Description
Summertime garden vegetables shine in this mouthwatering Cheesy Squash, Zucchini, and Corn Casserole, blending fresh seasonal produce with creamy, melted cheese. Southern comfort meets fresh farm flavors, delivering a delightful side dish you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups yellow squash (1/4-inch thick)
- 4 cups zucchini (1/4-inch thick)
- 2 cups cooked corn
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped sweet or yellow onion
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Seasonings and Topping:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely crushed Ritz crackers
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by simmering squash, zucchini, and onion in chicken broth until they reach a tender consistency, approximately 10 minutes, then thoroughly drain excess liquid.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate the cooked vegetables with corn, creating a harmonious blend of garden-fresh ingredients.
- Incorporate mayonnaise, sour cream, and eggs into the vegetable mixture, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- Gently fold in melted butter, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring meticulously to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and carefully transfer the vegetable and cheese medley.
- Delicately sprinkle a layer of crushed Ritz crackers across the surface, creating a crisp and golden topping.
- Position the casserole in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a rich golden brown and the interior becomes bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for a few minutes before serving, helping the ingredients set and flavors meld.
Notes
- Squeeze excess liquid from boiled squash and zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery casserole.
- Crush Ritz crackers just before topping to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and use gluten-free crackers to make the dish celiac-friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg