Squash casserole is a beloved dish in many households, especially during the summer and fall when squash is in peak season. This comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish is perfect as a side for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The blend of tender squash, rich cheese, and a crispy topping creates a harmony of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this easy and delicious squash casserole recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients for Easy and Delicious Squash Casserole
To make this delightful squash casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Make Easy and Delicious Squash Casserole
Making this squash casserole is a straightforward process that involves just a few steps. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the oven is hot and ready to bake the casserole once it’s assembled.
- Prepare the Squash: Wash and slice the squash into thin rounds. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. If you prefer, you can also cut the squash into half-moon shapes.
- Cook the Squash and Onion: In a large skillet, add the sliced squash and chopped onion. Add a splash of water to the skillet, cover, and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Drain the Vegetables: Once the squash and onions are tender, drain any excess liquid from the skillet. This step is crucial to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Mix the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onions with the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the Eggs: Beat the eggs in a small bowl and then add them to the squash mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the eggs are evenly distributed. The eggs will help bind the casserole together as it bakes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the squash mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will ensure the casserole cooks uniformly and has a nice, even surface for the topping.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated with the butter. This topping will add a delicious crunch to the casserole.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This layer will become golden and crispy as it bakes, providing a wonderful contrast to the creamy squash filling.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to cut into portions. Serve warm and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Squash: The star of this casserole, yellow squash, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable. It is low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. The tender flesh and mild flavor of yellow squash make it an excellent base for this dish. You can also experiment with using zucchini or a mix of both for added color and flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the casserole. It’s a versatile cheese that melts well and complements the mild flavor of the squash. For a sharper taste, you can use aged cheddar.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole. It also adds a slight crunch to the topping when baked, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These ingredients provide creaminess and tanginess to the casserole. Sour cream adds a slight tang, while mayonnaise contributes a smooth, rich texture. Together, they create a luxurious base that binds the squash and cheese together.
Buttery Crackers: Crushed buttery crackers, such as Ritz, are used for the topping. They add a buttery, crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. The crackers’ slight saltiness also enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent in this casserole, helping to hold all the ingredients together. They also add a slight richness and structure to the dish.
Onion and Garlic Powder: Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole, while garlic powder provides a mild garlicky taste. These aromatics enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish without overpowering the delicate squash.
This easy and delicious squash casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the bounty of squash in a comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
