A warm, bubbling casserole that just came out of the oven is undeniably comforting, isn’t it? This delicious Cheesy Squash Casserole is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. The squash is soft, the cheese is gooey, and the topping is crunchy and full of flavor.
I really love this dish, not just because it tastes good, but also because it brings back good memories. I remember the first time I made it. It was for a family potluck. I wanted to bring something that would make everyone happy, and this casserole did just that! As soon as I took it out, the smell made people turn their heads and compliments started to flow. It worked! After that, it was the dish I always made for parties, birthdays, and holidays.
You can make this Cheesy Squash Casserole any time, not just for special occasions. It’s simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough to serve at a holiday meal. And can I just say how useful it is? You can change the cheese, add different vegetables, or make it gluten-free. There are so many options! Okay, enough small talk. Let’s get into this tasty casserole that will win your heart!
What are the ingredients in Cheesy Squash Casserole?
Let’s look more closely at each ingredient that turns plain squash into a cheesy treat.
The main event is the yellow squash! Fresh yellow squash has a soft texture and a mild sweetness. It cooks down perfectly in the oven, making it soft and tasty. For the best flavor, choose squashes that are firm and have no blemishes.
Adding zucchini to this casserole makes it even better! The yellow squash goes perfectly with its slightly stronger flavor. Choose the firm ones, just like the squash.
Onions: Onions give this dish a rich flavor that makes it smell good and taste good. If you like a little sharpness, red onions are a great choice. Sweet or yellow onions are also good.
Garlic: A few minced cloves of garlic can make a big difference! It has that comforting, warm flavor that we all love.
I like sharp cheddar cheese because it has a strong flavor that goes well with the squash. You can change it up; I like to add pepper jack for a spicy kick every now and then!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This creamy base brings everything together perfectly. You can use cream of mushroom soup instead if you want a vegetarian option.
Eggs: Eggs hold all the tasty bits together, acting as a glue. They also make the casserole taste even better by adding more flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Putting breadcrumbs on top of the casserole makes it crunchy. I usually use plain breadcrumbs, but adding herbs or even using panko can give them a nice twist!
Butter: A little melted butter goes on the breadcrumbs to make a crispy, golden topping. You could also use olive oil if you want a healthier option.
Is Cheesy Squash Casserole Healthy?
Now, let’s talk about how this casserole is good for your health. It is a comfort food, but it does have some good points!
Yellow squash is a beautiful vegetable that is low in calories and high in vitamins A and C. It also has antioxidants that can help keep free radicals from hurting your body. Who would have thought that comfort food could be good for you?
Zucchini is another low-calorie powerhouse, just like yellow squash! It has a lot of water (over 90%!) and a lot of manganese, which is good for your metabolism.
These two ingredients, onions and garlic, are not only good for flavor; they are also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, they can help your heart stay healthy!
Cheddar cheese: People often think of cheese as a bad thing, but it can actually give you protein and calcium. This is where moderation comes in; a little bit goes a long way.
Breadcrumbs: This is where we start to go overboard. You can get more fiber by using whole grain or gluten-free breadcrumbs. But if you’re trying to cut back on carbs, you can always eat less or skip this part entirely.
This Cheesy Squash Casserole is a great dish to add to your meal plan. It might not win any “health food” awards, but it does make people happy and comfortable at the table, which is something we all need sometimes.
Things you need for Cheesy Squash Casserole
Are you ready to make this delicious meal? For about six servings, you’ll need the following:
– 2 medium yellow squash, cut into slices – 2 medium zucchini, cut into slices – 1 medium onion, chopped – 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus a little extra for the top)
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option)
– 2 big eggs, beaten
– A cup of breadcrumbs
– 3 tablespoons of melted butter – Salt and pepper to taste
How do you make a cheesy squash casserole?
Let’s start cooking! If you follow these steps, you’ll have a tasty Cheesy Squash Casserole that will wow everyone:
1. **Preheat your oven:** The first step is to set your oven to 350°F (175°C). You can get your ingredients ready while that warms up.
2. **Get the vegetables ready:** Make sure to wash your zucchini and yellow squash well. Cut them into thin circles. Cut up the onion and mince the garlic. Trust me, the smell will make your family rush into the kitchen to see what’s cooking!
3. **Cook the onions and garlic in a pan:** Put a tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a big skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are clear. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until the smell is strong. This step really makes your casserole taste better!
4. **Mix the ingredients together:** Put the squash and zucchini slices in a big bowl. Now, add the mixture of sautéed onions and garlic. Add the cream of chicken soup, beaten eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese to this tasty mix. Mix everything together until it is all mixed in. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Put in a baking dish:** Use butter or non-stick spray to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture out evenly in the dish.
6. **Get the topping ready:** Mix the breadcrumbs and melted butter together in a different bowl. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well-covered. Put this breadcrumb mix on top of the squash mix in the baking dish. Now is the time to put any extra cheese on top!
7. **Bake until just right:** Put your casserole in the oven that has already been heated and bake it for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling. Get ready for the compliments because your house will smell amazing.
8. **Let it cool and serve:** Let it cool for a few minutes after you take it out of the oven before you serve it. This makes it easier to scoop and helps all the flavors mix together perfectly.
Suggestions for Serving and Variations
How can you make your Cheesy Squash Casserole even better now that it’s ready to eat? Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this dish and some ideas for how to change it up.
– **Add protein:** If you want to make this side dish into a main course, you could add cooked ground beef, turkey, or even shredded chicken to make it heartier.
– **Add some spice:** If you like things spicy, you can add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. It can make your casserole a work of art that is very hot!
– **Herb it up:** Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to your casserole can make it taste better. Cut up one or two tablespoons and mix them in before you bake.
– **Make it a blend:** Use a mix of cheeses! Feta, gouda, and mozzarella are just a few cheeses that can add interesting flavors and textures.
– **Change the veggies:** You can use other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach instead. Just make sure to cook them down a little before putting them in the casserole.
This Cheesy Squash Casserole goes well with a simple side salad or some roasted meats, so it can be served with any meal.
I can’t wait for you to try this Cheesy Squash Casserole and enjoy it as much as I do. It’s one of those meals that not only tastes great, but also makes memories that last around the dinner table. I promise you won’t be let down, whether you serve it to your family or bring it to a potluck.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to have some fun cooking! I’d love to hear what you think about the recipe, any changes you made, or how it brought your family together. Have fun cooking!
