Cheesy Southern Squash Casserole
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Southern Squash Casserole, a perfect side dish for gatherings or a comforting family meal. This casserole showcases the vibrant flavors of tender yellow squash combined with creamy cheddar cheese, succulent sautéed onions, and a buttery cracker topping. With its rich textures and savory notes, this dish will surely impress both family and friends. Easy to prepare and equally satisfying, it's an ideal addition to any table, whether for holidays or weeknight dinners. Share the warmth of home-cooked goodness with this delightful recipe!
N/A
Servings
337.5
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow squash
3 lbs (sliced)
butter or margarine
5 tablespoons (divided)
onion
1 small (chopped (about 1/2 cup))
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
eggs
2 large (lightly beaten)
mayonnaise
1/4 cup
sugar
2 teaspoons
salt
1 teaspoon
buttery crackers
20 (crushed (about 3/4 cup))
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the yellow squash into rounds. In a large skillet, bring water to a boil and add the sliced squash. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until just tender. Once done, drain well and gently press the squash with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes tender and translucent.
3
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked squash. Then, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, lightly beaten eggs, mayonnaise, sugar, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11x7-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spoon the squash mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
5
In a small bowl, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Combine the melted butter with the crushed buttery crackers and stir until the crackers are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the topping is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary ingredient in Cheesy Southern Squash Casserole?
The primary ingredient is 3 lbs of sliced yellow squash.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 tablespoons of butter or margarine in total, divided for different steps.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the casserole?
One cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese is used to provide a rich, savory flavor.
How long should I boil the yellow squash?
You should boil the sliced squash for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is just tender.
Why do I need to press the squash with paper towels?
Pressing the squash with paper towels helps remove excess moisture, preventing the casserole from becoming too watery.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be chopped, resulting in about 1/2 cup, and then sautéed for about 5 minutes until tender.
What role does mayonnaise play in the recipe?
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps bind the squash mixture together along with the eggs.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the savory notes.
What size baking dish is needed?
An 11x7-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this casserole.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do you make the cracker topping?
Combine 20 crushed buttery crackers (about 3/4 cup) with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle them over the casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes until it is set and the topping is golden brown.
How many eggs are used in the mixture?
Two large, lightly beaten eggs are used in the squash mixture.
How many calories are in a serving of this squash casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 337.5 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22.5g of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
Each serving provides 6.25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the casserole?
The dish contains 27.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this dish considered a holiday recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday side dish and is perfect for gatherings.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
What is the preparation method for the eggs?
The eggs should be lightly beaten before being added to the squash mixture.
What type of crackers work best for the topping?
Standard buttery crackers (like Ritz) are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features vibrant squash, creamy cheddar cheese, savory sautéed onions, and a buttery finish.
Is this recipe categorized under Southern cooking?
Yes, it is a classic Southern-style vegetable casserole.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Should the squash be sliced before boiling?
Yes, you should slice the yellow squash into rounds before adding it to the boiling water.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is very straightforward to prepare.
What texture should the squash have after boiling?
The squash should be just tender, not completely mushy, after 8 to 10 minutes of boiling.
How do you combine the ingredients after sautéing the onion?
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the squash, cheese, eggs, mayonnaise, sugar, and salt until well combined.
What is the intended serving occasion for this dish?
It is intended as a comforting side dish for family meals, holiday dinners, or social gatherings.