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Cheesy Baked Yellow Squash Casserole

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This Cheesy Baked Yellow Squash Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender yellow squash with a rich cheese sauce. Topped with a crunchy blend of breadcrumbs and cheese, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium yellow squash (about 2 pounds), sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for topping, optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and become golden brown on top.
  2. Prepare your yellow squash by slicing it into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniformity to ensure even cooking. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Avoid browning the onion; you want it soft and aromatic.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Garlic can turn bitter quickly, so keep an eye on it.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced yellow squash, sautéed onion and garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, eggs, salt, black pepper, thyme (if using), and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until well combined, ensuring the squash is evenly coated.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter until well combined. This will form a delicious topping for your casserole.
  7. Transfer the squash mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top. This adds a delightful crunch to your casserole.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the cracker topping for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re using paprika, sprinkle it on top for a beautiful color.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The edges should be slightly crispy while the center remains creamy. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the squash.
  10. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: One common mistake is overcooking the squash before baking. Using a good quality cheese is crucial. Don’t skip the resting period after baking. If you want to elevate flavors, consider adding a hint of nutmeg or cayenne pepper.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/creamy-cheesy-yellow-squash-delight/