Enjoy this easy and delicious small squash casserole recipe! Made with simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring often until the panko is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl to use later.
Make the casserole
Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly butter a 5x7 inch baking dish and set it aside.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in either a 10-inch skillet or a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced squash and salt and cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes or until the squash is tender.Pro Tip: As you begin to sauté the squash, you'll notice that the pan seems full. However, don't worry - as the squash cooks, it naturally reduces in size, allowing it to comfortably fit within the pan.
Add the onions and bell peppers to the pan and cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes.
Incorporate the garlic into the dish, stirring it consistently for about 30 seconds. Once that time has elapsed, remove the pan from the stove.
In a separate small bowl, give the egg a good whisk. Follow this by whisking in the sour cream and mayonnaise. Once that's combined, stir in the shredded cheese.
Gently stir the egg mixture into the squash and vegetables directly in the pan.
Take the squash mixture from the pan and transfer it into the prepared baking dish. Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
Incorporate shredded Parmesan cheese into the toasted breadcrumbs in your bowl, ensuring they're well mixed. Next, evenly distribute this breadcrumb mixture over the top of your casserole. To finish, take 1 tablespoon of butter that's been chopped into small pieces, and scatter them over the casserole.
Position your casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the casserole has solidified and the topping has achieved a pleasing golden color.
Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven. Before diving in, allow it to cool for a few minutes (typically around 5-10 minutes), this makes it more enjoyable and safer to eat.
Notes
Expert Tips
Preparation: Pre-cut your vegetables in advance to save time during the cooking process and gather your ingredients before starting.
Breadcrumbs: Toasting the breadcrumbs before adding them to the casserole can give an extra depth of flavor and an additional crunch, this is why I recommend it.
Cheese: While cheddar cheese is suggested in the recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorite types of cheese. A blend of different cheeses can bring a unique taste to the dish.
Baking Dish: Use a 5x7 inch baking dish when making this recipe.
Serving: Serve the casserole warm, as it brings out the best flavors. But remember, it's equally delicious at room temperature.