Savory Southern Squash Casserole
This Savory Southern Squash Casserole is a comforting dish that celebrates the rich flavors of fresh yellow squash and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly tender squash is combined with sautéed onions, creamy milk, and a delightful crunch from crushed saltine crackers. Topped with breadcrumbs, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal side dish for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy Sunday meal. Infused with just the right amount of garlic and a hint of heat from Tabasco sauce, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a comforting addition to your kitchen repertoire.
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
crookneck yellow squash
2 lbs (sliced)
white onion
1 large (chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon
water
1/4 cup
butter or olive oil
2 tablespoons
saltine crackers
1 1/2 cups (crumbled)
milk
1/4 cup
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
Tabasco sauce
to taste
breadcrumbs
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large pot, combine the sliced yellow squash and chopped onion. Add 1/4 cup of water, cover the pot, and cook over medium heat. Stir often until the squash is tender and no longer hard in the center, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the squash well to remove excess moisture.
3
Transfer the drained squash and onion mixture to a mixing bowl. Mix in the butter or olive oil, then season with salt and your preferred amount of pepper.
4
Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed saltine crackers until well combined. Add garlic powder and a few dashes of Tabasco sauce to taste, mixing thoroughly.
5
Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter. Pour the squash mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with breadcrumbs to create a crunchy topping.
6
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
7
Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving to let it set slightly.
8
For a quick alternative, you can also microwave the mixture in a microwave-safe dish covered with a lid for about 10 minutes on high. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
27g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Squash Casserole?
It is a comforting Southern dish featuring fresh yellow squash, sharp cheddar cheese, onions, and a crunchy topping of breadcrumbs and saltine crackers.
What type of squash should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of sliced crookneck yellow squash.
How many calories are in a serving of this squash casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the squash before mixing the ingredients?
Cook sliced squash and chopped onion in a pot with 1/4 cup water for 5 to 10 minutes until tender, then drain well.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of either butter or olive oil according to your preference.
What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich flavor.
How many saltine crackers are needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of crumbled saltine crackers to mix into the casserole.
Is there any spice in this Southern Squash Casserole?
Yes, it includes a few dashes of Tabasco sauce and black pepper to provide a hint of heat.
What is the total baking time?
The casserole should be baked for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Can I make this recipe in the microwave?
Yes, you can microwave the mixture in a covered dish for about 10 minutes on high, then let it sit for 5 minutes.
How much garlic powder is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What should I use for the crunchy topping?
Top the casserole with breadcrumbs to create a crunchy, golden-brown finish.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 13g of fat per serving in this recipe.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This dish provides 7g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this casserole?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is it important to drain the squash?
Draining the squash well removes excess moisture and prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
Should I let the casserole rest after baking?
Yes, allow it to sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the mixture set slightly.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 large chopped white onion.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as an ideal side dish for gatherings, family dinners, or cozy Sunday meals.
Can I adjust the amount of salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of pepper, but you can season to your preference.
What is the preparation for the saltine crackers?
The saltine crackers should be crumbled before being stirred into the mixture.
Does the recipe require milk?
Yes, 1/4 cup of milk is added to the mixture for creaminess.
Is the squash cooked before it is baked?
Yes, it is first sautéed with onions and water until tender before being mixed with other ingredients and baked.
What is the preparation for the squash?
The 2 lbs of crookneck yellow squash should be sliced.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Grease the baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter before adding the squash mixture.
What is the texture of the finished casserole?
It features tender squash combined with a creamy interior and a crunchy cracker and breadcrumb topping.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients in this Savory Southern Squash Casserole.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family meals.
What are the main flavors of this dish?
The main flavors are fresh yellow squash, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and sautéed onions.