Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of comfort food with our traditional Old-School Squash Casserole. This beloved dish is so much more than just another recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re gathered around the dinner table with family or whipping up something special for a potluck, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Old-School Squash Casserole stand out? First and foremost, it’s all about the flavor. The combination of fresh summer squash, a creamy base, and a crunchy topping creates a delicious balance that dances on your taste buds. It’s comfort food that harks back to a simpler time, reminding us of family dinners and good company. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe showcases the natural sweetness of squash while adding layers of taste that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized yellow squashes, sliced thinly
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 cup of additional cracker crumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted (for topping)
With these simple yet satisfying ingredients, you’re only a few steps away from creating a crowd-pleasing dish that brings a nostalgic vibe to any gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to ensure even cooking throughout your casserole.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the sliced yellow squash. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender but not mushy. Remove from heat.
3. Combine the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed squash and onions with the beaten eggs, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
4. Add the Cracker Crumbs
Fold in the crushed buttery crackers into the mixture. This will give your casserole a delectable texture and flavor.
5. Prepare to Bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly, making sure to get into all the corners. Now, let’s work on the topping!
6. Create the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the additional cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Spread this mixture over the top of the casserole for that perfect crunchy layer.
7. Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. This is where the magic happens as all those delicious flavors meld together!
8. Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to dish out.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
This Old-School Squash Casserole serves beautifully as a side dish for your favorite main courses, such as grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or even a hearty meatloaf. It’s also a fantastic vegetarian option that pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (which is often the case because it’s so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well! Just make sure to wrap it tightly and it can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Helpful Tips
- Variations: Feel free to mix things up! Add diced bell peppers or zucchini to the sautéed vegetables for a twist.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, try experimenting with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a bit of spice.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or a gluten-free cracker.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top before serving for an added pop of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?
While fresh squash gives the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen squash in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before cooking.
What if I don’t have mayonnaise?
If you’re out of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will still provide the creaminess needed for the casserole.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge overnight, then bake it when you’re ready. It may take a few extra minutes to cook from chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This casserole is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for Meatless Mondays or any gathering where you want to accommodate different dietary preferences.
Can I make this dish creamier?
Certainly! For a creamier texture, try adding a little cream cheese or sour cream into the mixture. Just blend it in with the other ingredients until smooth.
Conclusion
The Old-School Squash Casserole is a nostalgic classic that brings people together over delicious food and shared memories. With its simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and hearty flavors, it’s an excellent addition to any meal, whether casual or celebratory. So next time you find a bounty of squash at the market, remember this recipe, gather your friends or family around the table, and enjoy every comforting bite together!
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Delectable Old-School Squash Casserole Recipe That Delights
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Try this delectable old-school squash casserole recipe that delights with its rich flavors and comforting layers Perfect for any family meal
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized yellow squashes, sliced thinly
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 cup of additional cracker crumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the sliced yellow squash and sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the squash is tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed squash and onions with the beaten eggs, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Fold in the crushed buttery crackers into the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the additional cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix well and spread it over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 10 grams