Squash casserole, a classic Southern dish, embodies the essence of comfort food with its creamy textures and delightful flavors. This delectable side dish, often enjoyed during the abundance of summer, brings the humble squash to the center stage of the dining table. In less than an hour, you can transform this seasonal vegetable into a satisfying and wholesome meal.
The dish features layers of tender yellow squash combined with a velvety cheese sauce, all topped with a crunchy, buttery cracker topping. Its harmonious blend of textures and flavors makes it a staple at any gathering. This versatile casserole can even stand alone as a meal when paired with a simple side salad. With just a handful of ingredients, you can effortlessly prepare this timeless classic and create a dish that is sure to please.
Squash Casserole Ingredients (Serves 8):
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion (e.g., Vidalia onion)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted salted butter
- Dried parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×7-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash, chopped onion, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to coat the squash with the spices and butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash starts to soften (about 10 minutes).
- Place a colander over a large bowl and transfer the cooked squash mixture to the colander. Allow the mixture to drain for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the drained squash mixture to the egg and cheese mixture. Stir well to combine, discarding any excess liquid from the drained squash.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- For the topping, crush the Ritz crackers and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Mix in the melted butter to combine.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly bubbly.
- If desired, garnish with dried parsley before serving.
Serving Process:
Once your mouthwatering squash casserole is ready, it’s time to serve up this Southern delight. Here’s how to do it:
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven using oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors settle and make it easier to cut and serve.
Use a serving spoon or spatula to scoop out individual portions of the casserole onto plates.
If desired, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of dried parsley. This adds a touch of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Serve the squash casserole alongside your favorite main dishes, salads, or as a standalone meal.
Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy squash, cheesy goodness, and crunchy topping that make this dish a true Southern comfort classic.
Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner or hosting a gathering, squash casserole is sure to be a hit. The layers of flavors and textures in every bite will leave your taste buds craving more. So go ahead, savor the flavors of the South with this mouthwatering dish!”
Please note that nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 308
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 96mg
- Sodium: 618mg
- Potassium: 385mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 886IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 204mg
- Iron: 1mg
Please note that nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Squash casserole is a timeless Southern favorite that captures the essence of comfort and flavor. This recipe allows you to enjoy the rich combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or savoring it as a main course, squash casserole is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal.”
FAQs for the Perfect Squash Casserole:
- Do I have to drain the squash? Draining the squash is recommended to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. Skipping this step may result in a runnier filling. However, if you prefer a moister casserole, you can omit the draining process.
- How do I slice the squash?
While a mandolin slicer can make the task easier, slicing the squash by hand is also doable. The goal is to achieve uniform slices for even cooking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch to ensure the slices hold up during cooking. - What size should the squash slices be?
Consistency in slice size is crucial for even cooking. Slices that are too thin might disintegrate and release water into the casserole. For the best results, try to maintain a thickness of around 1/4 inch. - Why is my squash casserole watery?
Excess moisture is often a result of insufficiently drained squash. Cutting the slices too thin can also lead to disintegration and water release during cooking. - What if I don’t have crackers for the topping?
In the absence of crackers, you can use bread crumbs as an alternative. Although not tested in this recipe, it should work as a replacement for the topping. - I don’t have an 11×7-inch baking dish, what should I do?
While the recipe recommends an 11×7-inch dish, you can use a 9×13-inch dish. Keep in mind that the casserole will be thinner, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. - How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days. Reheat small portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven, covered with aluminum foil, until warmed through.