If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, you simply must try this Southwestern Squash Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender yellow squash, savory cheeses, and a hint of spicy Southwestern flair thanks to the diced green chiles and jalapeños. This casserole is not just a side but a star on any dinner table, delivering warmth and zest in every cheesy, veggie-packed bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a potluck favorite, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its colorful layers and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Southwestern Squash Casserole Recipe is a breeze, and each element plays a crucial role in bringing the dish to life. From the fresh yellow squash offering a tender base, to the sharp cheddar cheese adding melty richness, every component complements one another beautifully.
- Yellow squash: 7 medium, sliced for that perfect tender texture and subtle sweetness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2½ cups, divided to create gooey layers and a bubbly cheesy topping.
- Sweet onion: 1 medium, chopped to provide a gentle savory crunch.
- Diced green chiles: 1 (4-oz) can, undrained, adding authentic Southwestern heat and depth.
- Diced jalapeños: 1 (4-oz) can, drained, to give the casserole a lively kick.
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup, used to bind everything together for the perfect consistency.
- Cumin: ½ teaspoon, a warm spice that enhances the Southwestern flavor profile.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to season and bring out the natural flavors.
- Salsa: ¾ cup, spooned on top for a zesty finish and extra moisture.
- Green onions: 4, sliced, sprinkled at the end for a fresh bite and pop of color.
- Red onion: ¼ cup, chopped finely to garnish and add a mild sharpness.
How to Make Southwestern Squash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This step ensures an even cook and prevents sticking, setting the stage for a foolproof casserole.
Step 2: Combine your veggies and spices
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced yellow squash, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, chopped sweet onion, green chiles, and jalapeños. Then sprinkle the mixture with all-purpose flour, cumin, and salt. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to create a well-seasoned, cohesive mixture that will hold together beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Transfer to baking dish
Spread that vibrant squash mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This even layer guarantees consistent cooking and a casserole that holds its shape when sliced.
Step 4: Bake covered
Cover your dish and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. This covered baking steams the squash just right, softening it without drying out the dish, allowing the flavors to meld into one harmonious whole.
Step 5: Add salsa and cheese topping
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and spoon on the salsa, then sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheddar evenly over the top. This adds a luscious, melty finish that’s packed with flavor.
Step 6: Final bake uncovered
Return the pan to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This melts and browns the cheese to golden perfection, adding a delightful texture contrast to the soft veggie base.
Step 7: Garnish before serving
Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and chopped red onions. These fresh garnishes add crunch, color, and a mild bite that rounds out the casserole perfectly.
How to Serve Southwestern Squash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Green and red onions are an ideal fresh garnish, adding pops of color and a bright, crisp finish. For an extra touch, consider a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to enhance the Southwestern vibe.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside smoky grilled meats, such as BBQ chicken or steak, and pairs wonderfully with a simple fresh salad or fluffy rice to soak up the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions scooped into ramekins for a fancy, personalized touch at dinner parties. Or use it as a hearty filling in wraps or stuffed peppers to turn this standout casserole into a versatile meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The casserole reheats beautifully and the flavors often taste even better the next day once melded together.
Freezing
This Southwestern Squash Casserole Recipe freezes well, making it a great meal prep option. Freeze in a suitable container before baking, or after baking and cooling, for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350ºF until heated through. This keeps the texture intact better than microwaving, preserving that gooey cheese and tender squash.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash in this casserole?
Absolutely! While yellow squash is traditional here, zucchini or a mix of summer squashes will work beautifully and bring their own subtle sweetness to the dish.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick because of the diced jalapeños and green chiles, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the jalapeños if you prefer something less spicy.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep the casserole thick and delicious without gluten.
How do I make the casserole less cheesy?
You can reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or substitute some of it with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack if you want a creamier but less intense cheese flavor.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! This Southwestern Squash Casserole Recipe contains no meat and relies on veggies and cheese for a filling and flavorful vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Southwestern Squash Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try soon and watch it become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation. You won’t regret it!
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Southwestern Squash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southwestern Squash Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender yellow squash, sharp cheddar cheese, spicy green chiles, and jalapeños with a hint of cumin and salsa. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh green and red onions, it’s perfect as a hearty side or a light vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 7 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
Cheese and Dairy
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 cup + 1½ cups)
Canned and Condiments
- 1 (4-oz) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 1 (4-oz) can diced jalapeños, drained
- ¾ cup salsa
Dry Ingredients and Spices
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Others
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced yellow squash, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped sweet onion, undrained diced green chiles, and drained diced jalapeños. Sprinkle the mixture with flour, ground cumin, and salt. Toss everything together thoroughly to evenly coat the vegetables and distribute the spices.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the squash mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the squash is tender and the mixture is bubbling.
- Add Salsa and Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and spread the salsa evenly over the top. Then sprinkle with the remaining 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Onions and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the sliced green onions and chopped red onion for a fresh, crisp finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the green chiles and jalapeños with milder or hotter peppers depending on your spice preference.
- Using fresh corn or black beans can add extra texture and flavor if desired.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave and make a delicious lunch or side dish.
