Description
Creamy squash rounds showcase mouthwatering Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate with delightful cheese and herb infusions. Bold ingredients elevate this simple side dish into a crave-worthy experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium yellow squash or zucchini
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or a mix)
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredient:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to a crisp 400°F (200°C) to ensure perfect roasting conditions.
- Transform the squash into uniform 1/4-inch circular slices, maintaining consistent thickness for even cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil across the squash rounds, then generously dust with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
- Carefully distribute the seasoned squash rounds across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap or touch each other.
- Create a delectable cheese layer by sprinkling a generous amount of cheese evenly over each round, covering the surface completely.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown canvas.
- Remove from the oven and allow the rounds to rest briefly, letting the cheese set and cool slightly before serving as an irresistible appetizer or complementary side dish.
Notes
- Slice squash uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the rounds.
- Pat squash rounds dry with paper towels before seasoning to prevent excess moisture and achieve crispy edges.
- Use hard cheese like Parmesan or aged cheddar for extra crunch and deeper flavor profile when melted.
- Experiment with different herb blends like Italian seasoning or fresh thyme to customize the taste and add complexity to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 234 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg