Savory Cheese & Summer Squash Bake
Indulge in this delightful Savory Cheese & Summer Squash Bake, a comforting casserole that combines the richness of cheese with the earthy flavor of tender yellow squash. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a side at your next barbecue. The seasoned breadcrumbs provide a golden topping, while the cheese melts beautifully into the hearty squash mixture, enveloped in a creamy texture with just a hint of spice. Elevate your culinary experience by sharing this scrumptious recipe that celebrates the bounty of summer vegetables!
6
Servings
500
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow squash
5 medium (sliced into medium thin rounds)
onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup
Cracker Barrel Cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
egg or egg substitute
1 (beaten)
garlic powder
to taste
vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
to taste
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
sugar
1/2 to 1 tsp (to taste)
Tabasco sauce (or hot sauce)
to taste
butter
1/4 to 1/2 cup (softened, plus a few thin slices for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with softened butter.
2
Grate the cheese and set aside a small portion for topping the casserole later.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced yellow squash and onion. Place them in a pan filled with cold water, then bring to a boil. Immediately remove from heat and drain well to prevent excess moisture.
4
In the mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onion with the majority of the shredded cheese, 1/2 stick of softened butter, and seasoned bread crumbs to form a thick mixture.
5
Add the beaten egg (or substitute) to the mixture. If the mixture is too runny, gradually incorporate more bread crumbs. If it's too dry, add a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
6
Season the mixture with a generous dash of Worcestershire sauce, adjust the sugar to your taste (1/2 to 1 tsp), add a dash of Tabasco sauce, sprinkle garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
7
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the reserved bread crumbs and grated cheese. Dot the remaining butter in thin slices across the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to help the casserole set.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cheese & Summer Squash Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that combines yellow squash with rich cheese, seasonings, and a golden breadcrumb topping.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the main vegetable in this dish?
The primary vegetable used is yellow summer squash.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian and includes instructions for vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much fiber is in this dish?
The dish contains 3 grams of fiber per serving.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the casserole bake?
The casserole should bake for approximately 35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
What specific cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded Cracker Barrel Cheese.
Can I use an egg substitute?
Yes, the recipe allows for either one beaten egg or an equivalent egg substitute.
How should the yellow squash be prepared?
The 5 medium squash should be sliced into medium-thin rounds.
Why do you boil the squash and onion?
The squash and onion are brought to a boil and immediately drained to ensure they are tender and to remove excess moisture.
What do I do if the mixture is too runny?
If the mixture is too runny, you can gradually incorporate more seasoned bread crumbs to thicken it.
What should I do if the mixture is too dry?
If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of milk until you achieve the desired consistency.
What type of bread crumbs are used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs for the mixture and the topping.
How much sugar is added to the recipe?
You should add between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of sugar depending on your taste preference.
Does this dish have a spicy element?
Yes, a dash of Tabasco sauce or hot sauce is added for a hint of spice.
What other seasonings are included?
The mixture is seasoned with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly coat the baking dish with softened butter before adding the squash mixture.
What goes on top of the casserole before baking?
The top is finished with reserved bread crumbs, grated cheese, and thin slices of butter.
How much butter is used in the main mixture?
The mixture uses 1/2 stick of softened butter.
What size onion should be used?
One small onion, thinly sliced, is required for the recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including seasonings.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping has turned golden brown.
Should I let the casserole cool?
Yes, allowing it to cool slightly before serving helps the casserole set properly.
What is the description of the dish's texture?
It features a creamy texture with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping.
What occasions is this dish best for?
It is ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, or as a hearty side dish.