A busy lifestyle shouldn't mean sacrificing delicious, nutritious meals. Picture this: a comforting dish straight from the oven, brimming with the natural goodness of squash and zucchini, topped with a golden, crispy layer of breadcrumbs. Our Mini Squash Casserole recipe is perfect as a main dish for vegetarian meals or a side dish for those meat-lovers out there. Either way, its a sure win at my table!
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Mini Squash Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Mini Squash Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 green squash sliced into circles
- 1 zucchini sliced into circles
- ½ red onion chopped
- ½ bell pepper chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup cheddar finely sliced or shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
- Heat up 2-3 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan placed over the medium heat. Add bell peppers and onions into the pan, cook for 10 minutes. Mix in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add zucchini and squash slices into the vegetable mix, season with salt and pepper and continue cooking for 10 more minutes.1 green squash, 1 zucchini, ½ red onion, ½ bell pepper, 2 garlic cloves
- Meanwhile whisk eggs with mayonnaise.2 eggs, ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Pour egg mixture over the vegetables, add cheese and mix to combine.½ cup cheddar
- In a separate bowl combine butter with breadcrumbs.3 tablespoon butter, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Divide the vegetable mixture between 2 baking pans and top with breadcrumbs. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 green squash, sliced into circles
- 1 zucchini, sliced into circles
- ½ red onion, chopped
- ½ bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup cheddar, finely sliced or shredded
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
Heat up 2-3 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan placed over the medium heat. Add bell peppers and onions into the pan, cook for 10 minutes. Mix in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add zucchini and squash slices into the vegetable mix, season with salt and pepper and continue cooking for 10 more minutes.
Meanwhile whisk eggs with mayonnaise.
Pour egg mixture over the vegetables, add cheese and mix to combine.
In a separate bowl combine butter with breadcrumbs.
Divide the vegetable mixture between 2 baking pans and top with breadcrumbs. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Fresh Green Salad
Pairing your Mini Squash Casserole with a simple green salad drizzled with light vinaigrette can elevate your meal. The refreshing crunch of the salad beautifully balances the rich and creamy texture of the casserole.
Hearty Proteins
For a heartier meal, consider adding roasted chicken or fish. These proteins enhance the dining experience, satisfying every palate while providing essential nutrients.
Complementary Grains
Serving the casserole alongside a nutritious grain like quinoa or brown rice is another excellent choice. These grains not only add nutritional value but also soak up the delightful juices from the casserole, ensuring that no flavour is left behind.
Crusty Bread
Don’t forget to include some crusty bread on the side! This crunchy addition is perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying texture contrast with their meal.
Decadent Cheese Platter
For a more indulgent experience, consider a cheese platter. The variety of textures and flavors offered by assorted cheeses can create a gourmet touch, making it ideal for dinner parties or special family gatherings.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Even Slices Are Key
Creating the perfect Mini Squash Casserole begins with slicing your squash and zucchini evenly. Uniform slices ensure that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from becoming overcooked while others remain underdone.
Patience While Sautéing
When it comes to sautéing the vegetables, patience is essential. Cook the bell peppers and onions for a full ten minutes to allow their flavours to develop and caramelize, which will add depth to your casserole. Introduce garlic towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning, thereby preserving its aromatic qualities.
Season Generously
Be generous with your seasoning! The subtle flavors of squash and zucchini can be enhanced with a good amount of salt and pepper. Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an added layer of deliciousness.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Mini Squash Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole as instructed, but stop before adding the breadcrumb topping. Freeze it in an oven-safe dish. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, top with breadcrumbs, and bake.
Can I use other types of squash?
Certainly! Feel free to substitute with yellow squash or even butternut squash. Just ensure the pieces are evenly sliced for consistent cooking.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, making Mini Squash Casserole ahead of time can be a great way to save time during busy days. You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly to keep it fresh. When ready to bake, add the breadcrumb topping and cook as instructed.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to get creative with your Mini Squash Casserole! You can add ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes for a bit of sweetness. If you're looking for a protein boost, consider adding cooked ground turkey or legumes. Spices such as cumin or paprika can also bring a unique twist to the dish.
Is it suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets?
The Mini Squash Casserole is naturally vegetarian, as it consists primarily of vegetables and seasonings. For a vegan version, simply substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, such as non-dairy cheese or milk, and adjust the recipe accordingly for a delicious dish that everyone can enjoy.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you enjoyed the Mini Squash Casserole, you're in for a treat. Casseroles are a versatile and satisfying way to incorporate various ingredients into one dish. Check out some of my favorite casserole dishes for a weeknight meal you're sure to love!
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