Pattypan squash, with its charming shape and mild flavor, makes for a delicious addition to any meal. This versatile vegetable can be cooked in various ways to bring out its tender texture and subtle sweetness. Below, I’ll instruct you how to cook pattypan squash in 3 different ways, along with ideas for what to do with it once it’s cooked.
1. How to Cook Pattypan Squash in Oven
Baking pattypan squash in the oven is an easy way to bring out its natural flavors while giving it a crispy, caramelized texture. It’s especially great if you like a bit of roasted flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pattypan squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Trim the stem ends of your pattypan squash. If you’re working with larger pieces, cut the squash into quarters or wedges. For smaller squash, simply cut them in half.
Place the squash pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Drizzle olive oil over the squash and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly golden, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Roasting pattypan squash brings out a beautiful sweetness, and the caramelization gives it that perfect crispy edge. I love this method because it requires minimal effort, yet the flavors are deep and satisfying.
2. How to Cook Pattypan Squash in Air Fryer
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for making crispy, golden pattypan squash in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. The result is a slightly crunchy exterior with a tender inside. Plus, the air fryer is a low-fat way to get that satisfying crispiness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pattypan squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Trim the stem ends and cut the squash into quarters or wedges if larger, or just cut in half if they’re smaller.
In a bowl, toss the squash pieces with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan (if using) over the squash and toss again to coat evenly.
Place the squash pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the squash is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the air fryer and serve.
The air fryer does wonders for creating a crispy, breaded coating. If you’re looking to skip the breading, simply air fry the squash with olive oil and seasoning, and you’ll get a lighter version with a beautiful crisp. The Parmesan adds a rich, salty flavor that I can’t resist!
3. How to Cook Pattypan Squash on Grill
Grilling pattypan squash is an excellent way to enhance its natural flavor with that smoky, charred taste that’s perfect for summer. The squash gets a tender interior while developing crispy, caramelized edges.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds pattypan squash
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Trim the stem ends of the squash and cut it into quarters or wedges. For smaller squash, cut in half.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, parsley, garlic, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Rub the squash with olive oil and season with the remaining salt and pepper.
Place the squash pieces on the grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the squash is tender and has nice grill marks.
While grilling, spoon the herb butter over the squash to melt as it cooks.
Once the squash is grilled to perfection, remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Grilled pattypan squash has a smoky richness that’s hard to beat. The butter and herbs really elevate the flavors. I always recommend adding extra garlic for a more intense flavor—grilled garlic with squash is heavenly!
4. What to Do With Cooked Pattypan Squash
Now that you’ve got your cooked pattypan squash, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Pattypan squash is wonderfully versatile, so it pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
Toss it in a salad: Add cooked pattypan squash wedges to a simple mixed greens salad. The squash adds texture and a mild, sweet flavor that complements tangy dressings.
Serve with pasta: Pattypan squash goes beautifully with pasta. Toss cooked wedges with olive oil, garlic, and some fresh basil for a light and satisfying pasta dish.
Make a veggie platter: Serve the cooked squash with your favorite dips, like hummus or tzatziki, for a healthy and flavorful appetizer.
Pair it with grilled meats: The mild flavor of pattypan squash makes it a perfect side dish for grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish.
I love using the squash as a side dish for almost anything grilled. It adds a lightness and balance to heavier meals, and with its naturally tender texture, it pairs perfectly with any protein. I also enjoy adding a sprinkle of Parmesan on top of the cooked squash for an extra burst of flavor.
Pattypan squash is a great addition to any meal. I hope that after reading this article, you knew how to cook pattypan squash in 3 different ways. My personal favorite is grilling the squash—it’s quick, smoky, and flavorful, and the addition of garlic butter really takes it to the next level.
