Dean'S Squash Casserole
Dean's Squash Casserole is a comforting dish featuring tender cooked squash combined with cheese, eggs, and a flavorful breadcrumb topping. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a rich, cheesy flavor with a crispy topping, appealing to both vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- After cooking the squash, beat it in a bowl with a Mixmaster.
- Add the eggs, milk, grated onion, cheese, and bread crumbs to the squash mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow casserole dish.
- Cover the casserole with additional bread crumbs.
- Dot the top with margarine or butter.
- Bake for about 45 minutes at 350°F until golden brown on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the onion before adding it to the squash mixture. You can substitute the sharp cheese with cheddar or mozzarella based on your preference. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs. This dish can easily accommodate other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm as a delightful side dish alongside roasted meats or vegetarian entrees. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or can be enjoyed as a main dish with a side salad. For a festive touch, consider serving it with complementary flavors like those found in American recipes during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they are covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dean'S Squash Casserole contains roughly 732 calories, with 42g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 696mg per serving (30% 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 squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen squash, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.
What can I do if I don't have margarine?
If you don't have margarine, you can easily substitute it with butter or olive oil. Both options will provide a rich flavor and help in browning the topping.
Is this casserole suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This dish is a great option for vegetarian recipes, as it contains no meat and is packed with wholesome ingredients. Just ensure that the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly if that's a concern.
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).