Grandma's Summer Squash Delight is a cherished recipe that celebrates the bounty of summer vegetables. This dish combines the creamy richness of cheeses with the lightness of squash, making it a perfect warm-weather comfort food. It's a family favorite that brings everyone to the table.
Yellow squash forms the base of this dish, bringing a mild flavor and tender texture. Zucchini complements the squash with its slightly firmer bite and subtle taste, adding variety to each forkful. Onions, when sautéed, add a sweet, aromatic depth that balances the dish's creaminess.
The combination of cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese gives a rich, tangy profile, while sour cream ensures a luscious consistency. Butter helps to sauté the vegetables to perfection, and a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder seasons it all beautifully. The crushed buttery crackers, mixed with olive oil, create a crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy interior.
This dish pairs beautifully with a light side salad featuring seasonal greens and a tangy vinaigrette. It also complements grilled chicken or fish, adding a hearty element to any meal. For a vegetarian feast, serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or farro.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gives you a warm, consistent cooking environment, essential for baking our summer squash delight.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the onions and sauté them until they become translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes. They should smell sweet and fragrant.
Add the yellow squash and zucchini to the skillet. Stir them occasionally, cooking until they are tender but not mushy. This should take another 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to retain a slight bite.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the veggies are evenly coated.
Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the squash mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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