How Do You Prepare A Patty Pan Squash

Preparing a patty pan squash is easy, and it starts with giving this fun little summer squash a quick rinse under cool water.
 
Patty pan squash, sometimes called scallop squash, is that cute, flying-saucer-shaped veggie with scalloped edges that looks almost too pretty to cook.
 
When you prepare a patty pan squash, the goal is to keep that tender flesh and mild, slightly sweet flavor intact.
 
If you’ve been staring at one at the farmers market wondering how to prepare a patty pan squash, you’re in the right place.
 
The good news is that preparing a patty pan squash takes just a few minutes once you know the basic steps.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to prepare a patty pan squash from washing to cutting to cooking so you can enjoy it with confidence.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Do You Prepare a Patty Pan Squash?

You prepare a patty pan squash by washing it, trimming the ends, and deciding whether to leave the skin on or peel it.
 
Here’s exactly how to prepare a patty pan squash step by step:
 

1. Wash and Dry the Squash

Start by rinsing your patty pan squash under cool running water to remove any dirt or grit.
 
Because the skin is thin and tender, you don’t need to scrub hard, just use your hands or a soft produce brush.
 
Pat the squash dry with a clean towel so it doesn’t get slippery when you cut it.
 

2. Trim the Stem and Base

Next, slice off the stem end and the little blossom end with a sharp knife.
 
These parts are tough and won’t soften much during cooking.
 
Once trimmed, your patty pan squash is ready for the next step.
 

3. Decide Whether to Peel

Small, young patty pan squash have soft skins that you can leave on.
 
If your squash is larger or the skin feels tough, go ahead and peel it.
 
Leaving the skin on gives you extra fiber and holds the shape better when you prepare a patty pan squash.
 

4. Cut It the Right Way

You can slice, dice, or cube your patty pan squash depending on the recipe.
 
For roasting, cut it into halves or thick rounds so it holds up in the oven.
 
For sautéing or grilling, slice it into even pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
 
If you plan to stuff it, just scoop out the middle and leave the shell intact.
 

Best Ways to Cook a Patty Pan Squash

Once you know how to prepare a patty pan squash, the next question is how to cook it.
 
This squash is versatile and works in tons of dishes.
 
Here are the most popular ways to cook a patty pan squash:
 

1. Roasting

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of a patty pan squash.
 
Toss the pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes.
 
You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn golden and the flesh is fork-tender.
 

2. Sautéing

Sautéing is quick and perfect for a weeknight side dish.
 
Heat some butter or oil in a pan, add your sliced patty pan squash, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
 
A little garlic and fresh herbs at the end make it taste amazing.
 

3. Grilling

Grilling gives patty pan squash a smoky char that’s hard to beat.
 
Slice it into thick planks, brush with oil, and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
 
This method works best with medium-sized squash that won’t fall apart.
 

4. Stuffing

Because of its fun shape, patty pan squash is ideal for stuffing.
 
Hollow it out, fill it with rice, meat, or cheese, and bake until tender.
 
When you prepare a patty pan squash this way, it becomes a show-stopping centerpiece.
 

Tips for Preparing a Patty Pan Squash

A few simple tips can make preparing a patty pan squash even easier.
 
Choose small to medium squash, since larger ones can be tough and seedy.
 
Store fresh patty pan squash in the fridge for up to a week until you’re ready to use it.
 
Don’t overcook it, because the flesh turns mushy fast.
 
And season it simply so its delicate flavor can shine through.
 

So, How Do You Prepare a Patty Pan Squash?

You prepare a patty pan squash by washing it, trimming the ends, and slicing or cubing it based on your recipe.
 
From there, you can roast, sauté, grill, or stuff it for a tasty, healthy dish.
 
Now that you know how to prepare a patty pan squash, you can grab one at the store and give it a try this week.