How To Prepare And Cook Patty Pan Squash

To prepare and cook patty pan squash, you simply need to wash it, trim the ends, and decide whether to roast, sauté, or stuff it.
 
Patty pan squash is that adorable little flying saucer-shaped summer squash that looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie.
 
It’s slightly sweet, tender, and oh-so-versatile in the kitchen.
 
If you’ve ever spotted these cute mini UFOs at the farmers market and wondered what to do with them, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to prepare and cook patty pan squash, along with some tasty tips and methods that’ll make you fall in love with this summer veggie.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Prepare and Cook Patty Pan Squash

Learning how to prepare and cook patty pan squash starts with a few simple steps that ensure the best flavor and texture.
 

1. Choose the Right Patty Pan Squash

When you’re preparing patty pan squash, pick ones that are firm, heavy for their size, and free of soft spots.
 
Smaller patty pan squash (about 2 to 3 inches across) are tender and sweet, while larger ones can be tougher and have more seeds.
 
If you can, choose smaller ones for the best results.
 

2. Wash and Trim the Squash

Rinse your patty pan squash under cool running water to remove any dirt or grit.
 
You don’t need to peel patty pan squash because the skin is thin and totally edible.
 
Just slice off the stem end and the little blossom end with a sharp knife.
 

3. Decide Whether to Cut or Keep It Whole

How you cut your patty pan squash depends on how you plan to cook it.
 
For roasting, you can halve them, quarter them, or slice them into rounds.
 
For stuffing, keep them whole and hollow out the center.
 
For sautéing, cubes or slices work great.
 

4. Salt and Rest (Optional)

If your patty pan squash is on the larger side, you might want to salt the slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes.
 
This draws out excess moisture so your cooked patty pan squash doesn’t turn mushy.
 
Just pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
 

Best Ways to Cook Patty Pan Squash

There are so many ways to cook patty pan squash, and each method brings out something a little different in this lovely veggie.
 

1. Roasted Patty Pan Squash

Roasting is hands down one of the easiest and tastiest ways to cook patty pan squash.
 
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
 
Toss your cut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs you love like thyme or rosemary.
 
Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes until they’re tender and golden at the edges.
 
The natural sweetness of patty pan squash really shines when roasted.
 

2. Sautéed Patty Pan Squash

If you’re short on time, sautéing is a fantastic way to cook patty pan squash.
 
Heat some olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
 
Add sliced patty pan squash and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
 
Season with salt, pepper, and a little garlic for extra flavor.
 
This method keeps the squash slightly crisp and tender.
 

3. Grilled Patty Pan Squash

Grilling patty pan squash gives it a lovely smoky flavor and those gorgeous grill marks.
 
Slice the squash into thick rounds or halves, brush with oil, and season.
 
Grill over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
 
It’s a wonderful side dish for summer barbecues.
 

4. Stuffed Patty Pan Squash

Stuffed patty pan squash is a showstopper if you want something a little fancy.
 
Hollow out the center of whole patty pan squash and fill them with a mixture of rice, ground meat, cheese, or veggies.
 
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes until the squash is tender and the filling is hot.
 
It’s a fun and delicious way to prepare and cook patty pan squash.
 

Tips for Preparing and Cooking Patty Pan Squash

Here are a few extra pointers to keep in mind when you prepare and cook patty pan squash.
 

1. Don’t Overcook It

Patty pan squash cooks fast, so keep an eye on it.
 
Overcooked patty pan squash turns mushy and loses its lovely texture.
 

2. Pair It with Bold Flavors

Because patty pan squash is mild, it pairs beautifully with garlic, lemon, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and even a little chili flakes.
 

3. Use the Whole Squash

You can eat the skin, the flesh, and even the seeds of patty pan squash when it’s small.
 
Nothing goes to waste when you prepare and cook patty pan squash.
 

4. Store It Properly

Keep uncooked patty pan squash in the crisper drawer of your fridge for up to a week.
 
Cooked patty pan squash will last in an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days.
 

So, How Do You Prepare and Cook Patty Pan Squash?

To prepare and cook patty pan squash, just wash it, trim the ends, cut it as you like, and choose a cooking method like roasting, sautéing, grilling, or stuffing.
 
Patty pan squash is one of those summer vegetables that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
 
Whether you roast it, sauté it, grill it, or stuff it, you really can’t go wrong.
 
Now that you know how to prepare and cook patty pan squash, grab a few of those cute little UFOs next time you see them and give one of these methods a try.
 
Your taste buds will thank you.