FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• I’ve Got Four Patty Pan Squash Recipes In One
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Cut Patty Pans
• How To Cook Patty Pan Squash
• Patty Pan Squash Recipe (Cook It 4 Ways!) Recipe card
• Flavor Variations
• Serving Ideas
• More Summer Squash Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

I’ve Got Four Patty Pan Squash Recipes In One

You’ve picked up this new summer veggie, and now you’re wondering how to cook patty pan squash ? I’ve got you. If you love summer squash, my easy patty pan squash recipe is going to be your new favorite during the summer months.

Just like zucchini and yellow squash that I cook many different ways (you can roast zucchini , saute zucchini , or even grill zucchini ), I have several simple methods to prepare pattypans. Here they are with pros and cons:

1. Roasted – The hands-off method without any special equipment, and the easiest way to cook a large batch. I don’t love turning on my oven on hot days, though.
2. Sauteed – The fastest way, but you do have to stand by the stove to cook it.
3. Grilled – Quick and simple for summer! It works best with larger squash, so it doesn’t fall through the grates (more on this below).
4. Air Fryer – My fave for fast cooking and nice browning. It even gets a little crispy! If you have this appliance, I highly recommend it.

My grandma used to grow patty pan squash in her garden, and I instantly recognized them when we visited a farm recently (in my photo here). Pick your favorite cooking method and make them with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for cooking patty pan squash, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Patty Pan Squash – If you’re not familiar with this summer vegetable, it’s a flying saucer shaped squash that tastes a lot like zucchini, but a bit sweeter. I often see it at farmers markets in July and August, but grocery stores have it, too. Sometimes it’s labeled pattypan squash (without the space), scallop squash, or sunburst squash.
• Oil – I usually use olive oil. Avocado oil is great, too.
• Salt & Pepper – I use sea salt, but kosher salt works as well.
• Optional Seasonings – Garlic powder, Italian seasoning , and crushed red pepper flakes. I’ve got other flavor variations below!

TIP: I recommend small to medium squash.

Ones that are 2-4 inches in diameter have the best flavor and texture. They can grow up to 7 inches across, but the larger ones are more tough, less sweet, and can even taste a little like potatoes.

How To Cut Patty Pans

You can cook the squash whole, but I recommend cutting it for more even cooking and better browning. Aim for pieces that are the same size, so that they cook at the same rate.

Cut off the ends first. Then, I slice smaller patty pan squash in half, and larger ones into quarters or wedges.

How To Cook Patty Pan Squash

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

Oven Method:

In a medium to large bowl, toss the squash with oil and seasonings. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down, and roast until tender.

Roasting Tip:

You can flip halfway through if you like, but I prefer the darker browning I get on the cut sides when I don’t flip.

Stovetop Method:

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the patty pan squash in a single layer, cut side down first. Season and sear until golden, flipping halfway through.

Sauteing Tips:

• Don’t crowd the pan. Keep the squash in a single layer. Mine are pretty spread out in these pictures and you can leave less space, but make sure each piece touches the pan.
• Don’t move around, except to flip. This gives you better browning than moving constantly.

Grill Method:

Toss the squash with oil and seasonings. Place the patty pan squash on the grill, cut side down. Cook until grill marks form, then flip and grill until tender.

Grilling Tips:

• Slightly larger patty pan squash works best for grilling. I still don’t recommend huge ones (as mentioned above due to flavor and texture), but about 4 inches across is perfect to grill. That way, it doesn’t fall through the grates. If you only have smaller ones, I recommend a grill basket .
• Want to grill when it’s raining? I use this grill pan inside.

Air Fryer Method:

Season with oil and seasonings, then arrange the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Basic Patty Pan Squash:

• 2 lb Patty pan squash (cut into pieces of the same size; you can cut them in half, or into quarters or wedges if they are larger) ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢

Optional Flavor Boosters:

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning ▢
• 1 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

Roasted Pattypan Squash:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the pattypan squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any flavor boosters, if using.
3. Transfer the squash to a baking sheet and arrange, cut side down, in a single layer.
4. Roast pattypan squash for 15-20 minutes until tender and golden brown on the bottom. (If desired, you can stir halfway through for more even browning.)

Sauteed Pattypan Squash:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pattypans and arrange, cut side down, in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and any flavor boosters, if using. (Work in batches if they don’t fit in a single layer.)
3. Sear the squash for 3-5 minutes , without moving, until golden on the bottom. Flip and repeat until golden on the other side.

Grilled Pattypan Squash:

1. Preheat the outdoor grill for at least 10 minutes , or a grill pan on the stovetop, over medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, toss the pattypan squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any flavor boosters, if using. (If using an outdoor grill, larger squash pieces work best, so they won’t fall through the grates.)
3. Place the squash, cut side down, onto the grill or grill pan in a single layer.
4. Grill for 3-4 minutes , until the grill marks form on the bottom. Flip and grill for 3-4 more minutes on the other side, until the squash is tender.

