Get ready to experience a mouthwatering journey into the heart of Southern cuisine with Tracy's legendary Squash Casserole! This irresistible dish transforms simple, humble ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver comfort food magic that will transport you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow squash, sliced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and slicing the yellow squash into thin rounds. Chop the onion finely. Set both aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or butter. Once heated, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add the sliced yellow squash to the skillet with the onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender but not mushy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed squash and onion mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be used for topping the casserole.
- Transfer the squash and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a nice, crunchy topping when baked.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish or main course, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Southern classic!
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm yellow squash for the best texture and flavor. Avoid squash that looks soft or has blemishes.
- Don't overcook the squash during sautéing - you want it tender but still holding its shape for the perfect casserole consistency.
- For extra richness, consider using whole milk or even half-and-half instead of low-fat milk.
- Experiment with cheese varieties - while cheddar is classic, a blend of cheeses like monterey jack or gruyere can add depth to the flavor.
- To prevent a soggy bottom, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the squash after cooking.
- For a golden, crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking - just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if going from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
