Cheesy Squash and Potato Medley
This Cheesy Squash and Potato Medley is a delightful combination of flavors that will warm your heart and soul. The creamy, melted cheddar cheese beautifully complements the sweet squash and hearty potatoes, creating a perfect harmony of taste. Inspired by a covered dish dinner where I first experienced this delightful blend, this recipe has been tweaked and perfected to bring out the best in these simple ingredients. Perfect as a side dish for family gatherings, it is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
6-8 servings
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Squash
1 lb (sliced in circles then quartered)
Potato
1 lb (peeled and cubed)
Onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Water
1/4 cup (to be added as needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your microwave oven to high power.
2
In a 2-quart casserole dish, combine the cubed potatoes and chopped onions. Add enough water to just cover the vegetables.
3
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and cook on high for 10 minutes.
4
Carefully uncover the dish (watch out for steam) and add the sliced squash, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5
If the mixture appears dry, add a little more water. Cover again and cook on high for an additional 10 minutes.
6
After cooking, stir the mixture again. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7
Cover and cook on high for 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove the dish from the microwave and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Squash and Potato Medley!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
7g
Protein
1.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Squash and Potato Medley?
It is a delightful side dish combining creamy melted cheddar cheese, sweet squash, and hearty potatoes, originally inspired by a covered dish dinner.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are 1 lb of squash, 1 lb of potatoes, half a medium onion, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
How should I prepare the squash?
The squash should be sliced into circles and then quartered.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
The potatoes should be peeled and cubed before cooking.
Can I cook this in a standard oven instead of a microwave?
While written for the microwave, you can bake it in a conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the vegetables are tender, adding the cheese at the end.
How long is the total microwave cooking time?
The total microwave cooking time is approximately 23 minutes, divided into three stages.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has about 8g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
This medley provides 7g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish contain fiber?
Yes, it contains approximately 1.75g of fiber per serving.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
How much pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 3/4 teaspoon of pepper, or more to taste.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended for its melting quality and flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, while the recipe calls for a medium onion chopped, you can use white, yellow, or red onions based on your preference.
What should I do if the vegetable mixture appears dry during cooking?
If the mixture looks dry after the first 10 minutes of cooking, you should add a little more water before the next stage.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while microwaving?
Yes, covering with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap is essential to trap steam and cook the vegetables evenly.
How do I safely handle the dish after microwaving?
Carefully uncover the dish to avoid steam burns and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to this medley?
Yes, you can easily add bell peppers or zucchini, though cooking times may need slight adjustments.
What can I serve this dish with?
It works perfectly as a side dish for family gatherings, pairing well with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian spread.
How much water is needed initially?
You should add enough water to just cover the potatoes and onions in the first step, roughly 1/4 cup or as needed.
Can I use frozen squash or potatoes?
Fresh is recommended for texture, but frozen can be used; just be aware that frozen vegetables may release more water.
How do I know when the cheese is ready?
The cheese is ready when it is completely melted and looks bubbly after the final 3-minute microwave cycle.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables in advance, but for the best texture, it is recommended to cook and melt the cheese just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients (squash, potato, onion, cheese, water, salt, pepper) are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheddar works fine, though freshly grated cheese often melts more smoothly.