Squash Casserole (Charlotte's Barclay Cafeteria)

l0vetw0c00k's Note:

We still mourn the closing of Barclay Cafeteria in Charlotte, NC's Southpark Shopping Mall. This was one of their signature dishes and the local newspaper published the recipe in response to many requests when they closed. I make it frequently all year long but especially in summer squash season. It cooks up almost like a custard or souffle and is absolutely delicious.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 2 lbs squash , sliced
• 1 medium onion , chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt , to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper , to taste
• 8 ounces shredded american processed cheese , slices (Kraft sharp American slices)
• ¼ cup butter or ¼ cup margarine
• ¼ cup plain flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar (some reviewers have suggested 2t so if you think 2T will be too sweet, adjust to your taste) or 2 tablespoons Splenda sugar substitute
• 2 eggs , beaten
• 1 cup milk

Directions:

1. Cook squash and onion, salted, in enough water to cover in saucepan until tender.
2. Drain well and mash.
3. Add cheese while still hot and stir until cheese melts.
4. Add butter.
5. Mix in flour, sugar and pepper.
6. Add eggs.
7. Stir in milk.
8. Pour into greased 9"x13" casserole.
9. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes until center sets like egg custard.

Reviews

[lilu]

My dinner guest declared this "the best squash casserole I've ever had. I could eat it everyday!" I liked it as well. Due to availability and diet constraints, I used Egg-beaters and no-fat half'n half. Thanks.

[nethope]

I was born in Charlotte NC -- before Barclay I think -- and this is exactly (ok, replace that processed cheese with cheddar) what my mom made for squash casserole when I was very young. I loved it even then! When I was a teenager, we were more health-conscious (but still love our cheese!), so we left out the margarine, sugar, and sometimes flour. Just so you know, those modifications work! When I use 50% or 75% reduced-fat cheese, the flour is NOT needed. Childhood classic summer comfort food!

We don't always pre-cook and mash the squash, and while that's a completely different dish, it's also delicious as long as you don't mind your squash being visibly obvious.

[theRebekah]

I've been making this for years. I've had to adlib a few times, but it has always turned out fantastic! Even vegetable haters love this. You can NOT go wrong!