Cheesy Garlic Grilled Summer Squash Sticks
Elevate your summer squash game with these Cheesy Garlic Grilled Summer Squash Sticks! A delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your family's meals, this recipe is perfect for getting kids excited about healthy eating. The tender, roasted squash spears are generously seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then topped with a decadent layer of melted cheese for the ultimate flavor experience. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, these cheesy squash sticks make for a great side dish or a tasty snack. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Summer Squash
5-6 (Washed and cut into 2-inch spears)
Garlic Powder
2 tablespoons (To taste)
Salt
2 tablespoons (To taste)
Pepper
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Mexican Blend Cheese
3/4 cup (Shredded)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Dollops for melting over squash)
Olive Oil Spray
as needed (For greasing the baking pan)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Wash and slice the summer squash into spears that are about 2 inches long.
3
Prepare a cookie sheet or baking pan by spraying it generously with olive oil spray.
4
Arrange the squash spears evenly on the baking sheet, making sure they are not crowded.
5
Sprinkle the squash with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings based on your preference.
6
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
7
Once the squash is cooked, add a couple of dollops of butter on top of the spears, allowing it to melt into the squash.
8
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the melted butter and squash.
9
Return the squash to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or browned to your liking.
10
Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, cheesy side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is 5 to 6 summer squashes, washed and cut into 2-inch spears.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before roasting the squash.
How long should I roast the summer squash?
The squash should be roasted for 15 to 20 minutes until it becomes tender.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Prepare a cookie sheet or baking pan by spraying it generously with olive oil spray.
How much garlic powder is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, though you can adjust to taste.
When do I add the butter to the squash?
Add a couple of dollops of butter on top of the spears once they are cooked and tender, allowing it to melt into the squash.
How long does it take for the cheese to melt in the oven?
After adding the cheese, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How should the squash be sliced?
The summer squash should be sliced into spears that are approximately 2 inches long.
Can I adjust the amount of salt and pepper?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of pepper, you should adjust the seasonings based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, these cheesy squash sticks are specifically described as a great way to get kids excited about healthy eating.
What can I serve these squash sticks with?
They are perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, or even as a tasty snack.
Should I crowd the squash on the baking sheet?
No, make sure to arrange the squash spears evenly on the baking sheet so they are not crowded.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter to be melted over the squash.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a vegetable-based dish that is packed with nutrients and is a healthy way to enjoy summer squash.
Can I bake the cheese until it is brown?
Yes, you can bake the squash until the cheese is melted, bubbly, or browned to your liking.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 7 ingredients: summer squash, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Mexican blend cheese, butter, and olive oil spray.
Is any oil used in the cooking process?
Olive oil spray is used to grease the pan, and butter is added for flavor and moisture.
Should the squash be served warm?
Yes, for the best flavor and texture from the melted cheese, serve the dish warm.
What type of squash works best for this recipe?
Summer squash is the primary choice, which typically includes varieties like yellow squash or zucchini.
How do I know when the squash is ready for the cheese?
The squash is ready for the butter and cheese once it has roasted for 15-20 minutes and is tender.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as an elevated summer squash recipe perfect for seasonal produce.
Does the recipe require fresh garlic?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of garlic powder for seasoning rather than fresh garlic cloves.
How many squash spears does this make?
The recipe uses 5-6 squashes cut into 2-inch spears, which produces a generous amount for a side dish.
Can I use a different type of cheese blend?
While Mexican blend cheese is specified, you could substitute it with other meltable cheeses like cheddar or monterey jack.
What kind of pan should I use?
A standard cookie sheet or any flat baking pan works well for roasting the squash sticks.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward and involve simple roasting and melting steps.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a savory flavor from the garlic, salt, and pepper, complemented by the richness of melted butter and cheese.
Do I need to peel the squash?
No, the instructions only specify washing and slicing; peeling is not required for summer squash.
Can this be used as an appetizer?
Absolutely, these sticks function well as a snack or a warm vegetable appetizer.