Squash casserole is a staple dish in many Southern households, and when it comes to this classic recipe, no one does it better than Paula Deen. The celebrity chef’s squash casserole is a crowd-pleaser, and its rich, comforting flavors are sure to become a favorite in your household as well. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Paula Deen’s squash casserole recipe and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make it.
What Makes Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole So Special?
Paula Deen’s squash casserole is more than just a simple side dish – it’s a masterpiece of Southern cuisine. The recipe combines the natural sweetness of yellow squash with the savory flavors of cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. So, what makes Paula Deen’s squash casserole so special? Here are a few key factors:
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
One of the things that sets Paula Deen’s squash casserole apart from other recipes is its perfect balance of flavors. The dish combines the sweetness of yellow squash with the savory flavors of cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices, creating a rich and satisfying taste experience.
The Use of Fresh Ingredients
Another key factor in Paula Deen’s squash casserole is the use of fresh ingredients. The recipe calls for fresh yellow squash, onions, and bell peppers, which add a depth of flavor and texture to the dish that you just can’t get with canned or frozen ingredients.
The Crunchy Topping
Finally, the crunchy topping on Paula Deen’s squash casserole is the perfect finishing touch. The combination of breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and chopped pecans adds a satisfying crunch to the dish, while the melted butter and brown sugar add a rich, caramelized flavor.
Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole Recipe
Now that we’ve talked about what makes Paula Deen’s squash casserole so special, let’s take a look at the recipe itself. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow squash, sliced | 2 cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 cup |
| Bell pepper, chopped | 1 cup |
| Butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Chopped pecans | 1/2 cup |
| Salt and pepper, to taste |
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions. Here’s how to make Paula Deen’s squash casserole:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While your oven is heating up, let’s move on to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Squash and Onions
In a large skillet, sauté the sliced yellow squash and chopped onion in melted butter until the squash is tender and lightly browned. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the heat and the size of your squash slices.
Step 3: Add the Bell Pepper and Flour
Once the squash and onions are cooked, add the chopped bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Then, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the top of the squash mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Add the Sugar, Cheese, and Breadcrumbs
Next, add the granulated sugar, shredded cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs to the squash mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Transfer the Mixture to a Baking Dish
Transfer the squash mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar. This will be the topping for your squash casserole.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the top of the squash mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pecans.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Tips and Variations
While Paula Deen’s squash casserole recipe is perfect just the way it is, there are a few tips and variations you can try to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
Use Different Types of Squash
While yellow squash is the traditional choice for squash casserole, you can also use other types of squash, such as zucchini or acorn squash.
Add Some Heat
If you like a little heat in your squash casserole, you can add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Use Different Types of Cheese
While cheddar cheese is the traditional choice for squash casserole, you can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan.
Make it Ahead
One of the best things about Paula Deen’s squash casserole is that it can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it in the morning.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s squash casserole is a Southern classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its perfect balance of flavors, crunchy topping, and fresh ingredients, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves squash. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, Paula Deen’s squash casserole is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
What is Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole?
Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole is a classic Southern dish made with yellow squash, onions, and a crunchy cornflake topping. The casserole is a staple of Southern cuisine and is often served at family gatherings, holidays, and potlucks. It’s a comforting and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
The casserole is made with a mixture of sautéed squash and onions, which are then combined with a creamy sauce made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. The mixture is then topped with a crunchy cornflake crust and baked until golden brown. The result is a delicious and satisfying side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What type of squash is best for Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole?
The best type of squash to use for Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole is yellow squash. Yellow squash has a mild flavor and a tender texture that works well in the casserole. It’s also a good source of nutrients, including vitamin C and potassium. You can use either crookneck or straightneck yellow squash for the recipe.
If you can’t find yellow squash, you can also use zucchini or other types of summer squash as a substitute. However, keep in mind that these types of squash may have a slightly different flavor and texture than yellow squash. It’s also worth noting that you should avoid using winter squash, such as acorn or butternut squash, as they have a stronger flavor and a denser texture that may not work well in the casserole.
How do I prepare the squash for Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole?
To prepare the squash for Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole, you’ll need to slice it into thin rounds and then sauté it in a pan with some butter and onions until it’s tender. This will help to bring out the natural sweetness of the squash and add flavor to the casserole.
It’s also a good idea to salt the squash slices before sautéing them to help draw out excess moisture. This will help to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy or watery. Simply sprinkle the squash slices with salt and let them sit for a few minutes before rinsing them and patting them dry with a paper towel.
Can I make Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole ahead of time. In fact, it’s a great dish to make ahead of time because it can be refrigerated or frozen and then baked when you’re ready to serve it. To make the casserole ahead of time, simply prepare the squash mixture and the cornflake topping, and then assemble the casserole in a baking dish.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve the casserole, simply remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and bake it in a preheated oven until it’s hot and the topping is golden brown.
How do I store leftover Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole?
Leftover Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the casserole in the refrigerator, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
To freeze the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to serve the casserole, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven until it’s hot and the topping is golden brown.
Can I customize Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole to suit my tastes?
Yes, you can customize Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole to suit your tastes. One way to do this is to add other ingredients to the squash mixture, such as diced bell peppers, chopped fresh herbs, or grated cheese. You can also customize the cornflake topping by adding other ingredients, such as chopped nuts or seeds.
Another way to customize the casserole is to use different types of cheese or seasonings. For example, you could use cheddar cheese with jalapeños for a spicy kick or feta cheese for a tangy flavor. You could also add some dried or fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to give the casserole a fresh flavor.
Is Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole a healthy dish?
Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish, but it’s not necessarily a healthy one. The casserole is high in calories and fat, thanks to the sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. It’s also high in sodium and saturated fat.
However, the casserole does contain some nutritious ingredients, such as yellow squash, which is a good source of vitamin C and potassium. You can also make some healthier substitutions to the recipe, such as using low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise or reducing the amount of cheese. Additionally, you can serve the casserole in moderation as part of a balanced diet.