Easy and Delicious Squash Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and mouth-watering dish to cook for your family or guests, a squash casserole is definitely worth considering. This classic Southern recipe features layers of tasty yellow squash, onions, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs, all baked together in a creamy and flavorful mixture. Despite its impressive appearance, preparing a squash casserole is actually quite easy and requires only a handful of ingredients. So, let’s get started and learn how to make this delicious side dish that will surely become a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

Before we delve into the recipe, let’s talk about the main ingredient: squash. This flavorful and low-calorie vegetable belongs to the same family as cucumbers and melons and comes in various shapes and sizes, such as yellow, zucchini, and butternut squash. For this casserole, we’ll need yellow squash which is slightly sweeter than its green counterpart and has a soft texture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients. When choosing your squash, make sure they’re fresh and firm, without any blemishes or soft spots. Now that you have your squash ready, let’s start cooking!

1. What You’ll Need

First things first, let’s discuss the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious squash casserole. You’ll need four cups of sliced yellow squash, diced onions, two cloves of minced garlic, two tablespoons of butter, half a cup of mayonnaise, two large eggs, salt, black pepper, one and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and one sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers for the topping.

2. Prepping the Squash

Begin prepping the squash by washing and slicing them into rounds. After this, it’s essential to sprinkle salt over the slices and leave them to sit for about 10 minutes, draining the excess water that accumulates in the process. This ensures the squash casserole’s moisture levels will be perfect.

3. Sauteing the Vegetables

Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and then proceed to add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the onion is translucent and fragrant, then add the sliced squash until cooked through.

4. The Secret Ingredient

One of the ingredients that sets this dish apart is mayonnaise. This unassuming ingredient adds creaminess and tang to the casserole. Mix the mayonnaise and eggs in a bowl using a whisk until the mixture is smooth.

5. Adding the Cheese

Once the egg and mayonnaise mixture is smooth, stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and combined.

6. Layering the Casserole

Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish, then layer the squash on the bottom. Next, pour the mayonnaise and cheese mixture over the squash.

7. The Final Touch

The final touch that elevates the casserole is the crushed Ritz cracker topping. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the casserole, followed by the Ritz crackers.

8. Baking the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the squash casserole for approximately 25-30 minutes or until it is golden brown and crispy on top.

9. Serving Suggestions

Squash casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or as a main course for a vegetarian meal. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, making a delicious squash casserole is relatively easy, and it’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet. This dish is budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Give it a try, and you’ll be sure to impress your guests with this delicious dish.

Ingredients for a Delicious Squash Casserole

When it comes to cooking a squash casserole, having a good recipe and the right ingredients will make all the difference. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make a mouthwatering squash casserole that your family and friends will surely love.

1. Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is the main ingredient in this recipe. It’s a mild-flavored, versatile vegetable that can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or baked. Choose firm, smooth, and medium-sized yellow squash that are free from bruises or blemishes. Cut the squash into ¼ inch slices or half-moons for a quick and even cook.

2. Onion

Onions are a member of the allium family and are used to add depth and flavor to many dishes, including squash casserole. Choose sweet onions or yellow onions for this recipe, and chop them into small pieces so that they blend well with the other ingredients.

3. Cheese

Cheese is what makes any casserole creamy and savory. For a squash casserole, you can use any mild cheese like cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack. Grate the cheese for better melting and distribution throughout the dish.

4. Eggs

Eggs act as a binder in this recipe, holding all the ingredients together. Use large or extra-large eggs, whisked lightly before incorporating them into the mixture.

5. Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the squash casserole. It also helps to balance the sweetness of the onion and squash. Use full-fat sour cream instead of the low-fat version to get the desired richness and creaminess.

6. Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs are used to create a crispy and golden-brown topping on the casserole. Use plain or seasoned bread crumbs according to your liking.

7. Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to this dish. It helps to sauté the onions and create a glossy sauce that coats the squash evenly.

8. Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the flavor of the squash by bringing out its natural sweetness.

9. Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be used to add a hint of freshness and bright flavor to the dish if desired.

10. Spices

Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can be added to the mixture to add depth and warmth to the flavor.

Now that you know the essential ingredients, it’s time to dive into the recipe and create a delicious squash casserole.

Ingredients Needed for Making Squash Casserole

When it comes to healthy and delicious dishes, squash casserole is definitely one that comes to mind. This classic Southern recipe is one of the easiest to make and is perfect for serving a crowd. So, if you’re ready to whip up this classic recipe, here are the essential ingredients that you should have on hand:

Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Squash Casserole

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to put them to good use. Here are the step-by-step instructions to make squash casserole:

Preparing the Squash

To prepare the squash, wash them thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. Once done, chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can remove the seeds and skin if you prefer.

Cooking the Squash and Onions

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt and then add the chopped onions and garlic. Stir until the onions are translucent, then add the chopped squash. Cook for about 8 minutes or until the squash is tender. Remember to season with salt and pepper.

Preparing the Casserole Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Add the cooked squash and onion mixture to the dish and spread it evenly.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and grated cheddar cheese. Once well mixed, pour the mixture over the squash and onion mix. Spread evenly.

Baking the Casserole

Add crushed Ritz crackers on top. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese over the crushed crackers if you like. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

In conclusion, squash casserole is a delicious and healthy side dish that you can easily whip up in no time. With these simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, there’s no reason why you can’t make this classic Southern recipe yourself at home. So, why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!

Time to Dig In!

And there you have it, folks – a delicious and simple recipe for a classic squash casserole. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potluck dinners, or just a cozy night in. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and add your own personal touch. Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today, I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I did! Be sure to come back soon for more tasty recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!