Alberta Toomey'S Zucchini Squash
A comforting zucchini squash casserole with tender vegetables, savory tomatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and vegetable lovers seeking a hearty, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a frying pan.
- Add chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Slice zucchini thin and add to the butter and onions.
- Cook on low heat until zucchini starts to get tender.
- Add canned tomatoes, salt, and sugar.
- Cook on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with sharp cheese and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try adding bell peppers or garlic for extra flavor. If you don't have fresh zucchini, yellow squash works well too. Adjust the sugar to taste, especially if your tomatoes are quite sweet. To enhance the dish, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. This recipe can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Alberta Toomey's Zucchini Squash hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Corny Bread for a hearty meal, or serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced plate. For a vegetarian option, consider a side of quinoa or a fresh garden salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for a quick meal. If you prefer a crisp texture, reheating in the oven works best.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alberta Toomey'S Zucchini Squash contains roughly 517 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! If using fresh, you'll need about 4-5 medium tomatoes, chopped. You may want to add a bit of water to maintain the moisture level of the dish since canned tomatoes are usually packed in juice.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onions. You can also top the dish with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper before baking for an extra kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, just transfer it to a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).