Patty pan squash is my favorite of the summer squashes. It has a firmer texture than yellow squash or zucchini, and develops a wonderful sweet, slightly nutty flavor when grilled or roasted. You won’t often see it in grocery stores, but it’s worth seeking out at farmers’ markets or from local produce delivery services. Patty pan squash has a cute round, scalloped shape that makes it easy to spot.
Grilled Patty Pan Squash
Being a summer vegetable makes patty pan squash a great candidate for grilling, and the grill really makes this squash shine. It’s quick, easy and who doesn’t like pretty grill marks? Cut thick slices, toss with oil, salt and pepper and just grill on high, cover down until brown grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. You could sprinkle some herbs or spices on, too, but patty pan squash has such a nice flavor of its own, it really doesn’t need it.
Oven Roasted Patty Pan Squash
Don’t feel like firing up the grill? Patty pan squash is great roasted in the oven, too. As with grilling, just toss with oil, salt and pepper, spread on a hot sheet pan and roast at 450 degrees F. Check after 8 minutes to see if bottoms have browned. Once they have, flip to brown other side.
Either way you cook it, patty pan squash makes a simple, out-of-the-ordinary, tasty summer side dish.
- We’re going kind of loose here with the quantities. It’s more technique than recipe. Buy what you need to serve your crowd, use just enough oil to coat evenly, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Patty pan squash
- Cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat grill on high or preheat oven to 450 degrees F with a foil-coated sheet pan in oven.
- Slice patty pan squash ½ to ¾ inch thick.
- Toss with oil and salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- Grill about 5 minutes per side, cover down until grill marks appear.
- Or if roasting, spread pieces on hot sheet pan, and bake 8 minutes.
- Check to see if bottoms are lightly browned. If they are flip and bake about another 8 minutes until lightly browned on other side. If they’re not browned, bake another few minutes, then flip. Depending on your oven, you may need to rearrange the pieces as sometimes the outer pieces brown faster than the inner ones.
- Serve hot.
Great pattypan squash recipes! Thanks for easy, convenient ideas! Love the oven roasted version best! Muchas gracias! Good with green chile strips!
Great food recipes