Cheesy Garden Delight: Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Summer gardens burst with vibrant zucchini and yellow squash, creating the perfect opportunity for a hearty yellow squash and zucchini casserole that marries fresh flavors and comforting textures.

Layers of tender vegetables mingle with creamy cheese and crisp breadcrumbs in this delightful dish.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of rustic charm and homestyle goodness.

The casserole brings together simple ingredients with elegant simplicity, transforming humble vegetables into a mouthwatering meal.

Cheesy, golden-brown edges promise a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, luxurious interior.

Weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike welcome this versatile recipe with open arms.

You’ll savor every satisfying spoonful of this vegetable-packed delight that celebrates seasonal produce at its finest.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

Simple Ingredients For Yellow Squash and Zucchini Casserole

• Yellow Squash: Tender summer vegetable with mild, sweet flavor that absorbs other seasonings beautifully and provides delicate texture.
• Zucchini: Versatile green veggie that adds moisture and subtle earthiness to the casserole while contributing nutritional value.
• Onion: Aromatic ingredient that builds deep savory undertones and enhances overall dish complexity.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates creamy richness and delivers bold tangy flavor profile.
• Sour Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and gentle tanginess to bind ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings nutty, salty notes that elevate the entire casserole's taste experience.

• Garlic Powder: Concentrated aromatic seasoning that infuses subtle pungent warmth throughout the dish.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and highlights other ingredient characteristics.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle spiciness and depth to complement the vegetables.
• Crackers: Provides delightful crunchy texture and golden brown topping.
• Butter: Helps create crispy, golden cracker layer and contributes rich, smooth undertones.

Tools To Bake Squash and Zucchini Casserole

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing veggies evenly and releasing delicious flavors.
• 9×9-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining vegetables, cheese, and seasonings.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing cracker topping.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Steps To Build Yellow Squash Casserole Flavor

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and give a quick spray of cooking oil to your favorite baking dish.

• Sizzle The Vegetables

Toss squash, zucchini, and onions into a hot skillet dancing with olive oil. Let them soften and release their juices for about 5-7 minutes, then drain any extra liquid.

• Create The Creamy Mix

Combine your sautéed veggies with tangy cheese, creamy sour cream, zesty Parmesan, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper until everything blends perfectly.

• Layer And Top The Casserole

Pour your vegetable mixture into the prepared dish. Crush some crackers and mix with melted butter, then shower this golden topping across the casserole.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and let it bubble and brown for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden color.

• Rest And Serve

Give your masterpiece a quick 5-minute breather before diving in and enjoying the delicious comfort food you’ve created.

Tips To Make Zucchini Casserole Delicious

• Veggie Swap Magic: Experiment with different summer squash varieties like pattypan or crookneck for unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time when ready to serve.
• Low-Carb Love: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly topping that still provides delicious crunch.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-sensitive diners.
• Protein Power-Up: Fold in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.

Serve Yellow Squash and Zucchini Casserole Fresh

• Garden-Fresh Side Sensation: Pair this colorful casserole with grilled chicken or roasted salmon for a complete, nutritious meal that bursts with summer vegetable flavors.
• Herbaceous Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the dish's overall taste profile.
• Protein-Packed Companion: Serve alongside a light quinoa salad or mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to create a balanced, wholesome dining experience that complements the creamy casserole texture.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Add crusty whole grain bread or warm garlic toast on the side to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and provide a satisfying crunch to contrast the soft vegetable layers.

Store Yellow Squash and Zucchini Casserole Properly

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture absorption.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add tiny splash of milk to restore original creamy texture.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap casserole tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container. Store frozen meals for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Advance Prep Tip: Chop vegetables and mix filling ingredients up to 24 hours before baking. Store separately in sealed containers. Assemble just before cooking to maintain crisp cracker topping and fresh vegetable integrity.

Hearty Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy yellow squash and zucchini casserole brings summer garden flavors to your dinner table. Layers of fresh vegetables, herbs, and melted cheese create a comforting side dish perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
• 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 tbsps melted butter
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a 9-inch baking dish and position the oven rack centrally. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Introduce olive oil or butter, then add squash, zucchini, and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become tender yet maintain their structure. Drain excess liquid thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
3. Flavor Integration: Combine sautéed vegetables with cheddar cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Blend ingredients meticulously to create a creamy, well-distributed mixture that coats every vegetable morsel.
4. Casserole Assembly: Transfer the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Craft a crisp topping by mixing crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle generously across the surface for a delightful textural dimension.
5. Baking and Finishing: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble vigorously and the topping develops a rich, golden-brown crust. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes post-baking, enabling flavors to meld and internal temperature to equilibrate before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Drain vegetables thoroughly after sautéing to prevent a watery casserole, which can compromise the dish’s creamy texture and structural integrity.
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated cheeses for superior melting quality and more robust flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
• Cracker Crumb Technique: Crush crackers coarsely to maintain a satisfying crunch and prevent a soggy topping that could detract from the casserole’s appealing textural contrast.
• Temperature Precision: Allow casserole to rest briefly after baking, enabling cheese to set and flavors to meld, resulting in a more cohesive and enjoyable dining experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg