Aunt Bee'S Squares
A savory casserole combining tender squash, zucchini, and vegetables with creamy chicken soup and crunchy dressing topping, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. Pepperidge Farm cornbread dressing mix
- 1/4 cup oleo, melted ⓘ
- 1 lb. yellow squash, sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. zucchini, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter a large casserole dish.
- Combine dressing mix and melted oleo, pressing half of the mixture into the buttered dish.
- In a pan of boiling water, cook squash, zucchini, onion, green pepper, and celery for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the vegetables well.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and drain water chestnuts; then add to the vegetable mixture.
- Turn the vegetable mixture into the casserole dish over the dressing layer.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup and sour cream; spread over the vegetables.
- Top with the remaining dressing mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider replacing the cream of chicken soup with a homemade alternative using chicken broth and a little cornstarch. If you want to add some protein, cooked shredded chicken can be mixed in with the vegetables. Adjust the seasoning by adding herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor. This dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free cornbread dressing mix.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Bee's Squares make a delightful side dish for grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or a light vinaigrette. This recipe is a great option for potlucks or family gatherings. For a complete meal, consider serving with a protein like chicken or fish, and browse more American recipes for a varied menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You may cover with foil to prevent over-browning. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it is well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Bee'S Squares contains roughly 93 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1056mg per serving (46% 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 other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your taste and make it your own.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Aunt Bee's Squares ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for chicken soup?
Certainly! To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy vegetable sauce. This will maintain the creamy texture while keeping the dish meat-free and delicious.
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).