Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Yellow Squash Casserole, a side dish that promises to elevate any mealtime experience. This recipe combines tender yellow squash, sautéed onions, and a luscious cheesy, buttery cracker topping. Perfectly simple yet incredibly satisfying, it’s a dish that will have your family and guests asking for more.
Ingredients
To prepare this delightful casserole, you’ll need:
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 2 squash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- ¼ cup water
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, heaping cup
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sautéing the Base:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and chopped garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent and aromatic.
- Add sliced yellow squash to the skillet and pour in water. Cover and steam squash for 5 minutes until tender.
- Preparing the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, crush Ritz crackers. Combine with a heaping cup of cheddar cheese. Reserve half of this mixture.
- To the remaining cracker and cheese mixture, add beaten eggs, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Combining and Baking:
- Stir cooked squash mixture into the cracker and cheese mixture until well combined.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle reserved cracker and cheese mixture over the top. Dot evenly with 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Final Touch:
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and casserole is heated through.
Presentation and Serving:
- Serve Yellow Squash Casserole warm as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm and Welcoming: Serve the Yellow Squash Casserole fresh from the oven to enjoy its comforting flavors at their best.
- Pairing Perfection: It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or even as a tasty vegetarian main dish.
- Garnish Game: For a touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Yellow Squash Casserole can be frozen for longer storage. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped or stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings until hot.
Enhancing Leftovers:
- Revamp and Refresh: Leftover casserole can be repurposed into a delicious breakfast by serving with a fried egg on top.
- Creative Twist: Use leftovers as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for a quick and tasty lunch option.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can maximize the enjoyment of your Yellow Squash Casserole from preparation to leftover reinventions.
