Creamy Squash Casserole Recipe (2024)

Nutrition Notes

Is Yellow Squash Nutritious?

According to the USDA, 1 cup of cooked yellow squash will give you about 37% of your day's worth of vitamin C and 11% of your potassium. Yellow squash is also rich in antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been shown to help protect the skin, heart, bones and eyes, partly through their ability to reduce inflammation, according to research published in Molecules.

Is Cheddar Cheese Healthy?

Cheese provides many important nutrients, including calcium, which is necessary for bone, heart, nerve and muscle function and health. It also provides probiotics—those good-for-you gut bacteria. Some types of cheese are higher in sodium than others, so if you're sensitive to sodium, you could choose a lower-sodium cheese. As far as the saturated fat in cheese goes, there is some question as to whether the types of saturated fat in cheese are actually harmful (yes, there are different types of saturated fats).

Is This Dish Vegetarian-Friendly?

Yes, as long as you eat dairy and eggs, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

I Don't Have Yellow Squash, Can I Use Zucchini Instead?

Absolutely! This casserole can be made with zucchini or a combination of zucchini and yellow squash.

Can I Use Dried Thyme Instead of Fresh?

Yes, if you don't have fresh thyme on hand, you can use 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme instead.

Can I Make Squash Casserole Ahead?

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, minus the cracker topping, and store in the refrigerator. The following day, top the casserole with the cracker mixture and bake until set and golden brown on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need to Peel Yellow Squash?

No, there's no need to peel yellow squash! The skin of summer squash, such as yellow squash and zucchini, is thin and edible. When shopping for yellow squash, look for those that are firm to the touch, with smooth and vibrant yellow skin. Avoid yellow squash with large dents or gashes. Before cooking, be sure to wash the yellow squash and scrub off any dirt.

How Do You Keep Squash Casserole from Getting Watery?

To prevent the squash casserole from getting watery, cook the squash in the skillet first. This helps release water. It's important to drain the cooked squash in a colander for 5 minutes and press it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers and Jan Valdez

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 large yellow squash, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 10 cups)

  • 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves

  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 (3.5-ounce) sleeve round buttery crackers (such as Ritz; about 28 crackers), crumbled

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add squash, onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft, about 15 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a colander and let stand for 5 minutes to drain, then press dry with paper towels. (Pressing squash dry with paper towels will make sure the casserole isn't watery once the dish is baked.)

  2. Whisk Cheddar, milk, eggs, pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt together in a large bowl. Add the squash mixture; stir to combine.

  3. Stir crumbled crackers and butter together in a medium bowl until well coated.

  4. Coat an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the squash mixture to the prepared dish; top evenly with the cracker mixture. Bake until set and golden on top, about 20 minutes.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, August 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

152Calories
11g Fat
10g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe12
Serving Size1/2 cup
Calories152
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate10g4%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Total Sugars3g
Added Sugars1g2%
Protein5g10%
Total Fat11g14%
Saturated Fat5g25%
Cholesterol47mg16%
Vitamin A377IU8%
Vitamin C14mg16%
Vitamin D12IU3%
Vitamin E1mg4%
Folate37mcg9%
Vitamin K8mcg7%
Sodium346mg15%
Calcium112mg9%
Iron1mg6%
Magnesium18mg4%
Potassium250mg5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Creamy Squash Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep squash casserole from getting watery? ›

Salting and sautéing the squash before baking helps to remove excess moisture and prevents the casserole from becoming watery. Cream cheese and sour cream lend the filling richness and tang.

How does Paula Deen cook squash casserole? ›

In separate medium size skillet, sauté the sliced onion in butter for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and, using a large bowl, add squash, onions, sour cream, Paula Deen's House Seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese. Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish and top with cracker crumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

How do you dry squash for casserole? ›

After slicing the squash, salt the slices and place them on a paper-towel lined baking sheet. Let it sit for 30 minutes so that the salt can draw out some of its water. Use the paper-towel to dab off any excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe.

Why is my squash casserole runny? ›

To prevent your squash casserole from being too watery, it's important to get as much liquid out of the squash during the initial cooking process as possible. Straining the squash helps to remove excess water that leaches out of the cooked squash, and it cools the squash before it is added to the casserole.

How do you keep squash and zucchini from getting soggy? ›

Slice and salt zucchini in advance of cooking to draw out some of the vegetable's excess moisture (while also seasoning it more thoroughly). To do this, cut up a pound of zucchini and toss it with ½ teaspoon of table salt. Let it drain in a colander for about 30 minutes before patting it dry and cooking it.

What is Paula Deen seasoning? ›

The ingredients listed in order are: "sea salt, granulated garlic, black pepper, granulated onion, ground cumin, and other spices". I have used the recipe listed on this site and included equal amounts of garlic powder and onion powder.

Should squash be cooked cut side up or down? ›

Scoop the seeds out, place it cut side down on a pan with sides that has been oiled and cook until tender - a knife inserts through the skin and easily into the flesh. It doesn't matter as far as the cooking goes. The squash doesn't know the difference. Up and down is the only way to do it correctly.

Why is my cooked squash mushy? ›

Mushy veggies are also often the result of overcooking. When the interior is loaded with moisture, you have to cook it for much longer to evaporate all of the water and avoid the interior having the unappealing, spongy, raw texture that eggplant and zucchini are notorious for.

Is squash good for belly fat? ›

One cup of cooked squash with a volume of 205ml has only 83 calories and has up to 7 grams of fiber. Therefore, this is also a great choice for those who want to lose weight and obesity. Squash contains a lot of fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Are squash healthier than potatoes? ›

Exhibit B: While both are high in B vitamins, the squash is higher in folate, a must in the diets future and soon-to-be mamas, as well as mega-antioxidant vitamin E, and bone-building calcium. However, the squash must concede when it comes to fiber content, with the sweet potato taking first place (4 grams vs.

Is squash OK for weight loss? ›

With its ability to burn calories like a furnace, provide a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) experience, offer a full-body workout, improve cardiovascular health, and contribute to mental and emotional well-being, squash emerges as a standout sport for weight loss.

How do you make a moist casserole? ›

Pro Tip: Avoid Dry Casserole.

The best way to prevent it from drying out is to add a little bit of water, around ¼ cup, to the top of it. Allow the water to seep between the food and the sides of the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to seal in the moisture.

Why is my spaghetti squash mushy after cooking? ›

Give the slices a touch of salt, but not too much! Adding too much salt can cause the squash to get too watery as it cooks. And then you'll be left with mushy strands. You're only seasoning to cook the squash here, and you can add more salt once it has cooked to actually season it to your taste.

How do you reduce the liquid in a casserole? ›

Let the excess liquid evaporate away by bringing the substance to a boil or a simmer until the desired consistency is reached. This method is great for sauces – including a quick pan sauce created after cooking a protein – and gravies that are only marginally looser than desired.

How do you fix a runny casserole? ›

The solution for watery casseroles is instant potato mash powder or cornflour - slake (mix with a little water) at first or it will go lumpy. Stir well. Alternatively, don't add so much water at first, especially if you're using a slow cooker.

How do you make a casserole not soggy? ›

To prevent a soggy top and a firm or crunchy bottom, it's important to use a shallow baking dish, to cook the casserole at the correct oven temperature and for the appropriate amount of time, and to be mindful of the amount of liquid used in the recipe.

References

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