This Easy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole is a comforting dish packed with tender yellow squash and a hint of spice from green chiles. It’s creamy, cheesy, and simply delicious!
I love how this casserole makes veggies taste great, and it’s a perfect side for any meal. Plus, it warms up nicely for leftovers—if there are any! Who can resist cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This recipe highlights the mild flavor of yellow squash. If you can’t find it, zucchini is a great substitute! It cooks similarly and will still be delicious.
Green Chiles: Diced green chiles add a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, you could use pimientos or skip them altogether. For a stronger flavor, try using fresh diced jalapeños.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a stronger cheesy taste. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend also works well if you want a different cheese profile.
Creamy Base: This recipe uses sour cream and mayonnaise for creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative and adds extra protein!
How Do I Get My Squash Just Right?
Sautéing the yellow squash and onions before baking is key to ensuring they are tender and flavorful. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Heat a bit of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and yellow squash slices, cooking for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until they soften.
- Be cautious not to overcook; they should be tender but not mushy!
Let them cool a bit before mixing with the other ingredients so everything blends well.
Easy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups yellow squash, sliced (about 3-4 medium squash)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for a slight smoky flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need around 45 minutes total to have this comforting dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat a bit of butter or oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and sliced yellow squash together until they are tender, which will take about 8-10 minutes. Once they’re softened, take them off the heat and let them cool slightly.
3. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until it’s nicely mixed.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the sautéed squash and onion mixture to the bowl, along with the diced green chiles and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it. Spread everything out evenly so it cooks nicely.
6. Add Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, making sure to cover it. Then, top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for extra yumminess!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbly and the topping to be golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it up warm. Enjoy your delicious meal!
This green chile yellow squash casserole is perfect as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main dish!
FAQ for Easy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole
Can I Use Zucchini Instead of Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini is a great substitute and will work just as well in this casserole. The flavor is slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or in an oven preheated to 350°F until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole! Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.
