Cheesy Yellow Squash Bake

$- 4 medium yellow squashes, sliced into thin rounds - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) The ingredients for Cheesy Yellow Squash Bake are simple and easy to find. Yellow squash is the star here. It gives a nice texture and flavor. The mix of cheeses adds creaminess and depth. Sharp cheddar and mozzarella work perfectly together. You can customize this dish with your favorite cheese too. The onion and garlic bring aromatic flavors. They add a savory touch that makes your mouth water. Breadcrumbs provide a crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft squash. Using panko breadcrumbs makes it even crispier. Don’t forget the eggs and milk. They bind everything together, making each bite delightful. Dried oregano adds a hint of herbal goodness. Salt and pepper bring all the flavors to life. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a tasty meal. Check out the Full Recipe for complete steps on how to make this dish. This dish is a good balance of nutrients. Yellow squash is low in calories but high in vitamins. It’s full of vitamin C and fiber. The cheese gives protein and calcium. The eggs add healthy fats and more protein. Overall, it’s a hearty meal that can fit into many diets. If you're looking for alternatives, there are many options. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can swap yellow squash with zucchini or even eggplant. For a dairy-free option, try plant-based cheeses. Just make sure they melt well. These substitutions can help if you have dietary restrictions. Always check labels for allergens, especially if you cook for others. Enjoy making this dish your own! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for getting that perfect bake. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Then, mix in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. In a big mixing bowl, toss 4 sliced yellow squashes with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to pull out extra moisture. After that, pat the squash dry using paper towels. In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and some salt and pepper. Mix well until it looks smooth. Now, pour your sautéed onion and garlic mix into the egg mixture. Gently fold in half of the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, half of the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the 1 cup breadcrumbs. Stir until everything is mixed well. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by layering half of the squash at the bottom. Spread half of the egg mixture over the squash. Then add the rest of the squash, followed by the remaining egg mix. Sprinkle the last bits of cheddar and mozzarella on top. Then, add the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and the rest of the breadcrumbs for a nice crunch. Drizzle a little olive oil on top to help with browning. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until it is golden brown. When the squash is soft, it's ready. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. If you want, add fresh basil leaves on top for a nice touch. For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section. To make your Cheesy Yellow Squash Bake shine, follow these tips: - Slice Uniformly: Cut the yellow squash into even, thin rounds. This helps them cook evenly. - Sauté the Aromatics: Sauté the onion and garlic until soft. This adds depth to the flavor. - Pat Dry: After salting, pat the squash dry. This step keeps the bake from getting watery. - Layering Technique: Alternate layers of squash and the egg mixture for the best flavor blend. - Taste Test: Before baking, taste a bit of the mixture. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Avoiding these mistakes ensures a perfect bake: - Skipping the Drying Step: Don't skip patting the squash dry. Extra moisture can ruin the texture. - Overloading with Cheese: While cheese is great, too much can make it greasy. Balance is key. - Not Preheating: Always preheat your oven. This ensures even cooking from the start. - Rushing the Bake Time: Be patient. Let it bake until golden brown for the best taste. Serve your Cheesy Yellow Squash Bake with these ideas: - Fresh Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad. The freshness balances the richness. - Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal that delights. - Crusty Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread to soak up any cheesy goodness. - Wine Pairing: Enjoy a glass of white wine. A crisp sauvignon blanc complements the dish wonderfully. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can change up the cheese in your Cheesy Yellow Squash Bake. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try using aged cheddar. For a creamier texture, add some cream cheese. You can also mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist, while a blend of Italian cheeses brings depth. Feel free to experiment and find what you love best! Adding protein can make this dish heartier. Ground beef or turkey works well. Cook it with the onion and garlic for great flavor. If you want a meatless option, consider black beans or chickpeas. They not only boost protein but also add fiber. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the mix! You can include other vegetables in your bake. Spinach or kale adds nutrients and color. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. You could also use zucchini or eggplant if you want to mix it up. Just remember to slice them thinly, like the squash. This ensures even cooking and keeps the bake nice and fluffy. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To store your leftover Cheesy Yellow Squash Bake, let it cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in a safe oven dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes or until warm throughout. You can also heat it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until hot. If you want to freeze the Cheesy Yellow Squash Bake, first let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy use. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. You can also place the portions in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your Cheesy Yellow Squash Bake anytime with these easy storage tips! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers. This will give you the same delightful crunch. Always check labels to ensure no gluten sneaks in. Yes, you can use other squash types! Zucchini works great and adds a mild taste. Butternut squash adds sweetness, while acorn squash gives a nutty flavor. Adjust cooking times if using different squashes to ensure they cook evenly. If your squash is watery, salt it before cooking. This draws out moisture. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the bake stay firm and not soggy. You can also add more breadcrumbs to absorb extra moisture. Leftovers from this dish last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave. Enjoy the cheesy goodness all over again! This blog shared a step-by-step guide for a cheesy yellow squash bake. You learned the key ingredients needed and how to prepare them. I also gave tips for perfecting the dish and variations to try. Remember, making these small changes can enhance your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different cheeses or proteins. Proper storage helps you savor leftovers too. With these tips, you can create a delicious, comforting dish anytime. You’re set to impress with this tasty recipe!$

Get ready to indulge in a delicious Cheesy Yellow Squash Bake that's both comforting and easy to make! This recipe features layers of tender yellow squash, rich cheeses, and a crunchy topping that's perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with this tasty twist on a veggie favorite!

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Ingredients

4 medium yellow squashes, sliced into thin rounds

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

1/2 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it's ready for your delicious bake.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender. Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes aromatic. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

Prepare the Squash: In a spacious mixing bowl, toss the sliced yellow squash with a generous sprinkle of salt. Allow the squash to sit for approximately 10 minutes; this will help draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, use paper towels to gently pat the squash dry.

Mix the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.

Combine Ingredients: Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the bowl with the egg mixture. Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the breadcrumbs. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

Layer the Bake: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Begin by layering half of the sliced yellow squash evenly at the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the egg mixture over this layer of squash. Next, add the remaining squash slices on top, followed by the rest of the egg mixture.

Top with Cheeses and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella on top of the final layer. Then, add the grated Parmesan and the remaining breadcrumbs to create a delightful crispy topping. Lightly drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top to enhance browning.

Bake: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.

Serve: Once baked, allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes to make serving easier. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor before serving.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 60 min | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: For an elevated look, serve portions on individual plates and drizzle with balsamic reduction or a light olive oil before garnishing with basil. Enjoy!