Ma Fern's Squash Casserole

Submitted by KerfuffleUponWincle

"I grew up in Alabama and learned to make squash casserole from my Ma Fern, without added calories from milk, canned soup, crackers, or bread crumbs! ---------------- NOTE: Prep time includes cool down time after the squash is sauteed! Cooking time includes estimated time for sauteing the squash, AND baking the casserole in the oven!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 50mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon bacon fat
• 3 1⁄2 lbs yellow squash (small squash, sliced ~ can include 1 or 2 sliced small zucchini for color ~ optional)
• 3 yellow onions (medium sized onions, cut into small dice)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 3 eggs (beaten)
• 3 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

directions

1. Heat bacon fat over medium-high heat, in a large iron skillet. Add squash, onions, water, salt and pepper ~ saute uncovered until squash is tender and water/squash juices have evaporated, stirring occasionally. Slight browning of the squash is okay, but be careful that it doesn't scorch!
2. Remove from heat ~ cool for 15-20 minutes.
3. NOTE: If you are IMPATIENT (like my daughter), and cannot wait until the squash has cooked dry, and the onions have developed a caramelized flavor, then DRAIN the sauteed squash in a colander!
4. Preheat oven to 350°F.
5. Add beaten eggs and shredded cheese to squash, stirring quickly to combine.
6. Pour into a 13x9 Pyrex casserole sprayed with cooking spray.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes until set ~ should be browned lightly on the bottom. Casserole will firm-up upon cooling. Serve warm.

Reviews

[AuntJenny]

No one makes this traditional holiday casserole as well as my Mom, but I keep trying. This year I let the squash cook dry like the recipe states. Also, the extra sharp cheddar is a MUST. A delicious, easy recipe, this is a favorite at our family table and worth the time.

 

[breezermom]

Fabulous! I also grew up in Alabama, and this is just perfect! I used just yellow squash and onion, and loved it this way.....yes, it might be more visibly appealing with other colors, but I wanted to savor the wonderful flavor of the yellow squash! I'll be making this again and again! Thanks KUW! Made for Photo Tag.

 

[Sharon123]

Made for Thanksgiving and it was enjoyed very much. Leftovers today!

 

[linguinelisa]

This is a great squash casserole recipe. I used just the yellow squash but it would be good with zucchini too. Also would be good with diced green or red bell pepper added to the vegetables. Highly recommended!

 

[rpgaymer]

Awesome! I really do not like cream or milk in casseroles, so this recipe is a real keeper for me. The squash flavor really comes through when there's so few other ingredients- I love it. Not too cheesy, but I enjoyed that as well. I actually cut the recipe down to four servings, and baked these in individual dishes. It worked nicely. [Made & Reviewed for PRMR]