Crispy Bacon-Infused Zucchini & Yellow Squash Medley
Bright and flavorful, this Crispy Bacon-Infused Zucchini & Yellow Squash Medley makes for a delightful side dish that's perfect for your family dinners. Featuring tender zucchini and crookneck squash, this recipe showcases a delicate balance of textures, with crispy bacon and sautéed onions elevating every bite. The squashes are lightly breaded in a savory cornmeal mix and pan-fried to golden perfection, offering a delicious crunch that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This dish is a celebration of fresh produce and is sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
3 slices (Cooked and crumbled)
Onion
1/2 medium (Thinly sliced)
Cornmeal
1/4 cup (N/A)
Flour
1/8 cup (N/A)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Zucchini
6 ounces (Sliced into 1/4 inch pieces)
Crookneck Yellow Squash
6 ounces (Sliced into 1/4 inch pieces)
Canola Oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel, reserving the drippings in the skillet. Crumble the bacon and set aside for later.
2
Add the thinly sliced onion to the reserved bacon drippings in the skillet. Sauté until the onions are soft and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the onions from the skillet and set aside, keeping the drippings for frying.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, pepper, and salt. Dredge each slice of zucchini and crookneck yellow squash in this mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated, then place them on a plate.
4
Heat the reserved bacon drippings along with the canola oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add enough slices of zucchini and yellow squash to cover the bottom of the pan in a single layer. Fry until the centers and edges are brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
5
Remove the fried squash from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Repeat the frying process with the remaining slices.
6
In a serving bowl, combine the fried zucchini and yellow squash with the sautéed onion. Toss well to combine, then garnish the dish with the crumbled bacon before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Bacon-Infused Zucchini & Yellow Squash Medley?
This is a flavorful vegetable side dish featuring tender zucchini and yellow squash that are breaded in cornmeal and pan-fried with onions and crispy bacon.
What ingredients do I need for this squash medley?
The recipe requires bacon, onion, cornmeal, flour, pepper, salt, zucchini, crookneck yellow squash, and canola oil.
How should I prepare the bacon?
Cook 3 slices of bacon in a skillet until crisp, then remove and crumble them, making sure to reserve the drippings in the pan.
Do I throw away the bacon grease?
No, you should keep the bacon drippings in the skillet to sauté the onions and fry the squash for added flavor.
How are the onions cooked in this recipe?
The onions are thinly sliced and sautéed in the reserved bacon drippings until they are soft and slightly golden.
What is the breading mixture made of?
The breading is a savory mix of 1/4 cup cornmeal, 1/8 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
How should the zucchini and yellow squash be sliced?
Both the zucchini and the crookneck yellow squash should be sliced into 1/4 inch thick pieces.
What type of yellow squash is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 ounces of crookneck yellow squash.
What is the process for dredging the squash?
Dredge each slice of squash in the cornmeal and flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated before frying.
What oil is used for frying the squash?
A combination of the reserved bacon drippings and 2 tablespoons of canola oil is used for frying.
How long does it take to fry the squash slices?
The slices should be fried for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side until the centers and edges are brown.
Should the squash be fried in a single layer?
Yes, you should add enough slices to cover the bottom of the pan in a single layer to ensure they get crispy.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Combine the fried squash with the sautéed onions in a serving bowl, toss them well, and then garnish with the crumbled bacon.
Is this dish served as a main or a side?
This dish is intended to be a delightful side dish, perfect for family dinners.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You could omit the bacon and use only canola oil or butter, though the bacon infusion is a key flavor element of this specific version.
How much zucchini is needed?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of zucchini.
Why use cornmeal for the breading?
Cornmeal provides a delicious crunch and a savory texture that complements the softness of the squash.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
What should I do with the squash after frying?
Remove the fried squash from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 of a medium onion, thinly sliced. A yellow or white onion works best for sautéing.
Is this a healthy recipe?
It is tagged as a healthy eating recipe as it features a large portion of fresh vegetables.
Can I use an air fryer instead of pan-frying?
The traditional recipe uses a skillet for pan-frying to get the best texture, but you could adapt the dredging process for an air fryer if desired.
What does the bacon add to the dish?
The bacon adds a smoky flavor, savory saltiness, and a crispy texture that elevates the vegetables.
How do I prevent the squash from being soggy?
By breading them in cornmeal and frying them over medium-high heat in a single layer, you ensure a crispy exterior.
Can I use only one type of squash?
Yes, you can use all zucchini or all yellow squash, but the medley offers a nice visual and flavor balance.
What is the heat level for sautéing the onions?
The onions should be sautéed over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Is this recipe good for a family dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as a family favorite that is sure to please everyone at the table.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though the squash is best enjoyed immediately while crispy.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The current recipe data does not specify exact calorie, fat, or protein counts.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is bright and flavorful, balancing the sweetness of sautéed onions with the saltiness of bacon and the earthiness of cornmeal-crusted squash.