Savory Summer Squash Delight
Indulge in this scrumptious Savory Summer Squash Delight, a delightful casserole bursting with fresh flavors and rich textures. Perfectly blending tender yellow squash and zucchini with the sweetness of carrots and aromatic onions, this dish is simply irresistible. Topped with crunchy golden cracker crumbs and melted sharp cheddar cheese, it makes for a comforting side dish or a fulfilling vegetarian main. This treasure from a beloved local diner combines the goodness of fresh garden vegetables with a hint of warmth from Tabasco sauce. Your guests will be raving about this dish long after dinner!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
crookneck yellow squash
2 large (sliced into lengthwise quarters and then crosswise)
summer zucchini
1 large (sliced into lengthwise quarters and then crosswise)
carrot
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (divided)
yellow sweet onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
cracker crumbs
1 1/4 cups (divided)
sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Tabasco sauce
to taste
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
eggs
2 (beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a medium-sized casserole dish with vegetable cooking spray.
2
Prepare the squashes and carrots by slicing the yellow squash and zucchini into lengthwise quarters and then crosswise into smaller pieces.
3
In a large saucepan, combine the sliced squashes and chopped carrots, cover with water, and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes until the vegetables soften significantly.
4
While the vegetables are cooking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 6-8 minutes until it becomes very tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
5
In the same skillet, wipe it out with a paper towel and return to medium-low heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and melt it. Stir in 1/2 cup of cracker crumbs, allowing them to toast for a minute or until golden brown. Move the toasted crumbs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
6
Once the squash mixture is cooked, drain the vegetables well and lightly mash them using a fork or potato masher to maintain some texture. Incorporate the mashed veggies into the mixing bowl with the sautéed onions. Stir in the remaining uncooked cracker crumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, and a couple dashes of Tabasco sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Gently fold in the beaten eggs until everything is well combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and evenly scatter the toasted cracker crumbs on top.
8
Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is light and firm. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of summer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Summer Squash Delight?
It is a scrumptious casserole featuring fresh yellow squash, zucchini, carrots, and onions, topped with golden cracker crumbs and melted sharp cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is a fulfilling vegetarian main or side dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Which types of squash are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for large crookneck yellow squash and one large summer zucchini.
How should I prepare the yellow squash and zucchini?
Slice them into lengthwise quarters and then crosswise into smaller pieces.
How long should the vegetables be boiled?
Boil the sliced squashes and chopped carrots for about 20 minutes until they soften significantly.
What should I do with the butter?
The 1/4 cup of unsalted butter is divided; use 3 tablespoons for sautéing onions and 1 tablespoon for toasting cracker crumbs.
How long do the onions need to sauté?
Sauté the chopped yellow sweet onion for 6-8 minutes until tender and translucent.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic to the onions after they have sautéed for 6-8 minutes and cook for one additional minute.
How are the cracker crumbs prepared for the topping?
Toast 1/2 cup of cracker crumbs in a tablespoon of melted butter until they are golden brown.
Should I drain the toasted cracker crumbs?
Yes, move the toasted crumbs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain after toasting.
How should the cooked vegetables be processed before mixing?
Drain the vegetables well and lightly mash them with a fork or potato masher while maintaining some texture.
What cheese is used in this casserole?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What adds a hint of heat to the recipe?
A couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce are added to taste for a hint of warmth.
When do I add the eggs?
Gently fold in the 2 beaten eggs after the vegetables, onions, cheese, and inner cracker crumbs are combined.
How long does the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the dish is done?
The dish is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is light and firm.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, it should be baked uncovered to achieve a golden brown top.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A medium-sized casserole dish is recommended.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Spray the dish with vegetable cooking spray before adding the mixture.
How should the carrots be cut?
The carrots should be coarsely chopped.
Can I substitute the yellow sweet onion?
While the recipe calls for yellow sweet onion, other mild onions may be used, though flavors may vary.
Is there salt in the boiling water?
Yes, season the water generously with salt before bringing the vegetables to a boil.
Do I use all the cracker crumbs inside the mixture?
No, use 1/2 cup for the toasted topping and the remaining 3/4 cup inside the mixture.
What is the texture of the final dish?
It is a comforting casserole with tender vegetables and a crunchy golden topping.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
Fresh garden vegetables, rich sharp cheddar, and aromatic sautéed onion and garlic.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be a fulfilling vegetarian main.
Is the garlic minced or sliced?
The recipe specifies that the garlic should be minced.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.