Golden Yellow Squash and Zucchini Casserole Recipe – A Cozy Dinner Win

Creamy, comforting yellow squash casseroles bring unexpected joy to summer’s bounty.

My garden’s overflow inspired this delightful dish that combines tender vegetables with rich, melted cheese.

Southern kitchens know the magic of turning simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Neighbors always request this recipe after one memorable potluck gathering.

Fresh zucchini and yellow squash create a colorful canvas for herbs and savory seasonings.

Crispy breadcrumb toppings add a perfect crunch that makes every bite memorable.

You’ll want seconds of this irresistible vegetable medley that celebrates seasonal produce.

What’s Nice About Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole

• Whip Up a Vegetable Comfort Feast: This casserole transforms humble yellow squash and zucchini into a creamy, cheesy dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into an irresistible meal everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Incredibly versatile recipe allows quick ingredient swaps like different cheeses, crackers, or adding proteins such as cooked chicken or bacon to match your family's taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this entire casserole in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious, nutritious dinner without complicated cooking techniques or extensive prep time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Veggie Solution: Brilliantly disguises vegetables in a crowd-pleasing format that even picky eaters will enjoy, packed with melted cheese and crunchy cracker topping to make healthy eating delightful.

What You Need For Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole

• Yellow Squash, Zucchini: Fresh summer vegetables with mild, slightly sweet flavor. Choose firm, unblemished squash with bright color.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base to the casserole. Sweet variety works best.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese provides rich, tangy flavor. Shredded works best for even distribution.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and slight tanginess to the mixture. Full-fat version recommended.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides nutty, salty accent to enhance overall flavor. Freshly grated preferred.

• Garlic Powder: Brings subtle garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance vegetable taste. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.
• Crackers: Provides crunchy topping. Buttery or saltine crackers work well.
• Butter: Helps bind cracker topping and adds rich flavor. Unsalted butter preferred.

• Olive Oil or Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables. Adds additional flavor and prevents sticking.

Steps For Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Give your baking dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Dance with the Veggies

• Yellow squash
• Zucchini
• Onion

Swirl and cook for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender but not mushy. Drain any extra liquid that might have escaped.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until it looks like a dreamy, cheesy landscape.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

• Crushed crackers
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that scream “I’m delicious!”

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole chill for 5 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your veggie masterpiece!

Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole Tips

• Drain Veggies Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from squash and zucchini to prevent a watery casserole by patting vegetables with paper towels after sautéing.
• Choose Crispy Cracker Topping: Experiment with different crackers like Ritz or panko breadcrumbs for varied texture and added crunch on the casserole surface.
• Boost Cheese Flavor: Swap cheddar with sharp or aged varieties to intensify the cheesy profile and create more depth in the dish's overall taste.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use certified gluten-free cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
• Enhance Herb Profile: Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like basil or thyme before baking to introduce fresh, aromatic layers that complement the vegetable and cheese combination.

How To Store Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole

• Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavor.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid freezing this casserole, as the creamy texture and vegetables may become watery and lose their original consistency when thawed.
• For best taste and texture, consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe and enjoy the casserole freshly reheated.

Great Sides For Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, cheesy casserole with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light wines cut through the richness and enhance the vegetable flavors.
• Match with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside a simple roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme. The herb-infused protein creates a perfect balance with the soft, cheesy vegetable casserole.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a bright side of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm, creamy casserole.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Add a slice of rustic sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce. The bread's crispy texture adds a wonderful crunch to the meal.

Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole Changes To Try

• Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Replace cheddar with crumbled feta cheese and add diced tomatoes and fresh basil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chiles, replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Protein Power Casserole: Incorporate cooked diced chicken or crumbled ground turkey to transform the dish into a heartier main course with added protein.
• Herb Garden Remix: Blend fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the vegetable mixture for an aromatic and fresh garden-inspired version of the classic casserole.

Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole FAQ Guide

• Can I use frozen squash and zucchini instead of fresh?

While fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen veggies. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely to remove excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this casserole is vegetarian. It contains no meat and can be easily enjoyed by vegetarians. You can also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers for the topping.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and adds rich flavor to the casserole.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

To reduce calories, use low-fat sour cream and cheese. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add extra flavor to the casserole.

Yellow Squash And Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy yellow squash and zucchini casserole brings summer garden goodness to your dinner table with layers of tender vegetables and cheesy comfort. Hearty side dishes like this southern classic connect family and friends around a delicious, satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Seasonings and Topping:

• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9-inch dish with a light layer of grease, ensuring optimal non-stick performance. Position the oven rack to the middle and warm to a precise 375°F (190°C).
2. Activate a large skillet over medium thermal intensity. Introduce olive oil or butter, allowing it to shimmer. Gently cascade squash, zucchini, and onion into the pan, stirring occasionally to promote even caramelization. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften but maintain structural integrity. Carefully eliminate excess moisture through careful draining.
3. Transition vegetables into a spacious mixing receptacle. Incorporate cheddar cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Manipulate ingredients with a sturdy utensil, creating a harmonious, creamy amalgamation that coats each vegetable fragment uniformly.
4. Gracefully transfer the vegetable medley into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution. Create a crisp topping by combining crushed crackers with melted butter, then generously dust across the casserole’s surface for textural contrast.
5. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the topping transforms into a golden, appetizing crust.
6. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, permitting internal temperatures to stabilize and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Swap out crackers for gluten-free alternatives like almond flour crumbs or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• Reduce cheese quantity and use low-fat versions for a lighter, healthier casserole that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the dish’s taste profile, adding unexpected brightness and complexity to the vegetable mixture.
• For a vegetarian protein boost, consider incorporating quinoa or diced plant-based protein directly into the vegetable sauté to create a more substantial meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg