Stuffed Patty Pans Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect stuffed patty pans recipe, this delicious dish celebrates fresh seasonal vegetables with rich, savory flavors and beautiful presentation. Featured on Fresh Market Dinners and hosted by Amanda Herrera, these stuffed patty pans are filled with a hearty mixture of mushrooms, aromatic vegetables, toasted pecans, fresh thyme, and Parmesan cheese, creating a wholesome meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, summer entertaining, or special occasions.

The Inspiration

Fresh, locally grown vegetables are the heart of seasonal cooking, and patty pans are one of the most beautiful vegetables found at farmers’ markets during the summer months. Their unique scalloped shape and naturally mild, buttery flavor make them ideal for stuffing with flavorful ingredients that complement rather than overpower their delicate taste.

On Fresh Market Dinners, Amanda Herrera celebrates recipes inspired by fresh market ingredients and simple cooking techniques that allow natural flavors to shine. This stuffed patty pan recipe reflects that philosophy by combining wholesome vegetables, earthy mushrooms, crunchy toasted pecans, fragrant herbs, and rich Parmesan cheese into a comforting dish that’s both elegant and approachable.

Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this recipe transforms humble produce into a stunning centerpiece worthy of family dinners, outdoor gatherings, or holiday meals. It demonstrates that seasonal vegetables can easily become the highlight of any table while remaining simple enough for everyday home cooking.

Ingredients

• 6 patty pan squash
• 5 tablespoons (75 ml) olive oil, divided + more for grill
• ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese

Filling

• ½ cup (120 ml) diced shallots
• ¾ cup (180 ml) diced carrots
• ¾ cup (180 ml) diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chopped mushrooms
• ½ cup (120 ml) chopped toasted pecans
• 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 ml) chopped fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper

Garnish

• Olive oil
• Chopped fresh thyme leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Method

• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• Cut ½-inch (1.25 cm) off the top of the patty pan shell and scoop out the flesh.
• Discard the seeds and chop up the flesh.
• Brush the exterior and interior of the patty pans with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil.
• Brush the grill with oil. Place the patty pans, flesh side down, on the grill.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes or until nice grill marks have appeared.
• Remove from grill.
• Heat remaining olive oil to the saucepan.
• Add shallots, carrots, and celery, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add garlic, stir and cook until soft.
• Add mushrooms and chopped patty pan flesh and cook for 4-5 minutes.
• Add pecans and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
• Using a spoon, fill the patty pan shells until overflowing with filling. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan. Replace stuffed patty pans on the hot grill, close lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes.
• Remove patty pans from grill. Drizzle with olive oil, top with grated Parmesan and fresh thyme.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffed patty pan recipe is versatile enough to be enjoyed as either a satisfying vegetarian main course or an elegant side dish. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, pork tenderloin, or a perfectly cooked steak for a balanced and colorful meal. For a lighter vegetarian menu, pair the stuffed patty pans with a crisp garden salad, roasted potatoes, warm artisan bread, or a simple grain salad featuring quinoa or farro.

The combination of earthy mushrooms, crunchy pecans, fresh thyme, and Parmesan also pairs beautifully with chilled Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, sparkling lemonade, or iced herbal tea. Whether served during a casual family dinner, a backyard gathering, or an elegant dinner party, these stuffed patty pans add vibrant color, wholesome ingredients, and sophisticated flavor to every table.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Patty Pan Recipe celebrates the beauty of seasonal cooking by transforming fresh vegetables into a comforting, elegant dish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of tender patty pans, savory mushrooms, aromatic vegetables, toasted pecans, fragrant thyme, and melted Parmesan creates a meal that’s simple enough for everyday dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining family and friends.

Find more recipes from Fresh Market Dinners here!

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