Aunt Fannie's Heirloom Summer Squash Bake
Experience the warmth of southern hospitality with Aunt Fannie's Heirloom Summer Squash Bake. This delightful casserole showcases tender summer squash and aromatic onions enveloped in a creamy base, with a crispy, buttery crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. Ideal for family gatherings or potlucks, this dish combines freshness and flavor, making it a standout side dish on any table. Passed down through generations, Aunt Fannie's recipe embodies the heart of southern cooking, offering a taste of tradition that is both comforting and delicious.
6
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
summer squash
3 lbs (washed, cut in half lengthwise, then sliced into 1/4-inch pieces)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
butter
1/2 cup (melted, divided)
eggs
2 (beaten)
sugar
1 tablespoon (to enhance flavor)
saltine crumbs
1/2 cup (for the casserole and additional for topping)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Thoroughly wash the summer squash, then cut it in half lengthwise and slice into 1/4-inch pieces.
3
In a large pot, combine the sliced squash and chopped onions. Add just enough water to barely cover the vegetables.
4
Cook the mixture over medium heat until both the squash and onions are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the vegetables thoroughly, pressing excess moisture out with the back of a spoon.
5
In a large mixing bowl, mash the drained squash and onion using a potato masher until somewhat smooth but slightly chunky.
6
To the mashed mixture, add half of the melted butter, cracker crumbs, beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
7
Grease a casserole dish and pour the squash mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
8
Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top and sprinkle with additional saltine crumbs to form a crunchy topping.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
10
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delicious blend of flavors as a delightful side dish!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1.67g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aunt Fannie's Heirloom Summer Squash Bake?
It is a traditional southern-style casserole featuring tender summer squash and onions in a creamy base with a buttery cracker topping.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this squash bake suitable for a low protein diet?
Yes, it is specifically categorized as a Low Protein dish with 1.67g of protein per serving.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How much summer squash do I need?
You will need 3 pounds of summer squash.
How should the summer squash be prepared?
The squash should be washed, cut in half lengthwise, and then sliced into 1/4-inch pieces.
How long should the squash and onions be cooked on the stove?
They should be cooked over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until tender.
Do I need to drain the vegetables after boiling?
Yes, you should drain them thoroughly and press out excess moisture with the back of a spoon.
What is the best way to mash the squash?
Use a potato masher to reach a consistency that is somewhat smooth but still slightly chunky.
What ingredients are mixed into the mashed squash?
Half of the melted butter, cracker crumbs, beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and black pepper are mixed in.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
A total of 1/2 cup of melted butter is used, divided between the mixture and the topping.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
What kind of crumbs are used for the topping?
Saltine crumbs are used for both the internal mixture and the crunchy topping.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
It bakes for 45 to 60 minutes.
Is this dish considered vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
One tablespoon of sugar is added to enhance the overall flavor of the vegetables.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease the casserole dish before pouring in the squash mixture.
What indicates that the bake is finished?
The casserole is done when it is golden brown and bubbly.
Can I serve this immediately after baking?
It is recommended to let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to set.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include casserole, vegetarian, southern cooking, heirloom recipe, and comfort food.
Is there any fiber or sugar data available?
Specific fiber and sugar counts are not provided in the nutritional breakdown.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt, plus extra as needed for the topping.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Does this recipe include any sodium or cholesterol information?
Sodium and cholesterol data are not specified in this recipe's nutritional facts.
What makes this an heirloom recipe?
It is described as a taste of tradition passed down through generations in the southern cooking style.
Is the saltine crumb measurement specific?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of saltine crumbs for the mixture and additional crumbs for the topping.