Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole Is a Comforting Winner

There’s just something about a really good casserole, isn’t there? It feels like a warm hug on a plate. And when it comes to easy, comforting dishes, this Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole is a true champion in my kitchen. It’s simple to pull together, packed with flavor, and uses up that beautiful summer squash that seems to multiply overnight in the garden!

Growing up, our family kitchen wasn’t fancy, but it was always full of love and delicious smells. My grandmother had a knack for turning simple ingredients into something truly special. She’d often make dishes like this, using what was fresh and available. It taught me that you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create food that makes people happy.

This Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole reminds me of those days. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home. It uses humble summer squash and transforms it into something creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal.

I love how quickly this comes together. You just slice the squash, mix everything, and pop it in the oven. The result is a bubbly, golden casserole that everyone asks for seconds of. Seriously, even picky eaters tend to love this one. It’s become a go-to comfort food for my own family now, and I can’t wait for you to try it too.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

I know you’re going to fall in love with this cheesy summer squash casserole. It’s become a favorite in my house for so many good reasons!

• It’s incredibly simple to make, even on a busy night.
• You don’t need fancy skills or ingredients.
• It uses fresh summer squash in a delicious way.
• The creamy, cheesy flavor is pure comfort food.
• It’s a dish the whole family will enjoy.
• It’s perfect for using up that garden bounty!
• You get a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

To make this delightful cheesy summer squash casserole, you’ll need just a few simple things. I bet you have most of them in your pantry already!

• 3 cups sliced yellow summer squash
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Equipment Needed for Your Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

You won’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this cheesy summer squash casserole. Just a few basics will do the trick!

• A large mixing bowl
• A sharp knife for slicing and chopping
• A cutting board
• A 2-quart baking dish
• A small bowl for the topping
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Making this cheesy summer squash casserole is really straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, bubbly dish ready to go!

First, you’ll want to get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure it’s nice and hot when your casserole goes in.

Now, grab a big bowl. This is where all the magic happens before it hits the baking dish.

Preparing the Summer Squash Mixture for Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Okay, let’s get the main part of this cheesy summer squash casserole ready. It’s super easy!

In that large bowl, toss in your sliced summer squash and chopped onion. They’re the stars of the show!

Pour in the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Don’t worry if it looks thick; the milk will thin it out.

Add the milk, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Now, give everything a really good stir. Make sure all the squash and onion are coated in that creamy soup mixture. You want everything happy and combined.

Assembling and Baking Your Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Almost there! Time to get this cheesy summer squash casserole ready for the oven.

Grease a 2-quart baking dish. This helps make sure nothing sticks.

Carefully pour the squash mixture from the bowl into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Now for the best part: sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Be generous!

In a small separate bowl, mix the dry bread crumbs with the melted butter. This makes for a wonderfully crispy topping.

Sprinkle the bread crumb mix evenly over the cheese layer.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the bread crumb topping is golden brown and crispy. It smells amazing while it bakes!

Let it sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. It will be super hot, and letting it rest helps it set up just a little bit before you serve it.

Tips for a Perfect Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Want to make your cheesy summer squash casserole absolutely perfect? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way.

Don’t slice your squash too thin. You want it to hold its shape a bit while baking. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick rounds or half-moons.

Feel free to swap out the cheddar for another cheese you love! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a mix are delicious options.

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or celery soup works too. The flavor will be slightly different but still yummy.

For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the squash mixture.

Make sure your bread crumbs are dry. If you use fresh bread crumbs, you might need a little more melted butter to get that crispy topping.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

This cheesy summer squash casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also makes a wonderful side dish. It pairs beautifully with simple main courses.

I love serving it alongside roasted chicken or juicy pork chops. The creamy casserole is a lovely contrast to the protein.

For a lighter meal, just add a fresh green salad. The bright, crisp greens are a great complement to the rich, cheesy dish.

It’s also a great addition to a potluck or holiday spread. Everyone seems to enjoy a scoop of this comforting casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

I get lots of questions about tweaking and storing this cheesy summer squash casserole. Here are answers to some common ones!

Can I Use Zucchini in this Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole?

Absolutely, yes! Zucchini works wonderfully in this cheesy summer squash casserole. It has a very similar texture and mild flavor to yellow summer squash. You can use the same amount. Just make sure to slice it about the same thickness.

How to Store Leftover Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Storing leftovers is easy! Let the casserole cool completely after baking. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also scoop individual portions into airtight containers. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave single servings or warm the covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Can I Make This Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can definitely make parts of this cheesy summer squash casserole ahead! You can slice the squash and chop the onion the day before and store them in the fridge. You can also mix the squash, onion, soup, milk, salt, and pepper together and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, pour it into the greased dish, add the cheese and bread crumb topping, and bake as directed. This makes getting dinner on the table even faster!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a little note about the nutrition for this cheesy summer squash casserole. The numbers you see are estimates.

Things like the specific brand of soup or cheese you use can change the final values.

Think of it as a general idea rather than an exact science. We didn’t calculate the specific details for this recipe.

If you have dietary needs, it’s always a good idea to calculate the nutrition based on the exact ingredients you use at home.

Ready to Try This Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole?

So, are you ready to give this cheesy summer squash casserole a whirl? I really hope you are!

It’s such a simple recipe, but it brings so much comfort to the table.

Give it a try this week and see how your family likes it. I bet it becomes a new favorite!

If you make it, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I love hearing from you!

Happy cooking!

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