Are you looking for an easy meatless dinner that everyone will love? Then this Baked Squash Marinara is just what you are looking for! So easy and even kids love it! Post may contain affiliate links. 
Baked Squash Marinara
I am not a vegetarian. Not even close. My celebratory meal of choice is a perfectly cooked rib eye. However, we all know we shouldn't be eating boatloads of red meat. I haven't yet jumped on the Meatless Mondays band wagon or the vegan before 6pm, but I do try and sprinkle a few meatless meals in the rotation every now and then. My main problem with meatless meals? They have no meat. I miss meat when it's not there. I'm often left thinking how much better something would be with a little beef, chicken, or pork thrown in. So, when I tell you that after making this baked squash recipe once (slightly adapted from Baked Pattypan Squash from Love and Olive Oil), we then had it again twice for lunch that same week, that should tell you something.
If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that probably tells you that it was easy, simple and good. I didn't even miss the meat! The thick slices of squash give a good meaty texture, the marinara spices it up, the cheese makes everything better like it always does, and the garlic bread crumbs had crunch and another hit of flavor. Perfection.
The recipe calls for patty pan squash and that is what I used. I imagine though that you could make this recipe with other squash. I think it would be great with delicato (cut lengthwise).
Baked Squash Marinara
Ingredients
- 3 large pattypan squash or other similar squash, cut into ½ inch thick slices
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs or Panko
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Toss the squash with olive oil and salt and pepper and on baking sheet in a single layer. Spoon the marinara sauce over the squash.
- Bake for about 15-18 minutes. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and then the Parmesan cheese. Bake for an addition 5-7 minutes or until squash is tender and cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- While the squash bakes, prepare the breadcrumbs. Heat the oil and garlic in a small skillet over medium heat. When the garlic is fragrant (about 2 to 3 minutes) add the breadcrumbs, oregano and salt and pepper. Stir, tossing the crumbs in the garlic until browned and toasted, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve the squash with the breadcrumbs sprinkled on top.
Kristina and Millie says
ohhh yeah! this is such a yummy-licious way to eat squash and have the kiddos eat it too totally unaware it's a healthy meal! nom nom nom! I cannot wait to try this baked squash marinara for dinner with some left overs for lunch!!
Marjie says
I think my guys would want the meat with it, although it does look good. Or, as Nancy said, everything is better with bacon!
Rattlebridge Farm--Foodie Friday says
After reading The Forest Feast, I've warmed up to squash. Just last night my son (the chef) told me about a butternut squash ravioli dish that he enjoyed in Wilmington. He'd love your recipe. Not only does it look divine (who'd miss the meat?), the star shape is perfect for quite a few celebrations. Merry Christmas!!!!
Tina Culbertson says
I'm with you on the meat wagon. I was vegetarian for about 6 years and since I have gotten back to being a carnivore, I am permanently on that bandwagon!! We are cooking a standing rib roast for Christmas.
Love this squash dish but I am unfamiliar with the type of squash, never heard of pattypan.
It would be a good accompaniment to a meal.
Nancy says
Looks like a good recipe to try. The tradition in our house when I try a vegetarian recipe is to add some bacon - almost always makes the recipe even better!
Pam Greer says
Oh, I agree. Just about every meatless recipe and even those with meat are always better with bacon!
Joanne says
Haha yay for finding a meatless recipe that you totally love!! I mean, with cheese and tomato sauce how could you go wrong?
Pam Greer says
I know!