10+ Squash Recipes to Brighten Up Your Dinner Table
Squash is a versatile vegetable you can use in many recipes. Whether you want something simple or more flavorful, squash makes a great addition to your meals.
You can easily prepare squash to fit your taste and cooking style. With just a few ingredients, you can make meals that are healthy and satisfying.
This article will help you explore different ideas for enjoying squash. You don’t need to be a chef to make tasty squash dishes.
1) Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash
Make a simple side dish with yellow squash and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is quick and uses just a few ingredients.
The baked squash gets a crispy top from the cheese and stays soft inside. Slice the yellow squash into rounds, then sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.
Add a little salt and pepper if you like. Bake the squash in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
The cheese will turn golden, and the squash will be tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow summer squashes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice yellow squash into thin rounds.
- Arrange slices on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Add salt and pepper if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden and squash is soft.
For more details, check this Parmesan Baked Yellow Squash recipe.
2) Grandmother’s 3-Ingredient Summer Squash
This recipe is quick and simple. You only need three ingredients to bring out the natural flavor of summer squash.
Slice yellow squash and onions into thin pieces. Cook them together with a bit of butter or oil.
The squash becomes tender, and the onions add sweetness. This dish works well as a side for any meal.
You can make this recipe on the stove in about 10 minutes. It’s a great way to use fresh summer squash when it’s in season.
Ingredients
- 1 pound yellow squash (2 to 3 medium)
- 1 small yellow or half a large sweet onion
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
Cooking Instructions
- Slice squash and onion into 1/4-inch pieces.
- Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add squash and onions to the pan.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper if you like, then serve warm.
3) Bev’s Sauteed Yellow Squash
Bev’s Sauteed Yellow Squash is easy to make. Melt butter in a skillet and cook onions until just tender.
Add the yellow squash next so it cooks evenly. The squash keeps a nice texture and takes on a buttery taste.
Stir it over medium heat until it softens but still has some crunch. This recipe works well as a side dish.
The ingredients are easy to find, and the cooking steps are quick. You can have this dish ready in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
Cooking Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add yellow squash, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring often, until squash is tender but still firm, about 7-10 minutes.
4) Grilled Yellow Squash & Zucchini
Grilling yellow squash and zucchini is an easy way to bring out their flavors. You don’t need to peel or cut them into small pieces.
Slice them, brush with garlic oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 5 to 10 minutes on each side.
Aim for a light char and tender texture. This method makes a healthy, tasty side dish.
For extra flavor, toss your grilled veggies in a simple vinaigrette. A champagne vinaigrette adds a fresh taste.
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squash
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or garlic oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons champagne vinaigrette
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C).
- Slice squash and zucchini lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices.
- Brush both sides with olive or garlic oil.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Grill slices for 5 to 10 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.
- Remove from grill and toss with vinaigrette if using.
- Serve warm.
Learn more about grilled zucchini and squash here.
5) Fried Yellow Squash
Fried yellow squash is a tasty way to enjoy this summer vegetable. Slice the squash into thin rounds and coat them in flour and cornmeal for a crispy finish.
Season the coating for extra flavor. Fry the squash in hot oil until it turns golden brown and crunchy.
This method is quick and does not require a batter. Fried yellow squash makes a great side dish or snack.
You can serve it with a dipping sauce or on its own. It pairs well with many meals, especially southern-style dishes.
For a detailed guide, check out this Southern Fried Squash recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- Cooking oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, cornmeal, and seasoned salt in a bowl.
- Coat the squash slices evenly with the dry mix.
- Fry the slices in batches until golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
6) Stuffed Yellow Squash
Stuffed yellow squash is a tasty way to enjoy summer squash. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
This creates a shell for the filling. Fill your squash with cooked bacon, onions, and tomatoes for a savory flavor.
Add a cheesy crumb topping for a nice finish and crunch. You can also use ground beef or sausage with spices for a heartier meal.
Bake the stuffed squash until tender and golden on top.
Ingredients
- 6 yellow squash
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
- Cook bacon and chop; sauté onion until soft.
- Mix bacon, onion, tomatoes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Fill each squash half with the mixture.
- Top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until squash is tender and topping is golden.
7) Roasted Butternut Squash with Olive Oil
Roasting butternut squash with olive oil is easy and brings out its sweetness. Cut the squash into cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the cubes on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Stir the pieces halfway through for even cooking. The squash becomes tender with slightly crispy edges.
This method works well as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (2-3 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and cube the butternut squash.
- Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a lined baking sheet in one layer.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden and tender.
8) Simple Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasting butternut squash is an easy way to bring out its sweetness. You only need olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Prep time is about 10 minutes. You can roast the squash whole or peeled and cut into cubes.
Roasting it whole takes longer but saves time on peeling. The skin softens enough to scoop out the flesh after cooking.
Once roasted, the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Serve as a side dish or use in salads, soups, or pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If cubing, peel squash, remove seeds, and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and browned.
- If roasting whole, poke holes and bake for 60-75 minutes, then scoop out flesh.
9) Skillet Zucchini and Yellow Squash
This skillet zucchini and yellow squash recipe is simple and quick. Dice zucchini and yellow squash and cook them in butter and olive oil until tender.
It takes about 10 minutes, making it great for busy nights. Add onions or garlic for more flavor if you like.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dish pairs well with grilled meats or pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 small zucchini, diced
- 2 small to medium yellow squash, diced
- ½ tablespoon butter
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet.
- Cook and stir for about 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Learn more about this dish at Skillet Zucchini and Yellow Squash.
10) Old School Squash and Onions
This Old School Squash and Onions dish is a simple way to enjoy fresh summer squash. You cook the squash and onions slowly until they are soft and flavorful.
Butter brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Add a bit of seasoning to keep it simple and delicious.
This recipe works well with yellow squash and sweet onions. Serve it alongside grilled meat or enjoy it on its own for a light meal.
You only need a few ingredients you might already have. It’s easy to make.
Ingredients
- 4 yellow summer squash, sliced
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
-
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
-
Add onions.
Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. -
Add sliced squash, salt, and pepper.
-
Stir occasionally.
Cook for about 10 minutes until the squash becomes tender. -
Serve warm.
For more details, see this Old School Squash and Onions recipe.