I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you—Cheesy Squash Casserole! This dish brings back such lovely memories from childhood; every summer, my grandma would whip this up when the squash was in season from her garden. Each bite of this casserole fills me with warmth and a touch of nostalgia. It’s comforting, cheesy, and the squashes offer just the right amount of wholesome goodness!
Now, I know casseroles might get a bad rap as being a little old-fashioned, but trust me, once you serve this Cheesy Squash Casserole at your next get-together, people will be raving about it. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re getting a big hug from the inside, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Let’s dig into what makes this casserole so special!
What’s in Cheesy Squash Casserole?
Yellow Squash: The star of the dish! Fresh yellow squash adds a mild flavor and a lovely texture. I prefer using medium-sized, firm squashes for the best results.
Zucchini: A great partner to the yellow squash, zucchini adds a nice color and additional moisture to the casserole. Look for small zucchinis to get that crispness we crave!
Onion: I like to use yellow onion, as it adds the perfect savory base to the dish. It complements the mild flavors of the squash wonderfully.
Cheddar Cheese: Oh, cheese—how I love thee! Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and gives the casserole a nice creamy texture and a rich flavor, truly elevating the dish.
Breadcrumbs: These add a lovely crunch on top! I usually go for seasoned breadcrumbs, but plain works well if you want more control over the seasoning.
Eggs: The magical binding agent that holds everything together. They give the casserole a homely, fluffy texture, making each bite delightful.
Milk: Just enough to help everything meld together while keeping the casserole moist and creamy.
Is Cheesy Squash Casserole Good for You?
When it comes to health, Cheesy Squash Casserole has its ups and downs.
Yellow Squash and Zucchini: Both offer an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C and potassium, along with dietary fiber for healthy digestion.
Cheddar Cheese: While it adds creaminess and is a good source of calcium, it can also add a fair amount of fat and calories. You might consider using a reduced-fat version if you’re watching your intake.
On the flip side, it’s easy to add more veggies to this casserole, such as bell peppers or spinach, to further amp up the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor!
Ingredients
– 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
– 2 medium zucchini, sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I love using sharp for that extra punch!)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for sautéing
*Servings: About 6*
How to Make Cheesy Squash Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the sliced yellow squash and zucchini to the skillet. Cook until they are just tender; about 5-7 minutes. You can season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked squash mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Pour this mixture over the squash and cheese, stirring until everything is well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – if you can resist the delicious smell wafting through your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions and Extra Tidbits!
Feel free to make this dish your own! You can add different cheeses like mozzarella or even sprinkle some Parmesan on top for extra flavor. Don’t hesitate to throw in some cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky kick!
I love serving this casserole alongside a fresh green salad or grilled chicken to make it a complete meal. It also re heats well, so leftovers (if you have any) are a tasty treat for lunch the next day.
I hope you give this Cheesy Squash Casserole a try! I promise it’ll be a hit, just like it always is at my gatherings. As you whip it up, remember to share your experiences or any extra twists you try out! Happy cooking!
