Squash Deluxe
A comforting baked squash dish with creamy chicken soup, tender squash, and savory stuffing, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with a delightful crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the squash into chunks and boil until tender; drain.
- Saute the stuffing in margarine and set aside.
- Combine the chicken soup, sour cream, drained water chestnuts, chopped onion, chopped pimento, and cooked squash.
- In an 8-inch square Pyrex dish, spread half of the crumb mixture on the bottom.
- Add all of the squash mixture on top of the crumb layer.
- Top with the remaining half of the crumb mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding grated cheese to the squash mixture. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or a different cream soup if you prefer. If you want a bit of spice, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cornbread stuffing.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a side for grilled meats or can be served as a main vegetarian dish. It pairs beautifully with Barbecue Style Chicken Wings or Southwestern-Style Burgers for a complete meal. Consider adding a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side for added nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Squash Deluxe contains roughly 766 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg per serving (45% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the squash mixture and layer it in the baking dish ahead of time. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, a combination of cream cheese and a bit of milk can also work as a replacement.
Can I use different types of squash?
Absolutely! While zucchini and yellow squash are traditional, you can also use butternut squash or pattypan squash for a different taste and texture. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before mixing into the casserole.
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).