Irresistibly Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole Recipe

Summer bounty brings vibrant colors and zesty flavors to our cheesy summer squash casserole that promises comfort and excitement on every plate.

Golden-brown and bubbling with rich, melted cheese, this dish turns simple garden vegetables into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Tender squash layers meld perfectly with creamy textures and savory seasonings.

Fresh ingredients sing with southern hospitality and warmth.

Each forkful delivers a delightful blend of crisp vegetables and smooth, tangy cheese.

Baked to perfection, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be delighted by this crowd-pleasing summer sensation.

Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole: Fan Favorites

• This recipe offers a straightforward cooking process with minimal steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious side dish without complex techniques.
• Packed with cheesy goodness and a crunchy cornflake topping, this casserole delivers a satisfying combination of textures that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family meal.
• Utilizing fresh summer squash, this dish transforms a seasonal vegetable into a creamy, flavorful casserole that showcases garden-fresh ingredients in a delightful way.
• With just a few ingredients and a short baking period, this recipe provides a hassle-free solution for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners that everyone will enjoy.

What Goes in Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

• Summer Squash: Fresh vegetable that provides the base and primary flavor for the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the vegetable mixture.

• Egg: Helps bind the casserole ingredients together and provides structure.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy texture and adds moisture to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor and melts to create a cheesy consistency.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a subtle sweetness.
• Cornflakes, Butter: Create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds crunch and richness.

Tools for Baking Summer Squash Casserole

• Baking Dish: 2-cup ceramic or glass dish for casserole preparation.
• Small Saucepan: Essential for boiling and draining squash and onions.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Two needed for whisking egg mixture and tossing cornflakes.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending egg, mayonnaise, and seasonings smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for precise salt and sugar measurements.
• Colander or Strainer: Helps drain excess water from squash mixture.
• Cheese Grater: Used for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Spatula or Spoon: Helpful for stirring and transferring casserole mixture.

Directions for Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Step 1: Soften The Squash

• Sliced summer squash
• Chopped onion
• Salt

Pour water over the vegetables and bring to a rolling boil.

Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer without a lid until the squash becomes slightly tender, about 2 minutes.

Drain completely to remove all excess liquid.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Base

• Egg
• Mayonnaise
• Sugar
• Black pepper
• Salt

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked squash mixture until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 3: Prepare For Baking

Warm up the oven to 350F.

Grease a baking dish and transfer the squash mixture into it.

In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter until the flakes are evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping across the casserole.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling, around 25-30 minutes.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Tips for a Creamy, Golden Casserole

• Pat the cooked squash completely dry with paper towels to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a crispy, golden top.
• Select young, firm summer squash with bright, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor in your dish.
• Experiment with different cheese types like monterey jack or gruyere to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the creamy consistency.
• Crush cornflakes coarsely for maximum crispiness, or use breadcrumbs as a gluten-free alternative for added texture.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

New Spins on Summer Squash Casserole

• Zucchini Swap: Replace summer squash with zucchini for a similar texture and flavor profile, maintaining the casserole's creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute egg with flax egg, use vegan mayonnaise, plant-based cheese, and nutritional yeast to create a dairy-free, egg-free version of the casserole.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace cornflake topping with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with parmesan cheese for a lower-carbohydrate crunchy topping.

Ways to Serve Cheesy Squash Casserole

• Summer Barbecue Buddy: Serve this cheesy squash casserole alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops for a delightful summer meal that screams backyard cookout.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this casserole in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or family reunions where comfort food always steals the show.
• Vegetarian Delight: Pair with a fresh green salad or quinoa to create a complete vegetarian meal that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying for those seeking plant-based options.
• Brunch Brilliance: Offer as a stunning side dish during weekend brunches, complementing egg dishes, quiches, or as part of a hearty breakfast spread that will impress your guests.

Storing Summer Squash Casserole for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the casserole reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What makes cornflakes a good topping for this casserole?

Cornflakes add a delightful crunch and golden texture to the casserole, creating a crispy contrast to the soft, cheesy squash mixture. The buttered cornflakes provide a satisfying crunch that elevates the overall texture of the dish.

• Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute yellow squash with zucchini or a mix of both summer squashes. The recipe works well with different varieties of summer squash, allowing flexibility based on what’s available or your personal preference.

• Is this casserole a good way to use up excess garden squash?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for gardeners with an abundance of summer squash. It transforms simple squash into a delicious, cheesy side dish that makes eating surplus vegetables enjoyable and tasty.

Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy summer squash casserole brings Southern comfort to summer tables with layers of zucchini and yellow squash nestled in a rich, cheesy sauce. Crisp breadcrumb topping and fresh herbs make this classic side dish irresistible for you at backyard gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 small yellow summer squash, sliced
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• Pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons crushed cornflakes
• 1–1/2 teaspoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Gently simmer sliced squash and onions in salted water for 2 minutes until crisp-tender, then thoroughly drain to eliminate excess moisture.
2. Whisk egg, mayonnaise, sugar, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Fold shredded cheddar cheese and drained squash mixture into the whisked ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 2-cup baking dish with light grease.
5. Transfer the squash and cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter, creating a golden, crispy topping.
7. Sprinkle the buttered cornflake mixture uniformly across the casserole surface.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the casserole becomes bubbling hot.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set before serving.

Notes

• Choose younger, smaller squash for better texture and less water content when cooking the casserole.
• Pat squash dry thoroughly after draining to prevent a watery final dish and ensure crispy cornflake topping.
• Swap cornflakes with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and add a tangy protein boost to the recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg