Kentucky Squash Casserole

$- 4 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (plus extra for topping) - 3 large eggs, beaten - ½ cup milk - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The ingredients for Kentucky squash casserole are simple yet flavorful. You need fresh yellow squash for the base. I love using medium-sized squash because they have a nice texture. The onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Sharp cheddar cheese is a must for that rich, creamy taste. For crunch, crushed saltine crackers work perfectly. They give a lovely texture on top. Eggs and milk bind everything together, making the casserole hearty. Olive oil adds a bit of healthy fat, while garlic powder and dried thyme enhance the flavors. Paprika gives it a hint of warmth and color. - 9x13 inch baking dish - Large skillet - Mixing bowls - Spatula You will need a few basic kitchen tools. A 9x13 inch baking dish is perfect for this casserole. A large skillet helps cook the squash and onion together. Mixing bowls are essential for combining your ingredients. Lastly, a spatula will help you spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. These tools make the cooking process easy and fun. You can find most of them in any kitchen. With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a delicious Kentucky squash casserole. For the full recipe, check out the instructions in the next section! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. This helps the casserole not stick. - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it is clear, about 5 minutes. Stir it often to avoid burning. - Now, add 4 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced, to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Stir often until the squash is soft but still has some crunch. - In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed squash and onions. Add the wet ingredients: 3 large beaten eggs and ½ cup of milk. - Now, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until combined. - Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of crushed saltine crackers. Make sure to save some crushed crackers for the topping. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. This helps it bake evenly. - Sprinkle the reserved crushed saltine crackers on top. This adds a nice crunch when baked. - Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. - After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares for serving. Now you have a delicious Kentucky squash casserole ready to enjoy! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. - Ensuring the squash retains bite: To keep your squash from becoming mushy, cook it just until tender. This should take about 8-10 minutes over medium heat. You want it soft but still slightly firm. - Achieving a golden brown topping: For that perfect golden color, sprinkle extra crushed saltine crackers on top before baking. The crackers will crisp up nicely in the oven, adding a great texture. - Best accompaniments for Kentucky Squash Casserole: This casserole pairs well with a fresh side salad. The cool crunch of lettuce and veggies balances the warm, cheesy casserole. You could also serve it with roasted meats or grilled chicken for a full meal. - Garnishing ideas for visual appeal: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color. You could also use chives or even a dash of paprika on top for extra flair. - Addressing undercooked or burnt casseroles: If your casserole is undercooked, simply cover it with foil and return it to the oven for an extra 5-10 minutes. For burnt edges, cut away the crispy parts and serve the soft center. - Alternative binding ingredients: If you want to switch things up, use breadcrumbs or cooked rice instead of saltines. These options still hold the ingredients together while adding unique flavors. {{image_4}} You can change some ingredients in Kentucky squash casserole. If you want a different cheese, try mozzarella or pepper jack. These cheeses give a nice twist to the flavor. For the crackers, gluten-free versions or panko can work too. They add a different crunch that's still enjoyable. Want to boost nutrition? You can add proteins like cooked chicken or turkey. This makes the dish heartier. You can also toss in other vegetables. Bell peppers or zucchini fit well with squash. They add color and taste. Just remember to cook them slightly before mixing. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free crackers. They work just like regular saltines. For a vegan version, swap the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. You can use almond milk instead of regular milk too. Finally, choose a plant-based cheese to keep it vegan and delicious. Kentucky squash casserole has roots in southern cooking. Some families use different spices like cayenne pepper for heat. Others prefer a creamier texture by adding sour cream. In some regions, they serve the casserole with cornbread or fried chicken on the side. This shows how the dish fits into the wider Kentucky cuisine. Each family adds their own touch, keeping the tradition alive. For the full recipe, follow the steps and enjoy making your own version! To store leftover Kentucky Squash Casserole, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to five days. When you want to eat it, just reheat it in the oven or microwave. You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. Make sure it has cooled completely. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Label it with the date. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then bake it at 350°F (175°C) until warm. The casserole is best eaten fresh, but it can last in the fridge for five days. If you freeze it, aim to eat it within three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy this tasty dish while it’s still at its best! For the full recipe, check the beginning section! You can use several options instead of saltine crackers. Try crushed tortilla chips for a fun twist. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter topping. If you want a gluten-free option, crushed rice crackers work well too. These alternatives provide that much-needed crunch. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients as instructed and place them in the baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just remove the cover and bake as directed. This makes for a stress-free meal. To check if your casserole is done, look for a golden brown top. The edges should slightly pull away from the dish. You can also insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on it. Absolutely! This casserole is great for meal prep. Cut it into squares after it cools. Store each portion in airtight containers. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven. This makes it easy to enjoy a tasty meal all week long. This blog post gave you a full view of making Kentucky Squash Casserole. We covered the ingredients, tools, steps, and helpful tips. I shared ideas for variations and storage, too. As you cook this dish, remember to enjoy the process. With some care, you'll impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to try twists on the recipe. Happy cooking!$

Delight your family with a comforting Kentucky Comfort Squash Casserole that's easy to make and delicious! This savory dish features tender squash, savory onions, and creamy cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection with a crispy cracker topping. Perfect for any occasion, it's a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and create this cozy meal that brings warmth to your dining table!

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Ingredients

4 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup crushed saltine crackers (plus extra for topping)

3 large eggs, beaten

½ cup milk

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Incorporate the sliced squash into the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender but still retains some bite.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed squash and onion mixture with the beaten eggs, milk, garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed saltine crackers, making sure everything is evenly combined. Reserve some crushed crackers for the topping for that extra crunch.

Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.

Evenly distribute the reserved crushed saltine crackers on top of the casserole to create a crispy topping.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is fully set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing into squares for serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole warm, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. For a well-rounded meal, pair it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables!