Country-Style Yellow Squash
A hearty country-style yellow squash casserole with bacon, cheese, and herbs, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart glass dish, place water, salt, cubed yellow squash, and chopped onion. Cover and microwave on High for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring after 7 minutes. Drain well and mash.
- Add half of the crumbled bacon, melted butter, pepper, basil, bread cubes, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream to the mashed squash. Mix well and transfer to a lightly buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top, cover, and microwave on High for 6 to 8 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or using shallots instead of onion. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you want a bit of crunch, top with crushed crackers before microwaving. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. This dish is reminiscent of other Southern recipes, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Serving Suggestions
This Country-Style Yellow Squash pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a hearty family dinner, serve it alongside the Royal Ambassadors Hamburger Dinner or the Pork Chop And Mushroom Casserole. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated, which can help restore some of the original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country-Style Yellow Squash contains roughly 383 calories, with 11g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (26% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1597mg per serving (69% 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 frozen yellow squash for this recipe?
While fresh yellow squash is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen squash. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. You can add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble it in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before microwaving. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if it's cold from the fridge.
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).