Air Fryer Pattypan Squash:

1. In a large bowl, toss the pattypan squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any flavor boosters, if using.
2. Place the pattypan squash in the air fryer basket, cut side down, in a single layer. (Cook in batches if they don’t all fit in a single layer.)
3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C), until crispy and golden.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: I have a few tips and pictures of each method in this section above .
• Variations: Try my flavor variations to make these patty pan squash cheesy, herby, or lemony, or for my favorite sauces to drizzle on top.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
• Meal prep: You can cut the squash a few days in advance and keep it in the fridge. I prefer the texture fresh, as it’s more mushy reheated, but you can cook ahead of time for meal prep lunches if you like.
• Reheat: Reheat in a warm skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F.
• Freeze: Freezing patty pan squash is not my favorite because it’s pretty mushy after thawing, but you can, for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

How To Cook Patty Pan Squash

Flavor Variations

• Lemon juice – Add a splash of lemon juice in addition to the olive oil for zing. Stir it in upfront for the roasting, grill, or air fryer methods. If you’re sauteing, add it after removing from heat.
• Fresh herbs – Sprinkle with fresh parsley, basil, or thyme after cooking.
• Parmesan cheese – This works best at the end for the grilling or sauteing methods, but for the air fryer or oven, you can toss with grated parm before cooking.
• Sauces – I don’t think this patty pan squash recipe needs anything extra, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can dip the pieces in lemon butter sauce , garlic aioli , or marinara .

Serving Ideas

My patty pan squash recipe makes a versatile side dish with so many summer meals! I usually prefer to use the same cooking method for my main dish to have less cleanup, but you can mix and match to have your dinner all ready at the same time:

• Grill – Try my grilled shrimp skewers or bruschetta chicken for a taste of summer. Or keep it simple with juicy burgers .
• Air Fryer – Some of my go-tos are air fryer chicken legs (or air fryer chicken quarters ), air fryer cod , or when I’m really short on time, air fryer brats .
• Oven – My baked chicken breast recipe uses the same oven temperature as the patty pan squash, so I cook them at the same time and swap the pans halfway through. You can also bake salmon or sirloin steak in the oven pretty quickly right after. For comfort food, try my cheesy ranch chicken .
• Stovetop – Wipe down the pan after cooking the squash, then make my pan seared halibut , sun-dried tomato chicken , or Mediterranean chicken .

More Summer Squash Recipes

Veggies taste so fresh in the summer, especially summer squash. Try some of my other favorites:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

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1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

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Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Patty Pan Squash Recipe (Cook It 4 Ways!)

Learn how to cook patty pan squash with my fast & easy patty pan squash recipe. You can make it using the stovetop, oven, air fryer or grill!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/patty-pan-squash/

Ingredients

Basic Patty Pan Squash:

• 2 lb Patty pan squash (cut into pieces of the same size; you can cut them in half, or into quarters or wedges if they are larger)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Optional Flavor Boosters:

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Roasted Pattypan Squash:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the pattypan squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any flavor boosters, if using.
3. Transfer the squash to a baking sheet and arrange, cut side down, in a single layer.
4. Roast pattypan squash for 15-20 minutes until tender and golden brown on the bottom. (If desired, you can stir halfway through for more even browning.)

Sauteed Pattypan Squash:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pattypans and arrange, cut side down, in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and any flavor boosters, if using. (Work in batches if they don’t fit in a single layer.)
3. Sear the squash for 3-5 minutes , without moving, until golden on the bottom. Flip and repeat until golden on the other side.

Grilled Pattypan Squash:

1. Preheat the outdoor grill for at least 10 minutes , or a grill pan on the stovetop, over medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, toss the pattypan squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any flavor boosters, if using. (If using an outdoor grill, larger squash pieces work best, so they won’t fall through the grates.)
3. Place the squash, cut side down, onto the grill or grill pan in a single layer.
4. Grill for 3-4 minutes , until the grill marks form on the bottom. Flip and grill for 3-4 more minutes on the other side, until the squash is tender.

Air Fryer Pattypan Squash:

1. In a large bowl, toss the pattypan squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any flavor boosters, if using.
2. Place the pattypan squash in the air fryer basket, cut side down, in a single layer. (Cook in batches if they don’t all fit in a single layer.)
3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C), until crispy and golden.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: I have a few tips and pictures of each method in this section above .
• Variations: Try my flavor variations to make these patty pan squash cheesy, herby, or lemony, or for my favorite sauces to drizzle on top.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
• Meal prep: You can cut the squash a few days in advance and keep it in the fridge. I prefer the texture fresh, as it’s more mushy reheated, but you can cook ahead of time for meal prep lunches if you like.
• Reheat: Reheat in a warm skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F.
• Freeze: Freezing patty pan squash is not my favorite because it’s pretty mushy after thawing, but you can, for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)