Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole
This Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole is the perfect dish to showcase the vibrant flavors of summer squash. Combining tender squash with savory onions, creamy reduced-fat sour cream, and delicious cheddar cheese, this savory bake makes for an ideal side dish or a light main. Topped with crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs, this recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to any summer gathering or family dinner. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes in every bite, and feel free to share with friends and family!
6
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
summer squash
2 lbs (sliced or diced)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
reduced-fat sour cream
3/4 cup (none)
salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
crushed Ritz crackers
3/4 cup (divided measure after crushing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square casserole dish and set it aside.
2
Slice or dice the summer squash and steam or boil it for about 10 minutes, or until it is very tender. Be sure to drain it very well to remove excess moisture.
3
In a large pot, return the drained squash and mash it together with the chopped onion, melted butter, and reduced-fat sour cream until the mixture is fairly smooth.
4
Incorporate the salt, garlic powder, pepper, lightly beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs into the squash mixture. Mix thoroughly until combined.
5
Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of crushed Ritz cracker crumbs on top of the casserole for extra crunch.
7
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.
Nutrition Information
16.67g
Fat
25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole?
It is a savory vegetable bake that combines tender summer squash with onions, creamy reduced-fat sour cream, and cheddar cheese, topped with crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs.
What are the main ingredients in this squash casserole?
The primary ingredients include 2 lbs of summer squash, onion, butter, reduced-fat sour cream, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the casserole.
How long should I cook the summer squash before assembling the dish?
You should steam or boil the sliced squash for about 10 minutes until it is very tender.
Why is it important to drain the squash well?
Draining the squash thoroughly removes excess moisture, ensuring the casserole doesn't become too watery during baking.
What size baking dish do I need for this recipe?
A 9-inch square casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What provides the crunchy topping for the casserole?
The topping is made from crushed Ritz cracker crumbs, which add a delightful buttery crunch.
How much cheddar cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use full-fat sour cream instead of reduced-fat?
Yes, while the recipe specifies reduced-fat sour cream, full-fat sour cream can be used for a richer flavor profile.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What seasonings are used in this squash dish?
The dish is seasoned with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
How many eggs are required for the binding?
Two eggs, lightly beaten, are used to help bind the casserole together.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 16.67 grams of fat.
How long does the casserole need to bake in the oven?
Bake the casserole for approximately 30 minutes or until it is bubbly and golden brown.
How do I prepare the summer squash?
The squash should be sliced or diced before being boiled or steamed.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a savory side dish or a light vegetarian main.
How are the Ritz crackers divided in the recipe?
Use 1/2 cup of the crumbs inside the squash mixture and save the remaining 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, the combination of cheese, crackers, and tender squash makes it a popular choice for all ages.
Do I need to mash the squash?
Yes, the instructions recommend mashing the tender squash with onion, butter, and sour cream until fairly smooth.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is finished when it is bubbly and the cracker topping has turned a light golden brown.
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow summer squash?
Yes, zucchini is an excellent substitute and works perfectly in this casserole format.
Is the onion cooked before being added?
The onion is chopped and mashed directly into the hot, cooked squash mixture before baking.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it contains 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for seasoning.
How much onion should I use?
You should use 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Is the baking dish supposed to be greased?
Yes, you should lightly grease the 9-inch square casserole dish before pouring in the mixture.