This Cheesy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole is a tasty mix of tender squash, spicy green chiles, and lots of gooey cheese. It’s comforting and packed with flavor!
Trust me, this dish is a great way to jazz up your veggies. I love serving it next to grilled meats or even as a tasty main dish for a cozy night in. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This dish shines with yellow squash, lending a light, tender texture. If you don’t have it, zucchini is a good substitute. It’s similar in flavor and will work just as well!
Green Chiles: Use canned green chiles for a hint of heat. If you’re looking for mild flavor, opt for mild chiles. For more spice, try jalapeños. Fresh chiles can also work if you roast and chop them up.
Cheese: I love mixing cheddar and Monterey Jack for creaminess and flavor. You can replace them with other melting cheeses, like Gouda or Colby Jack, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Onion: Diced onions add an aromatic depth. Shallots or leeks can work as substitutions if you have those on hand.
Eggs and Milk: These create a custard-like base. If you’re avoiding dairy, non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk can be used, and flax eggs are a great egg replacement.
How Do I Get the Casserole to Set Perfectly?
Getting a perfectly set casserole is key to a great texture. Follow these tips for success:
- Cook the squash before mixing everything. This helps remove extra moisture, preventing a soggy dish.
- Ensure the baking time is enough; the casserole should be firm and lightly browned. A knife inserted should come out clean.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. It will set up a little more as it cools, making for easier portions.
With these tips, you’ll create a scrumptious casserole that’s bound to impress!
Cheesy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetable Base:
- 4 cups yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chopped green chiles (mild or hot, depending on preference)
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Binding Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for topping)
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your cheesy goodness in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9-inch cast iron skillet or casserole dish and lightly grease it with butter. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This will make your casserole taste super flavorful!
3. Cook the Yellow Squash:
Add the sliced yellow squash to the skillet. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s slightly tender, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. This helps bind everything together beautifully.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, stir in the sautéed squash and onion mixture, along with the chopped green chiles, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well to combine all the flavors perfectly.
6. Pour and Prep for Baking:
Pour the cheesy mixture into the prepared skillet or casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. For a nice crust on top, sprinkle a light dusting of extra flour and the optional Parmesan cheese over the surface.
7. Bake Until Set:
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set, lightly browned on top, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it hold its shape! Garnish with some fresh parsley or cilantro if you’d like, and then dig in!
Enjoy your warm and cheesy casserole. It makes for a great side dish or an awesome main course on its own!
FAQ for Cheesy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is the star of this dish, zucchini can be a great substitute as well. You could even try a mix of both for added flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry, and enjoy it again!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, packed with veggies and cheese! Just make sure any cheese you use is rennet-free if you’re looking for a strict vegetarian option.
What Can I Serve with This Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or a fresh salad. It can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone vegetarian main dish. You could even serve it with tortillas for a more Tex-Mex vibe!
