Squash Casserole

Introduction

Squash Casserole is a comforting, savory dish that brings out the natural sweetness of squash, combined with a rich, cheesy base and a crispy, golden topping. This dish is a perfect side for any meal, from a weeknight dinner to a holiday feast. The creamy texture of the squash pairs beautifully with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, making it a family favorite that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking for a special holiday, or simply craving a comforting dish, Squash Casserole is the answer.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Holiday gatherings
• Potlucks and picnics
• Comfort food lovers
• Vegetarians (with Halal ingredients)

Why You’ll Love This Squash Casserole Recipe

Here’s why Squash Casserole will become your new go-to recipe:

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The creamy, cheesy mixture envelops the squash, creating a decadent and savory flavor that’s perfect for pairing with any main dish.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, you can whip up this casserole in no time. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require much prep or cooking time.
• Versatile: Squash Casserole can be customized to your liking with different seasonings or added vegetables, and it’s easy to adjust for dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole is always a hit, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or guests. It’s easy to double the recipe to make a larger batch if you’re feeding a crowd.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe uses only Halal ingredients, ensuring it is suitable for a wide variety of dietary preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory Squash Casserole:

• 4 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or plain breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Ingredient Highlights

• Squash: The star of the dish! Yellow squash is mild and slightly sweet, which becomes wonderfully tender when baked. It’s the perfect base for this casserole.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds richness and a sharp flavor that complements the creamy base. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, like mozzarella or Parmesan, for different flavor profiles.
• Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These ingredients add creaminess to the casserole, ensuring that it’s not dry. They help bind the squash together while enhancing the texture and flavor.
• Egg: The egg helps to hold the casserole together, ensuring that it sets properly when baked.
• Breadcrumbs: A crunchy breadcrumb topping gives the casserole an irresistible texture contrast to the creamy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Squash Casserole

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Squash Casserole:

Prepare the Squash

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar size dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Squash: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and chopped onion, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until the squash is tender and the onion is soft. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Season the Squash: Season the squash and onion with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the seasonings to meld with the vegetables. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.

Make the Casserole Mixture

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and beaten egg. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
5. Combine the Squash with the Mixture: Add the cooked squash and onion mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the squash is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in ¾ cup of the grated cheddar cheese (reserve the rest for the topping). Mix well until the cheese is evenly incorporated.

Prepare the Topping

7. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well-coated in butter.
8. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the squash mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the buttered crumbs.
9. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
10. Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Cut and Serve

11. Serve: Once the casserole has cooled slightly, cut it into squares or scoop it out with a spoon. Serve it as a side dish or as a light main course alongside a fresh salad.

How to Serve Squash Casserole

Squash Casserole can be served in various ways:

• As a Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or vegetarian entrees. It’s an excellent side for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.
• With Rice: Serve this casserole over a bed of rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. The creamy casserole complements the rice perfectly.
• With Fresh Vegetables: Pair with fresh steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• As a Light Main Course: This casserole can also be enjoyed as a standalone dish, especially for lunch or a light dinner.

Additional Tips for Squash Casserole

Here are some tips to make your Squash Casserole even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Squash: When sautéing the squash, make sure it’s tender but not mushy. Overcooked squash can become too watery, affecting the casserole’s texture.
• Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to use your favorite cheese, like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even goat cheese, for a unique twist.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as instructed.
• Freeze for Later: Squash Casserole also freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Add Other Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can mix in other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to create a more colorful and hearty casserole.

Recipe Variations for Squash Casserole

Here are some fun variations of Squash Casserole that you can try:

• Cheesy Broccoli Squash Casserole: Add cooked broccoli to the squash mixture for a vibrant and nutritious variation. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens.
• Spicy Squash Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the casserole for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Squash Casserole: To make the casserole vegan, substitute the cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use a dairy-free mayonnaise. Instead of egg, you can use a flax egg or chia egg to bind the mixture.
• Italian Squash Casserole: Add a teaspoon of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder for an Italian-inspired twist. Use mozzarella cheese for a more authentic flavor.
• Pecan Topping: For extra crunch and flavor, mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the breadcrumb topping.
• Crispy Bacon Topping: If you don’t mind adding meat to the recipe, top the casserole with crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory finish.

Freezing and Storage for Squash Casserole

• Freezing: Squash Casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

Special Equipment for Squash Casserole

Here are some special equipment items you might need to make Squash Casserole:

• 9×9-inch Baking Dish: A standard 9×9-inch dish is perfect for this recipe. If you need to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch dish.
• Large Skillet: A large skillet is necessary to sauté the squash and onions before adding them to the casserole.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls for combining the casserole ingredients and preparing the topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of ingredients for the casserole.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula is useful for mixing the ingredients gently without mashing the squash.

FAQ Section about Squash Casserole

1. Can I use other types of squash? Yes, you can use zucchini or even a combination of different summer squashes for a varied flavor and texture.
2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free? Yes, substitute dairy ingredients with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan cheese, plant-based mayo, and a dairy-free sour cream substitute.
3. Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
4. Can I freeze the Squash Casserole? Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly for freezing.
5. What can I serve with Squash Casserole? Squash Casserole pairs beautifully with meats like grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted lamb. It also complements simple side dishes like rice, fresh vegetables, or a green salad.

Print

Conclusion

Squash Casserole is a timeless, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, cheesy texture and crunchy topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal, a weeknight dinner, or a potluck, this recipe is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. By following the simple steps in this recipe, you’ll have a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and completely customizable to suit your preferences. Enjoy this versatile casserole as the star of your next meal!