Stuffed Pattypan Squash

When you have kids in the house, sometimes you have to use some creativity to get them to eat, or at least try, their vegetables. This applies to all things squash in our home, but at least pattypan squash helps me out with it’s unusual shape. My son loves learning about the stars and planets, and more recently he enjoys pretending that there are aliens (he’s such a nerd). He got the idea from the hilarious British show Shaun the Sheep. In a few of the episodes aliens land their flying saucer on the farm that Shaun the sheep lives on, wreaking all kinds of havoc with their stun guns and alien experiments. Every time he watches it, he goes into fits of giggles with his cute little-kid laugh. With this in mind, being the savvy parent I am, I’ve told my son that pattypan squash is shaped like a flying saucer, so it’s like he’s eating space alien food. He totally buys it and everyone is happy!

Pattypan squash, although less commonly found at the grocery store, is a variety of summer squash that you can find at your local farmer’s market or CSA. In today’s recipe I use a yellow variety, but they also come in green and white. Pattypan squash are typically harvested when they are quite small, only 2-3 inches in diameter, as they are the most tender at this size. They are still delicious, however, when allowed to get a little bigger. Pattypans behave in recipes much the same way that other summer squashes do, which means they’re quite versatile. For today’s recipe I chose to stuff them!

My Stuffed Pattypan Squash recipe hasn’t decided yet whether it’s an Italian or a Mexican dish, with it’s basil and cotija cheese. I guess if I call it American I’m allowed to put anything in it I please, right? Basically, this recipe is cheesy, garlicky, and full of veg. A larger serving makes for a great vegetarian entree, or you can serve it as a side with your Italian or Mexican entree. This can be made ahead for your summer party, potluck, or a picnic!