Plantation Squash
Plantation Squash is a comforting baked dish featuring tender squash topped with creamy celery soup and crispy French fried onions. Its savory, slightly salty flavor profile makes it a delightful side or main for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering a warm and satisfying taste experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook squash with salt and pepper until tender; drain and place in a casserole dish.
- Pour celery soup over the cooked squash.
- Top with French fried onions.
- Cover the casserole with foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream to the celery soup before pouring it over the squash. If you're looking for a healthier option, try using low-sodium celery soup or substituting it with a homemade cream sauce. You can also add grated cheese for extra flavor, or mix in some sautéed onions or garlic for a more robust taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Plantation Squash pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Rice Surprise Salad for a fresh crunch or a slice of Uris' Easy Biscuits to soak up the flavors. For a festive touch, serve as a side dish during holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plantation Squash contains roughly 338 calories, with 8g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (210% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2147mg per serving (93% 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 a different type of squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with zucchini or butternut squash if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the type of squash, as some may cook faster than others. Just ensure they are tender before proceeding with the recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can use a vegan cream soup alternative or make your own using blended cashews and vegetable broth. Substitute French fried onions with a homemade crispy onion topping made from seasoned breadcrumbs or use a store-bought vegan version.
What can I do if I don't have celery soup?
If you don't have celery soup, you can create a quick substitute by mixing cream of mushroom soup with a bit of celery salt for flavor. Alternatively, make a simple white sauce with flour, butter, and vegetable broth, adding chopped celery for the desired taste.
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).