Hearty Southern Squash Casserole
This Hearty Southern Squash Casserole is a comforting, delicious dish that brings the flavors of country cooking to your table. Made with tender yellow squash, savory onions, and creamy sour cream, this bake is enhanced with a delightful crunch on top from golden breadcrumbs and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a side dish for family gatherings or a main course for a light dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Share this warm, home-cooked recipe with friends and family, and enjoy the essence of Southern hospitality!
8
Servings
225
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow squash
10 (large, cut into pieces)
Onion
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Sour cream
1 (cup (8 ounces, carton))
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Dried basil
1/2 (teaspoon)
Ground red pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
Soft breadcrumbs
1 (cup)
Cheddar cheese
1/2 (cup, shredded)
Butter
1/4 (cup, melted)
Paprika
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the chopped yellow squash and onion. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the squash is tender. Drain the vegetables well and return them to the pot.
2
Using a potato masher or fork, mash the drained squash and onion mixture until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the mashed squash mixture with sour cream, salt, dried basil, and ground red pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
4
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
5
Spoon the squash mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
6
In another bowl, mix together soft breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
7
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the squash mixture in the casserole dish.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden.
Nutrition Information
11.25
Fat
22.5
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Southern Squash Casserole?
Hearty Southern Squash Casserole is a comforting, vegetable-based side dish or light main course featuring tender yellow squash, onions, and a creamy sour cream base topped with cheesy breadcrumbs.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this squash casserole?
The main ingredients include 10 large yellow squash, onion, sour cream, salt, dried basil, ground red pepper, soft breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, butter, and paprika.
How many yellow squash are required?
You will need 10 large yellow squash, which should be cut into pieces before cooking.
How do I prepare the squash and onions?
Bring water to a boil in a large pot, add the chopped squash and onion, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
Do I need to mash the squash?
Yes, after draining the boiled squash and onion, use a potato masher or fork to mash them until the mixture is smooth.
What kind of cream is used in the squash mixture?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce carton (1 cup) of sour cream to create a rich and creamy texture.
What seasonings are added to the squash?
The mixture is seasoned with salt, dried basil, and a pinch of ground red pepper for flavor.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) before baking the casserole.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I make the crunchy topping?
In a separate bowl, mix soft breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, and paprika until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden brown.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered to allow the breadcrumb and cheese topping to become golden and crispy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a very mild kick due to the inclusion of 1/8 teaspoon of ground red pepper, but it is generally considered savory rather than spicy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
The recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but you can substitute it with other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby if preferred.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for the topping?
Soft breadcrumbs are used to create the traditional Southern-style texture for the topping.
How much onion is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
What provides the color in the breadcrumb topping?
Paprika is added to the topping mixture to provide a beautiful golden-red color and subtle flavor.
Does the squash need to cool before adding other ingredients?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the mashed squash mixture to cool slightly before stirring in the sour cream and seasonings.
Is there butter in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of melted butter is used to coat the breadcrumb topping.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, while it is a perfect side dish for gatherings, it is also satisfying enough to serve as a light main course.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11.25 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 7.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease the 2-quart casserole dish before adding the squash mixture to prevent sticking.
What kind of squash is best?
Yellow squash is the intended variety for this specific Southern recipe.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
While sour cream is traditional for creaminess, some cooks substitute it with plain Greek yogurt for a similar texture with more tang.