How To Grill A Patty Pan Squash

You can grill a patty pan squash easily, and it comes out tender with a subtle sweetness and those beautiful char marks that make everyone think you fussed. 

Patty pan squash is that adorable little flying saucer–shaped summer squash with scalloped edges, and it happens to be one of the best vegetables to throw on a hot grill. 

In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know so you can grill a patty pan squash like a pro, from choosing the right squash to nailing the seasoning and getting those perfect grill marks every single time. 

Let’s fire it up. 

Why You Should Grill a Patty Pan Squash

When you grill a patty pan squash, you’re basically unlocking its best self. 

Here’s why this little squash shines on the grill: 

1. Grilling Brings Out Its Natural Sweetness

Patty pan squash has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that gets even better when grilled. 

The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars on the surface, giving you a deeper, richer taste that steaming or boiling just can’t match. 

That’s why so many people who grill a patty pan squash never go back to other cooking methods. 

2. That Firm Texture Holds Up Beautifully

Unlike some squashes that turn to mush the second they hit heat, patty pan squash keeps its shape remarkably well. 

Its dense flesh means you can grill a patty pan squash directly on the grates without it falling apart. 

You get a tender bite with a slight bite-back that feels satisfying, not soggy. 

3. It Soaks Up Marinades and Smoke

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should grill a patty pan squash with a marinade, the answer is absolutely yes. 

Its flesh acts like a sponge for olive oil, herbs, garlic, and lemon, and the grill adds a smoky layer that takes it over the top. 

You can even grill a patty pan squash brushed with nothing but oil and salt, and it’ll still taste amazing, which says a lot about its natural flavor. 

4. It Cooks Fast

Nobody wants to babysit the grill all evening, and thankfully you don’t have to. 

When you grill a patty pan squash, it’s usually done in about 8 to 12 minutes depending on the size and how hot your grill is running. 

That’s faster than most proteins, so you can throw the squash on while your steak rests. 

How to Grill a Patty Pan Squash Step by Step

Ready to actually do it? 

Here’s the simple process to grill a patty pan squash from start to finish: 

1. Pick the Right Squash

Small to medium patty pan squash, roughly 2 to 4 inches across, work best because they grill evenly. 

If you only have large ones, no problem, just slice them into thick rounds or wedges before you grill a patty pan squash so everything cooks at the same rate. 

2. Prep and Cut It

Wash the squash and trim off the stem end. 

You don’t need to peel patty pan squash because the skin is tender and totally edible. 

For smaller squash, cut them in half horizontally so you get two flat surfaces to lay on the grates. 

For bigger ones, slice into half-inch thick planks, which makes it easier to grill a patty pan squash without pieces slipping through the grates. 

3. Season Generously

Toss your squash pieces in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and add whatever else you love. 

Garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or a squeeze of lemon all work great. 

Since patty pan squash is mild, being generous with seasoning is key when you grill a patty pan squash, otherwise it can taste a little flat. 

4. Preheat the Grill

Get your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F. 

Clean the grates and oil them lightly so nothing sticks. 

If you want to grill a patty pan squash using a grill basket, that works too, especially for smaller pieces or slices. 

5. Grill It

Lay the squash cut-side down on the grates and leave it alone for 4 to 5 minutes. 

Flip once and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the flesh is tender and the edges are nicely charred. 

When you grill a patty pan squash, resist the urge to keep flipping, because that’s how you lose those gorgeous grill marks. 

6. Finish and Serve

Pull the squash off the grill and finish with a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. 

A little crumbled feta or parmesan doesn’t hurt either. 

Serve it hot, because grilled patty pan squash tastes best right off the heat. 

Tips for the Best Grilled Patty Pan Squash

A few small tricks make a big difference when you grill a patty pan squash: 

1. Don’t Overcook It

Overcooked squash goes limp and mushy, so keep an eye on it. 

If you can pierce it easily with a fork, it’s done. 

Remember, you want to grill a patty pan squash until tender, not until it collapses. 

2. Watch Out for Small Pieces

If your squash is tiny, use a grill basket or skewers so nothing falls through. 

It’s the easiest way to grill a patty pan squash when you’re working with bite-sized pieces. 

3. Try a Marinade or Glaze

For extra flavor, marinate your squash for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling, or brush on a balsamic glaze near the end. 

Either way, you’ll grill a patty pan squash that tastes like it came from a restaurant. 

So, How Do You Grill a Patty Pan Squash?

You grill a patty pan squash by cutting it into halves or thick slices, tossing it in oil and seasoning, and cooking it on a medium-high grill for about 8 to 12 minutes, flipping once. 

It’s one of the simplest, tastiest ways to enjoy summer squash, and once you grill a patty pan squash this way, it’ll become a regular on your grill all season long. 

So grab a few patty pan squash, fire up the grill, and enjoy every charred, tender bite.