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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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