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
Scale
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.
