lighter summer squash casserole
Yesterday I had a new recipe I wanted to try but was not in the mood to shop for ingredients. This recipe was created with leftover items and things in my pantry. We loved it so much I'm putting it here so I can duplicate it again. It is a take-off from an older recipe with much more fat. There is still some fat involved, but it is greatly reduced. It simmers on the stove for a while before going in the oven just long enough to brown the Panko bread crumbs and melt the reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
This lightened-up casserole is the perfect way to use summer squash. It's very flavorful with a mix of fresh onions and bell peppers. Topped with crispy Panko crumbs and gooey melted cheese, it's the perfect balance of texture and taste. A great side dish for summer.
Ingredients
- 5 cups chopped yellow or summer squash
- 1 medium vidalia (or other sweet) onion, chopped
- 1/2 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
- 1/2 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
- 5 slices turkey bacon, diced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon light butter
- 2 teaspoons bacon fat (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup no-sodium, reduced fat chicken broth
- 2/3 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
How To Make lighter summer squash casserole
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Step 1Heat Dutch oven, or deep pan, over medium heat. Spray with olive oil, or use about 2 teaspoons to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Brown the turkey bacon. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. -
Step 2Add the light butter and some bacon fat if desired. Saute the onion and red and orange peppers until soft.
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Step 3Add the sugar and Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb seasoning.
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Step 4Add the squash and the chicken broth.
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Step 5Stir to combine all ingredients. Cover the pan and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender.
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Step 6Remove the lid and simmer til almost all liquid has evaporated. Add diced bacon to the mixture.
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Step 7Heat oven to 350 degrees. Scatter bread crumbs over vegetables. Bake for about 10 minutes or til the crumbs are well browned.
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Step 8Put cheese evenly over the browned crumbs. Return to oven until cheese is melted, but not browned.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
