Basic Squash Casserole
A comforting squash casserole featuring tender cooked squash, savory onions, and a crunchy cracker topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with creamy, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onions in half of the margarine.
- Add cooked squash, remaining margarine, milk, salt, and crumbled crackers to the onions and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Top with the crumbled Ritz crackers.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the squashed vegetable with zucchini or a mix of summer squash for variety. If you want to add a protein boost, try mixing in some cooked chicken or turkey. For a bit of extra crunch, incorporate some toasted nuts or seeds into the topping.
Serving Suggestions
This squash casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It's also a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or a hearty main course. For a cozy touch, serve alongside warm bread or biscuits. Consider serving it with a refreshing dessert like Crunchy Ice Cream to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover squash casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Squash Casserole contains roughly 1515 calories, with 25g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2840mg per serving (123% 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
What can I use instead of crackers for a gluten-free option?
For a gluten-free alternative, you can substitute the crackers with crushed gluten-free cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Additionally, you might consider using cornmeal for a different texture while still keeping the dish 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).