Welcome to a comforting classic: Traditional Squash Bake. This dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh garden flavors, making it a standout side for any meal. It's simple enough for weeknights and special enough for holiday tables.
Yellow squash forms the heart of this dish, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture when cooked. The onion adds a savory depth, balancing the squash's sweetness. Butter lends richness and helps sauté the veggies to perfection. Cracker crumbs provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling, while cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory bite. Eggs and milk work together to bind everything, giving the bake its custardy consistency. Finally, a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika season the dish, bringing warmth and subtle spice.
This squash bake pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. It's also a fantastic addition to a potluck, providing a hearty vegetarian option that stands on its own. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it's hot and ready to bake your dish to golden perfection. Meanwhile, grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until they turn translucent, releasing their sweet aroma — about 5 minutes should do the trick.
Add your sliced squash to the skillet and let them cook down until tender, which usually takes around 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once softened, transfer the onion and squash mixture to a large bowl.
Season the veggies with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. This is your chance to infuse flavor, so mix well. Next, stir in the beaten eggs and milk, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half the cracker crumbs. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Pour this mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and cracker crumbs on top, creating a deliciously crispy topping that will brown nicely in the oven.
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving — this helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice.