgeous melty pull when you break one open.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright pop of color and freshness as a finishing touch.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which keeps the squash from sticking and makes cleanup extra easy.

Step 2: Season the Squash

In a large bowl, toss your ¼-inch squash slices with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This step ensures each round is coated with flavor and ready to crisp and caramelize under the cheese.

Step 3: Arrange the Squash Rounds

Lay your seasoned squash slices out in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly and ensures every piece gets plenty of cheese coverage.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

In a small bowl, mix the shredded Parmesan and mozzarella together. Sprinkle this delicious blend generously over each squash round. Don’t hold back—this is what turns simple vegetables into crave-worthy Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the squash is fork-tender. For even more crispy, browned cheese, switch to the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the very end—just keep a close eye so nothing burns.

Step 6: Add Freshness and Serve

Remove your Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds from the oven, shower them with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and get ready to watch them disappear from the plate!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even a few snipped chives take these rounds from simple to showy, adding a pop of green and a mild, herbal lift. If you want to lean into Italian vibes, toss on a little extra Parmesan right out of the oven!

Side Dishes

Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds make a stellar partner for just about any main course. Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even your favorite pasta for classic comfort. They’re fantastic as a low-carb swap for breadsticks or potatoes on busy weeknights.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your squash rounds on a large platter, overlapping slightly, for a dramatic appetizer spread. Or, serve them atop a cozy bowl of tomato soup, floating like little cheesy croutons. For parties, thread a few onto toothpicks for tasty, one-bite appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds, let them cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavor stays delicious, but they’re best enjoyed fresh for peak crispiness.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal, as the squash can soften further after thawing, but if you have lots of leftovers, layer them with parchment between rounds in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating; just know the texture will be softer.

Reheating

Reheat Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to regain their melty cheese layer and a bit of crisp. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them mushy—your oven or toaster oven is your best friend here!

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds with zucchini?

Absolutely! Zucchini works wonderfully and adds a slightly different color and mild flavor. Feel free to use all zucchini or a mix of yellow squash and zucchini for extra variety and visual appeal.

What type Side Dish

Parmesan and mozzarella are a dreamy pair here: Parmesan gives savory depth and irresistible crisp edges, while mozzarella melts into that gooey, stretchy layer everyone loves. If you like, toss in a little cheddar or fontina for a richer twist!

How do I make sure the squash doesn’t get soggy?

Slice the rounds evenly and keep them about ¼-inch thick. Baking on high heat helps the moisture evaporate, and spacing them out on the sheet stops them from steaming. The cheese on top also acts like a little barrier!

Can I add extra spices or fresh herbs?

Of course! Try Italian seasoning, a pinch of smoked paprika, or fresh thyme mixed into the cheese blend. Chopped basil or dill sprinkled over after baking is also delicious and brightens up the final dish.

Are these Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds gluten-free?

Yes! There’s no flour or breadcrumbs involved, so this recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for serving to friends or family with special dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you whip up a batch of Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds, you’ll see why they’re a staple in my kitchen. Whether for a quick snack or a share-worthy side, they bring so much flavor for so little effort. Give them a try and watch them become your new go-to veggie treat!

Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Baked Squash Rounds are a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish or appetizer. Thinly sliced yellow squash is coated in a savory blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, baked until tender, and topped with fresh parsley for a finishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash Rounds:

2 medium yellow squash, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Topping:

¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Squash: Toss squash rounds with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until coated. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Add Cheese: Mix Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, then sprinkle over each squash round.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until cheese is melted and golden, and squash is tender. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Finish: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.