French Baked Squash
French Baked Squash is a comforting vegetable dish combining tender squash and zucchini with crispy bacon, red onion, and creamy soup, topped with cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture that appeals to both vegetable lovers and meat eaters alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add squash and zucchini slices to the boiling water.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until almost crisp-tender.
- Drain the vegetables.
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook diced bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add slivered red onion to the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Cook and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes, then drain off the drippings.
- Add the reserved bacon, cream of celery soup, red bell pepper or pimiento, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Mix well and remove from heat.
- Fold in the drained vegetables into the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and place under the broiler until lightly browned if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese to the mixture before baking. If you want a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for a similar smoky taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also enhance the dish. Be sure to slice the vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This French Baked Squash makes a fantastic side dish, especially alongside grilled meats or a hearty roast. It pairs beautifully with Hot Dutch Potato Salad for a comforting meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it with a fresh salad or steamed rice for a complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squash in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Baked Squash contains roughly 139 calories, with 8g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% 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 and zucchini for this recipe?
While fresh squash and zucchini provide the best texture, you can use frozen vegetables. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the mixture to avoid excess moisture. Cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can make a homemade version using a mix of cream, milk, and sautéed diced celery, or simply use cream of mushroom soup as a substitute. Adjust seasoning as needed to maintain flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for harder vegetables.
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).