Creamy Parmesan Squash Delight
Indulge in a deliciously creamy and cheesy casserole that transforms ordinary summer squash into a mouthwatering dish! This Creamy Parmesan Squash Delight is a family favorite that combines tender sautéed squash and onions with rich cheeses and a buttery cracker topping for added crunch. Perfect as a side dish for gatherings or a cozy meal at home, this recipe is a delightful twist on the classic vegetable casserole that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Make it your own by adding an extra layer of Parmesan cheese, as I do, for an extra cheesy finish. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, hearty dish!
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon
Summer Squash
6 medium (thinly sliced)
Vidalia Onion
1 large (thinly sliced)
Butter
1 tablespoon
Fresh Parmesan Cheese
3/4 cup (grated (1/2 cup mixed in, 1/4 cup for topping))
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Sour Cream
1/2 cup
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Cracker Crumbs
1 sleeve (crushed medium to fine (recommended Ritz))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced summer squash and Vidalia onion, along with the butter. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the squash and onions become tender and fragrant.
4
Once the vegetables are soft, transfer them to a colander to drain excess moisture. This step ensures your casserole maintains the perfect texture.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
6
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
7
Sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture, followed by the crushed cracker crumbs, distributing them evenly for a deliciously crunchy topping.
8
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
23
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Parmesan Squash Delight?
It is a cheesy, creamy casserole featuring summer squash, onions, and a buttery cracker topping.
What type of squash is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 medium-sized summer squash, which should be thinly sliced.
What kind of onion should I use?
A large Vidalia onion is recommended for its sweet flavor profile.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 275 calories per serving in this dish.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This squash delight provides about 10 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
This recipe contains 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for 20 to 25 minutes until it is golden brown and bubbling.
What types of cheese are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses fresh Parmesan cheese and sharp cheddar cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need for the topping?
You should set aside 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan specifically for the crunchy topping.
What kind of crackers are recommended for the crust?
Ritz crackers are recommended for the best buttery flavor and texture.
How long should I saute the squash and onions?
Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
Why is it important to drain the vegetables after sauteing?
Draining excess moisture ensures the casserole maintains a perfect creamy texture rather than becoming soggy.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, grease the dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
Can I use frozen squash?
While fresh is preferred for texture, you can use frozen if it is thawed and very well-drained.
What kind of oil should I use for sauteing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sour cream to create the creamy base.
How should the crackers be prepared?
One sleeve of crackers should be crushed to a medium to fine consistency.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this dish considered a side dish or a main?
It is typically served as a delicious side dish for gatherings or family meals.
How much butter is needed?
One tablespoon of butter is used during the sautéing process for extra flavor.
How do I know when the squash is cooked enough during the first step?
The squash and onions should be soft, tender, and fragrant before being removed from the heat.
Is the Parmesan cheese mixed in or just put on top?
Both; 1/2 cup is mixed into the vegetable mixture and 1/4 cup is sprinkled on top.
How should the sharp cheddar be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool slightly helps the casserole set for better serving.
Can I add extra Parmesan?
Yes, the author suggests adding an extra layer if you prefer a cheesier finish.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite and a delightful twist on classic vegetable casseroles.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the seasonings.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It falls under categories such as casserole, vegetable dish, and comfort food.