Savory Southern Summer Squash Casserole
Indulge in the taste of the South with this hearty Summer Squash Casserole, a perfect dish for gatherings and family dinners. Bright, tender summer squash mingles with crispy bacon and sweet onions, creating layers of flavor that are lovingly baked to perfection. This casserole features creamy sour cream or cream cheese, giving it a rich texture, while a crunchy breadcrumb topping adds delightful contrast. Whether it's a summer barbeque or a cozy winter gathering, this dish embodies comfort and satisfaction. Share it with loved ones and savor joyful moments around the table!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
summer squash
8 (sliced)
thick sliced bacon
2 (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
medium onion
1 (diced)
breadcrumbs
to taste (store-bought or homemade)
butter
several pats (for greasing and layering)
sour cream
several dollops (or cream cheese)
Instructions
1
In a large 3-quart saucepan, lightly brown the thick slices of bacon over medium heat until they become crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once the bacon is browned, add the diced onion to the pan and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, usually around 3-5 minutes.
3
Introduce the sliced summer squash to the pan, combining it well with the bacon and onions. Cook down the squash, stirring often, for about 10-15 minutes or until it has softened significantly.
4
While the summer squash cooks, prepare a large casserole dish by greasing it generously with butter, ensuring that all sides are coated.
5
Once the squash mixture is ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer enough of it to the bottom of the casserole dish to create an even layer, about 2 inches deep.
6
Top the first layer with 5 or 6 pats of butter and several dollops of sour cream (or cream cheese), spreading them evenly over the squash. Follow this with a generous layer of breadcrumbs to create a beautiful topping.
7
Repeat the layering process with the remaining squash mixture for a second layer, but omit the sour cream or cream cheese on this top layer, keeping it light.
8
Carefully place the assembled casserole into a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven, uncovered. Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9
Once done, remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
18g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Southern Summer Squash Casserole?
It is a hearty Southern dish made with tender summer squash, crispy bacon, sweet onions, and a creamy texture from sour cream or cream cheese, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
There are 300 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are summer squash, thick-sliced bacon, medium onion, breadcrumbs, butter, and sour cream or cream cheese.
How do I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
You should use 2 thick slices of bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces and brown them in a saucepan for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
How long should I cook the onions?
Cook the diced onion for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent and softened.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Can I use cream cheese instead of sour cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for either sour cream or cream cheese to be used for the creamy layers.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use either store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs for the topping.
How many summer squashes are required?
The recipe calls for 8 summer squashes, sliced.
How do I prepare the squash?
Add the sliced squash to the bacon and onions and cook for 10-15 minutes until significantly softened.
What size saucepan is best for this recipe?
A large 3-quart saucepan is recommended for browning the bacon and cooking the vegetables.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, grease the dish generously with butter on all sides before adding the squash mixture.
How deep should the squash layers be?
The first layer of the squash mixture should be about 2 inches deep.
What goes on top of the first squash layer?
Top the first layer with 5 or 6 pats of butter, several dollops of sour cream, and a generous layer of breadcrumbs.
How does the second layer differ from the first?
The second layer uses the remaining squash but omits the sour cream or cream cheese to keep the top lighter.
Should I cover the dish while it is in the oven?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe contains 22g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does it provide?
It provides 7g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly side dish.
What are some common occasions for serving this dish?
It is perfect for summer barbeques, cozy winter gatherings, or family dinners.
Why should I use a slotted spoon?
A slotted spoon helps transfer the squash mixture while leaving behind excess liquid from the pan.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
It is done when the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
What is the prep time for the bacon?
Browning the bacon takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
What kind of onion is used?
One medium onion, diced, is used for this recipe.
Does this recipe include any fiber or sugar information?
The provided nutritional data does not specify fiber or sugar content.
Can this be made ahead of time?
While best served fresh, the savory ingredients hold up well as a prepared vegetable side dish.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a savory mix of smoky bacon, sweet onions, and rich, creamy squash.
How should I serve the casserole?
Let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven, then serve it hot.