Are you looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your family dinner or potluck gathering? Look no further than Southern Squash Casserole! This classic Southern dish combines tender yellow squash with creamy cheese and buttery cracker crumbs for a comforting and flavorful casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this delicious dish, including variations to suit different dietary preferences and frequently asked questions to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¾ cup butter crackers, finely crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Squash:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced squash to the skillet and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash, sour cream, beaten egg, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the squash mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Make the Topping:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the finely crushed butter crackers until evenly coated. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of Southern comfort!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Onions: For added flavor, sauté 1 diced onion along with the squash until translucent before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Swap Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda, for a unique twist on this classic dish.
- Make it Low-Carb: To make this casserole low-carb, omit the butter crackers and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a topping instead.
- Add Protein: For a heartier version of this dish, add cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham to the squash mixture before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use frozen squash instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen sliced squash for fresh in this recipe. Thaw the frozen squash according to package instructions before cooking.
2. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bake as directed when ready to serve.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. Can I make a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this casserole vegetarian-friendly.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make this Southern Squash Casserole keto-friendly and low-carb, follow these modifications:
- Replace the butter crackers with a mixture of almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter for the topping.
- Use full-fat sour cream and cheese to keep the carb count low.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, and enjoy this delicious casserole as part of your keto or low-carb lifestyle!
In conclusion, Southern Squash Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and flavorful squash, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday meal or as a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of Southern comfort in every bite!
