Rita'S Squash Souffle
A creamy, cheesy squash souffle that balances sweet squash with savory Ritz crumbs and sharp cheddar, perfect for a light dinner or side that feels indulgent yet comforting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a large deep, fluted baking dish and line the bottom with a drip pan.
- Dice the yellow squash and chop the onion; sauté them together until the squash is tender and the onion is translucent.
- Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and set aside.
- Shred the cheddar cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten.
- Melt the margarine and combine with sour cream, then stir in the eggs, cheese, and crushed crackers.
- Fold the cooked squash and onion into the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish,1200
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the souffle is firm.
- Let the souffle rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the sautéed squash and onion. If you’re out of Ritz crackers, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs can serve as a suitable substitute for a similar texture. For a creamier texture, you might also add a bit more sour cream or a splash of milk to the mixture before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Squash Soufflé is delightful on its own or as a hearty side dish. It pairs beautifully with protein dishes like grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve alongside Garlic Roasted Potato Wedges or a fresh salad. It also makes a great addition to a potluck spread or a family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the souffle in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rita'S Squash Souffle contains roughly 2501 calories, with 60g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 207g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (121% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2929mg per serving (127% 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 different types of squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute yellow squash with zucchini or even a mix of both for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding to the mixture.
Is it possible to make this souffle ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the souffle mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just pour it into the baking dish and bake when you're ready to serve.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers. Just check the labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this delicious dish.
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).