Parmesan-Crusted Delicata Rings with Herby Dip
If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, these Parmesan-Crusted Delicata Rings with Herby Dip are about to become your new favorite. Delicata squash, known for its tender skin and naturally sweet flesh, is transformed into golden, crispy rings coated with a savory Parmesan and panko crust. Paired with a refreshing herby yogurt dip, this recipe is perfect for appetizer lovers, snack seekers, or anyone looking to add a touch of gourmet to their vegetable game.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Simple yet impressive: With a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it belongs in a restaurant.
- Crunchy texture: The combination of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs creates a satisfyingly crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender squash inside.
- Healthy twist: Baking instead of frying keeps things lighter without sacrificing taste or crunch.
- Fresh herby dip: The Greek yogurt-based dip adds a tangy, creamy element with bright notes from parsley, chives, and lemon juice.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Ideal for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, this dish appeals to all ages and dietary preferences.
What Goes Into Parmesan-Crusted Delicata Rings with Herby Dip
- 2 medium delicata squash: Their edible skin means no peeling necessary, saving prep time.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps crisp the coating.
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs: Light and airy crumbs that enhance the crunch.
- 2 large eggs: Used as a binder to help the coating stick to the squash rings.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides a savory depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tsp paprika: Gives a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the coating and dip.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating adhere evenly to the squash.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: The base for the herby dip, creamy and tangy.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Bright and fresh, perfect for balancing richness.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor to the dip.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brings acidity to brighten the dip and complement the crispy rings.
Equipment & Tools
- Baking sheet: For roasting the delicata rings to golden perfection.
- Mixing bowls: Multiple bowls for dredging the squash in flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Whisk or fork: To beat the eggs and mix the dip ingredients.
- Sharp knife: For slicing the delicata squash into even rings.
- Cooling rack (optional): To let the crusted rings drain excess oil if you decide to lightly pan-fry instead of baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise seasoning and coating ratios.
How to Prepare Parmesan-Crusted Delicata Rings with Herby Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Delicata Squash
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the delicata squash thoroughly to remove any dirt since the skin is edible. Slice off the ends, then cut the squash crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rings. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the centers.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Delicata Rings
Dip each squash ring first into the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, immerse it in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the ring in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place the coated rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake the delicata rings in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want the coating to be golden brown and crispy, while the squash inside becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Make the Herby Dip
While the rings bake, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped parsley, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the rings are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with the herby dip on the side. These also pair beautifully with other vegetable dishes—try them alongside Turkey Sausage Stuffed Delicata Boats for a hearty fall meal or with Crispy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Chips for a crunchy, cheesy veggie feast.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
- Squash alternatives: In the absence of delicata, try acorn squash or kabocha, but peel them first as their skins are tougher.
- Cheese variations: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Breadcrumb swaps: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for different textures.
- Herb changes: Fresh dill or cilantro can be swapped in the dip to tweak the flavor profile.
Things That Go Wrong
- Coating falls off: Make sure to properly dry the squash rings before breading and press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the surface.
- Rings turn soggy: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Give the rings space for air circulation to crisp up evenly.
- Under-seasoned dip: Taste the herby dip before serving and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed for brightness.
- Uneven cooking: Slice the delicata rings uniformly so they cook at the same rate.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
You can freeze the uncooked, breaded delicata rings by arranging them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The herby dip is best made fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ask & Learn
Can I make these rings without eggs?
Yes! Replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” (1 tbsp seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit until gelled) or use a thick plant-based yogurt to help the coating stick.
Is it possible to pan-fry the delicata rings?
Absolutely. Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the rings for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels before serving.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt for the dip?
Regular plain yogurt will work, though it may be slightly thinner. You can strain it through cheesecloth to thicken or substitute with sour cream for a richer dip.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven to help maintain crispiness.
Healthy-ish Favorites
- Crispy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Chips – A light, cheesy snack with a similar crispy coating.
- Turkey Sausage Stuffed Delicata Boats – A hearty, protein-packed delicata squash dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze – A sweet and tangy roasted veggie side.
- Cauliflower Tots – A low-carb alternative to traditional tater tots.
Final Bite
These Parmesan-Crusted Delicata Rings with Herby Dip are a delightful combination of textures and flavors that elevate a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy treat. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a snack, their crisp exterior and tender, sweet squash interior are sure to impress. The herby dip adds just the right amount of zest and freshness, creating a perfect balance. Next time you want a snack that’s both wholesome and indulgent, this recipe will be your go-to. Plus, their versatility means you can pair them with other dishes or tweak them seasonally to keep things exciting in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Parmesan-Crusted Delicata Rings with Herby Dip
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the delicata squash thoroughly to remove any dirt. Slice off the ends, then cut the squash crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rings. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the centers.
- In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each squash ring first into the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, immerse it in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the ring in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place the coated rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the delicata rings in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy, and the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the rings bake, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped parsley, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Once the rings are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with the herby dip on the side.
Notes
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the squash rings to prevent coating from falling off.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure even crispiness.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice in the dip to balance brightness and flavor.
- Freeze uncooked, breaded rings on a tray before storing for easy future cooking.
- Use flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute for an egg-free version.
