What To Do With Large Patty Pan Squash

Large patty pan squash can be turned into a variety of delicious dishes, and it’s easier than you might think to make the most of this unique summer vegetable.
 
If you’ve ever grown patty pan squash in your garden, you know how quickly those little flying saucer-shaped veggies can turn into massive, intimidating giants overnight.
 
One day they’re cute and tender, and the next thing you know, you’ve got a large patty pan squash the size of a dinner plate staring back at you from the vine.
 
The good news is that a large patty pan squash is still perfectly edible and incredibly versatile, even though its texture and flavor change a bit as it grows.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with large patty pan squash, including the best cooking methods, tasty recipes, and smart ways to preserve your harvest.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What To Do With Large Patty Pan Squash

When you’re wondering what to do with large patty pan squash, the first thing to know is that bigger squash have thicker skins and more seeds, so they need slightly different handling than their smaller counterparts.
 
Here are the best approaches for dealing with a large patty pan squash harvest.
 

1. Stuff Them Like a Squash Bowl

One of the best things to do with large patty pan squash is to hollow them out and use them as edible bowls.
 
Their wide, flat shape makes a large patty pan squash ideal for stuffing with rice, ground meat, quinoa, or a cheesy vegetable mixture.
 
Just cut off the top, scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh, then fill your large patty pan squash with whatever savory filling you love.
 
Bake it at 375°F for about 30 to 40 minutes, and you’ve got a show-stopping meal that looks fancy but took minimal effort.
 

2. Roast Them for Deep, Sweet Flavor

Roasting is probably the simplest answer to what to do with large patty pan squash.
 
Cut your large patty pan squash into cubes or thick slices, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder, then spread them on a baking sheet.
 
Roast at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges caramelize and turn golden brown.
 
The natural sugars in a large patty pan squash concentrate during roasting, giving you a sweet, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
 

3. Turn Them Into Soup or Puree

Because large patty pan squash have a higher water content and softer flesh, they blend beautifully into creamy soups and purees.
 
Simply chop your large patty pan squash, simmer it with onions and broth until tender, then blend until smooth.
 
A large patty pan squash puree also works great as a base for pasta sauce, a baby food ingredient, or even a sneaky way to add veggies to baked goods like muffins and bread.
 

4. Grate Them for Fritters and Casseroles

If your large patty pan squash feels a bit too seedy or spongy to slice, grab your box grater.
 
Shredding a large patty pan squash opens up a world of options, from crispy fritters to hearty casseroles and even savory pancakes.
 
Just remember to salt the grated squash and let it drain for about 15 minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture before cooking.
 
This step is key because a large patty pan squash releases a lot of water, and nobody wants soggy fritters.
 

5. Pickle or Freeze Your Bounty

Got more large patty pan squash than you can eat right now?
 
Pickling is a fantastic way to preserve large patty pan squash, especially if you cut them into spears or slices and use a tangy brine with vinegar, garlic, and dill.
 
You can also freeze large patty pan squash by blanching cubes or grated pieces for two minutes, cooling them in ice water, and packing them into freezer bags.
 
That way, your large patty pan squash harvest lasts well into the winter months.
 

Tips for Cooking Large Patty Pan Squash

Before you rush into the kitchen, here are a few pointers that make working with large patty pan squash much easier.
 

1. Peel the Skin If It’s Tough

Small patty pan squash have tender skin you can eat without thinking twice.
 
But a large patty pan squash often develops a tougher, thicker skin that doesn’t soften much during cooking.
 
If the skin feels hard, just peel your large patty pan squash before using it in recipes.
 

2. Scoop Out the Seeds

The seeds inside a large patty pan squash get bigger and tougher as the squash matures.
 
For a better texture, cut your large patty pan squash in half and scoop out the seedy center with a spoon before cooking.
 

3. Salt and Drain for Better Results

Large patty pan squash hold a lot of moisture, which can water down your dish.
 
Sprinkling salt on cut pieces of large patty pan squash and letting them sit for 15 to 20 minutes draws out excess liquid.
 
Pat them dry, and your large patty pan squash will roast, fry, or bake much better.
 

Delicious Recipes Using Large Patty Pan Squash

Now that you know what to do with large patty pan squash, here are some recipe ideas to get you started.
 

1. Stuffed Patty Pan Squash with Sausage and Rice

Hollow out your large patty pan squash, then fill with cooked sausage, rice, onions, and herbs.
 
Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly for a comforting dinner.
 

2. Creamy Patty Pan Squash Soup

Simmer chopped large patty pan squash with potatoes, onions, and vegetable broth, then blend with a splash of cream.
 
It’s cozy, velvety, and perfect for chilly evenings.
 

3. Patty Pan Squash Fritters

Mix grated large patty pan squash with flour, egg, Parmesan, and herbs, then pan-fry until crispy.
 
Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
 

So, What To Do With Large Patty Pan Squash?

Large patty pan squash can be stuffed, roasted, pureed into soup, grated into fritters, pickled, or frozen, so you never have to let a big harvest go to waste.
 
The key is to work with their thicker skin and bigger seeds by peeling, scooping, and salting as needed.
 
Whether you’re wondering what to do with large patty pan squash from your garden or you spotted one at the farmers market, these ideas will help you turn that giant squash into something delicious.
 
So the next time you’re staring at a large patty pan squash on your counter, don’t panic.
 
Just pick a recipe and get cooking, because a large patty pan squash is a gift, not a problem.