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Falls Best Crispy Parmesan Delicata Squash Rings

crispy parmesan delicata squash rings - featured image

These crispy parmesan delicata squash rings are a quick and easy fall side dish with a shatteringly crisp crust and tender, sweet squash inside. Perfect for Thanksgiving appetizers, cozy dinners, or game day snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving, optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Ranch dressing or marinara (for dipping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly. Cut off the stem and the very bottom tip. Slice the squash crosswise into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thick rings. Using a small spoon or your fingers, scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring.
  3. Place the squash rings in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently with your hands to coat evenly. Set aside while you prepare the coating.
  4. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir with a fork until well mixed. In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth and frothy.
  5. Arrange your bowls in this order: squash rings, egg wash, breadcrumb mixture, prepared baking sheet.
  6. Working with one ring at a time, dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then place it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres on both sides. Flip and press again. Place the coated ring on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Repeat with all rings.
  7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12 minutes, then carefully flip each ring using tongs. Bake for another 10-12 minutes, until the rings are golden brown and crispy. The coating should feel firm to the touch and the squash should be tender when pierced with a fork.
  8. If you want them even crunchier, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch them closely—they can burn quickly under the broiler.
  9. Transfer the crispy rings to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce. These are best eaten right away while the coating is still shatteringly crisp.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet. Slice rings evenly at 1/2-inch thickness. Press the coating firmly into the egg wash. If making ahead, prep up to step 6 and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash rings, crispy parmesan squash, fall side dish, roasted squash, vegetarian appetizer, Thanksgiving side