Zucchini Squash Casserole with Crispy Topping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zucchini and squash are both mild, versatile vegetables that really shine in this casserole. The creamy base, made with mayonnaise and milk, perfectly complements the tender squash, while the Panko breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. The Parmesan cheese brings a savory depth to the dish, elevating it with a touch of saltiness. This casserole is easy to make, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to turn simple vegetables into a hearty and delicious dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 – 5 cups squash, sliced
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Squash: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the squash from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until well mixed. Add the cooked squash to this mixture and stir gently to coat.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the squash mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish.
5. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
6. Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the squash mixture in the casserole dish.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 6 people as a side dish. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and baking time is about 25 minutes, making this a quick and easy side dish to prepare.

Variations

• Add Cheese: For a cheesier casserole, add shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella to the creamy mixture before baking.
• Herb Variations: You can add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the squash mixture to enhance the flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this casserole.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh squash for this casserole. If using frozen squash, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?

You can substitute the mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, but it may alter the texture slightly.

4. How can I make this casserole spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper to the squash mixture before baking.

5. Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can use other varieties of squash such as yellow squash or even a combination of zucchini and yellow squash for this recipe.

6. Can I add onions to this casserole?

Absolutely! You can sauté onions along with the squash to add more flavor and depth to the dish.

7. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine, the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative, and use dairy-free cheese in place of the Parmesan.

8. How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?

Be sure to cook the squash well to release excess moisture before adding it to the casserole. If the mixture seems too watery, you can drain off any excess liquid before assembling the casserole.

9. Can I freeze this casserole?

You can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed.

10. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs will work, but Panko breadcrumbs will give the topping a crispier texture.

Conclusion

Zucchini Squash Casserole with Crispy Topping is a simple yet flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal. With its creamy interior, tender squash, and golden, crunchy topping, it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether served with grilled meats, alongside a roast, or at a family dinner, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a go-to dish for any occasion!

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