Looking for a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to your family table? This squash casserole with stuffing is just that! Bursting with flavors and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Imagine a golden, creamy casserole that combines the earthiness of squash with the savory crunch of stuffing—it’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This squash casserole with stuffing is not just another side dish; it’s a star on its own! Here are a few reasons why this recipe will quickly become a favorite:
- Easy to Make: You don’t need advanced cooking skills to whip up this delicious dish. With straightforward steps, even beginners can shine in the kitchen.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match different squash types or even throw in your favorite veggies. Customize it to suit your taste!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or a potluck, this casserole fits right in.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy texture paired with crunchy stuffing is incredibly satisfying. Each bite is like a warm hug!
- Great for Leftovers: If there are any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they reheat beautifully, making them perfect for lunches or quick dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to a successful casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized yellow squash: About 4 cups when diced, they add sweetness and texture.
- 2 medium-sized zucchini: Similarly, around 4 cups, zucchini brings additional moisture and flavor.
- 1 medium onion: Finely chopped, for that aromatic base.
- 2 cloves of garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess and a cheesy bite that pairs perfectly with squash.
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup: This is the creamy element that ties everything together.
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth: For moisture and extra flavor.
- 1 package of stuffing mix: The kind you can find at your grocery store; this will give the casserole its delicious crunch.
- 1/2 cup of butter: Melted, to mix with the stuffing mix for that perfect crisp.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, because seasoning is everything!
- Optional herbs: Dried thyme or parsley can add a lovely finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Squash
Start by washing and dicing the yellow squash and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture in your casserole.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic for another minute, letting those flavors mingle. Next, add the diced squash and zucchini. Cook for around 5-7 minutes until tender. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix the Casserole Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed veggies with the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Prepare the Stuffing
In another bowl, mix the stuffing with the melted butter. Pour in a little chicken or vegetable broth if you want it moister. Combine well until the stuffing is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, layer the squash mixture first, spreading it evenly. Then top with the stuffing mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Bake it to Perfection
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top that’s sure to catch the eye!
7. Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool for about 10 minutes. This will make slicing and serving much easier!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
This squash casserole pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as part of a vegetarian feast. A simple green salad on the side adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of this dish.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or pop it back into the oven until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with Cheese: Try varying the types of cheese you use. Monterey Jack or mozzarella can make delightful alternatives!
- Herb it Up: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme sprinkled on top before serving can elevate the flavors even more.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day before, making your life easier on the day of serving. Just cover it tightly in the fridge and bake as directed when you’re ready.
- Patience with Squash: Ensure your squash is cooked well before mixing; the texture will significantly improve the final dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of squash?
Absolutely! Pea-sized pieces of butternut squash or acorn squash can add unique flavors. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some squashes may take a bit longer to soften.
What if I don’t like mushrooms?
No problem! You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce for a mushroom-free version.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth and ensure your stuffing mix doesn’t contain meat products. There are many delicious vegetarian stuffing mixes available!
How can I make it gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free stuffing mix and ensure the soup you use is also gluten-free. With these swaps, you can enjoy this dish worry-free!
Can I add protein to the casserole?
If you want to make it a more filling meal, shredded cooked chicken or turkey can be added into the veggie mixture before layering. It’s a great way to turn a side dish into a main course!
Conclusion
This squash casserole with stuffing is a delightful blend of simplicity, flavor, and nostalgia. With its creamy texture and crunchy topping, it promises to be a hit at your next meal. The best part? It’s adaptable, which means you can personalize it to your family’s taste. So, why not invite loved ones over and share this comforting dish? They’ll thank you for it—just like we do! Gather your ingredients and make some memories today. You won’t regret it!
Print
Delicious Squash Casserole with Stuffing Comfort Food Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Savor a Delicious Squash Casserole with Stuffing the ultimate comfort food bliss Perfect for any occasion this dish will delight your taste buds
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- minutes: 10
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 8 grams