The Ultimate Easy Patty Pan Squash Recipe for Summer Bliss

Patty pan squash, a delightful summer vegetable, elevates ordinary meals into spectacular culinary experiences.

Its unique UFO-like shape catches the eye while promising incredible flavor potential.

Mild and tender, this squash variety welcomes creative seasoning techniques that elevate simple ingredients.

Smart home cooks appreciate its versatility and quick cooking properties.

Rich in nutrients and surprisingly adaptable, patty pan squash becomes a kitchen staple for those seeking fresh, vibrant dishes.

Each bite offers a delicate texture that melts in your mouth with subtle sweetness.

Prepare to fall in love with this unassuming yet remarkable ingredient.

Why Patty Pan Squash Is the Veggie Star of the Season

• Savor Quick Summer Delight: Patty pan squash transforms into a lightning-fast dish that takes mere minutes to prepare, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous cooking adventures.
• Embrace Versatile Flavor Layers: The recipe allows customization with herbs and garlic, creating a flexible side dish that can complement multiple main courses while keeping ingredients simple and accessible.
• Celebrate Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with low calories, high fiber, and minimal fat, this squash preparation delivers a healthy option that doesn't compromise on taste, making it ideal for health-conscious food lovers seeking delicious nutrition.

What You’ll Need for This Squash Recipe

• Patty Pan Squash: Fresh summer squash with delicate flavor and tender texture, best when young and small for most delicious results.
• Olive Oil: Essential for cooking and creating golden brown exterior, helps squash develop rich caramelization.

• Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to the squash, choose fresh cloves for best taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the squash, use freshly ground pepper for more intense flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a rich finishing touch to the cooked squash.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional ingredient that adds brightness and complexity to the dish, such as parsley, thyme, or basil can complement the squash.

How to Cook Patty Pan Squash the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Rinse patty pan squash thoroughly under cool water. Pat dry with paper towel. Trim away stems and rough edges. For large squash, slice into bite-sized pieces; keep small squash whole.

• Paper towel
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Step 2: Season the Squash

Combine squash with olive oil and seasonings in a mixing bowl.

• 1-olive oil
• 1-2 cloves minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional herbs (like thyme or basil)

Toss ingredients until squash is evenly coated with seasonings.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Place olive oil in a skillet. Heat over medium-high temperature until oil shimmers and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Cook the Squash

Carefully place seasoned squash in a single layer in hot skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally. Look for golden brown color and tender texture that can be easily pierced with fork.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor

During final cooking minute, gently add remaining minced garlic and herbs to intensify taste profile.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer hot squash immediately to serving dish. Optional: Sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs on top. Serve straight from skillet while warm and crispy.

Tips for Getting a Golden, Crisp Finish

• Select Fresh Squash: Choose patty pan squash that feels firm, has vibrant color, and shows no soft spots or blemishes for the best taste and texture.
• Uniform Cutting: Slice squash into consistent sizes to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation on the plate.
• Control Heat Levels: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization without burning the delicate vegetable.
• Layer Strategically: Spread squash in a single layer during cooking to prevent steaming and promote crispy, delicious edges.
• Enhance Flavor Wisely: Add garlic and herbs in the final cooking minute to preserve their fresh, aromatic qualities and prevent burning.

How to Store and Warm Up Leftover Squash Perfectly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the squash's tender texture. Refrigeration helps preserve the flavor and prevents bacterial growth.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking and maintain the original crispy edges. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil to help restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally and warm for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the squash soggy and lose its delightful crisp texture. If you must use a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short 30-second intervals, checking between each to ensure even warming.

Sides and Flavors That Complement Patty Pan Squash

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the delicate, buttery flavor of patty pan squash, cutting through the garlic and olive oil with refreshing acidity.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside light grilled chicken or fish to create a balanced meal where the squash's subtle sweetness enhances the protein's natural flavors.
• Combine with Fresh Salad: Create a bright Mediterranean-style side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to add zesty contrast to the warm, golden-brown squash.
• Add Crusty Bread Pairing: Serve with rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious olive oil and garlic remnants, providing a delightful textural complement to the tender squash.

Creative Twists for This Summer Veggie Dish

• Mediterranean Marvel: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano after cooking for a Greek-inspired side dish that brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to your plate.
• Spicy Southwest Sizzle: Mix in diced jalapeños, chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to give the patty pan squash a bold, southwestern kick that will wake up your taste buds.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Experiment with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage during cooking, then finish with a light drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant, aromatic version that elevates the humble squash to gourmet status.
• Asian Fusion Crunch: Toss the cooked squash with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for a quick Asian-inspired side that adds complexity and depth to the dish.

Patty Pan Squash Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Patty pan squash shines in this delightful summer side dish, showcasing garden-fresh flavors with zesty herbs and a golden, crispy exterior. Crisp yet tender, this simple recipe invites you to savor seasonal goodness straight from farm to table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) patty pan squash (small, medium, or large; cut as needed)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil (divided for coating and cooking)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh herbs (chopped, like thyme, parsley, or dill)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced and divided)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pepper (to taste)

Optional Topping:

• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse the patty pan squash under cool running water, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim off any tough stems or blemished areas, slicing larger squash into uniform bite-sized chunks while keeping smaller specimens whole.
2. Transfer the prepared squash to a mixing bowl and drizzle with 1-of extra virgin olive oil. Add finely chopped garlic (1-2 cloves), kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional aromatic herbs. Gently toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated with seasoning.
3. Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Pour of olive oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
4. Carefully arrange the seasoned squash in a single layer across the hot skillet, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded. Allow each side to caramelize for 4-5 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve an even golden-brown exterior and tender interior that can be easily pierced with a fork.
5. During the final minute of cooking, scatter any remaining minced garlic and fresh herbs into the skillet, gently folding to distribute their vibrant flavors throughout the squash.
6. Immediately transfer the sizzling squash to a warm serving platter. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped herbs for an elegant finishing touch. Serve piping hot directly from the skillet to the dining table.

Notes

• Preserve the delicate flavor of patty pan squash by avoiding overcrowding in the skillet, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or basil to elevate the squash’s natural sweetness and create a personalized taste profile.
• Select young, small patty pan squash for the most tender texture and mild flavor, ensuring a more delightful eating experience.
• Check doneness by gently piercing with a fork; the squash should be tender but still maintain a slight firmness for the best mouthfeel.
• Maximize flavor absorption by allowing squash to marinate briefly in olive oil and seasonings before cooking, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 132 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 367 mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 4mg