This keto yellow squash casserole recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful way to enjoy summer squash while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle. A classic dish reimagined, this casserole combines tender yellow squash with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a delightful crunchy topping. Whether you're following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
A Classic Reimagined
The yellow squash casserole's roots run deep, with many variations passed down through generations. This keto-friendly version pays homage to the traditional dish while incorporating low-carb ingredients, making it accessible to a wider audience. The addition of a golden-brown almond flour crumble elevates the textures and flavors, creating a truly satisfying experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Texture: The combination of the cheesy squash casserole and the crunchy low-carb topping creates a symphony of textures in every bite.
- Seriously Delicious: This dish is not just "good for a low-carb dish" - it's downright delicious and will impress even the harshest critics.
- Versatile: This recipe is a great way to use up summer squash, and it can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Yellow Squash: The star of the show, providing a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture.
- Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aroma to the casserole. Vidalia onions are recommended, but any sweet onion variety will work.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides a classic cheesy flavor and creamy texture. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, Colby jack, or mozzarella.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, holding the casserole together and providing structure.
- Almond Flour: The key ingredient for creating a keto-friendly and low-carb crumble topping.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to both the squash mixture and the crumble topping.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Squash: Slice the squash and cook in salted boiling water for about 5 minutes, until just becoming tender. Drain well in a colander and let cool slightly. Cooling the squash before adding the egg is important to prevent the egg from cooking immediately.
- Sauté the Onion: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine almond flour, melted butter, shredded cheese, and salt. Mix well with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash, sautéed onions (including the butter they were cooked in), cheese, mayonnaise and eggs. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the squash mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top. Use as much topping as desired, depending on the size of your dish.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes, or until the egg is set and the edges and topping are beginning to brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavor profiles. Pepper jack, Colby jack, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese in the crumble topping can add a delicious twist.
- Add some heat: Add a can of Rotel tomatoes for some added heat.
- Make it spicy: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the squash mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Additions: Add more vegetables. Sub some of the summer squash for a myriad of squashes, like zucchini (try zucchini casserole) or butternut.
- Add Meat: Turn this into a keto chicken casserole by adding in some cooked meat.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add the crumble topping just before baking to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a fresh layer of crumble topping before baking for the best results.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use olive oil instead of butter.
Serving Suggestions
This keto yellow squash casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Consider serving it alongside:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Roasted pork or beef
- Low-carb enchiladas
- Crustless tomato pie
Can I Eat This Recipe If I'm Not on Keto?
Sure! This recipe is great regardless of your diet and it's low-carb. If you're not eating keto you may want to opt for less butter (or switch it out for olive oil) or a low fat cheese to cut down on the fat in this recipe.
Can I Make Squash Casserole with Zucchini?
Absolutely! We use the 2 interchangeably in lots of dishes, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
How Do You Make a Crumble Topping with Almond Flour?
In a medium sized bowl, combine almond flour, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 ounces of shredded cheese and salt for a savory crumble topping.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Embracing the Keto Lifestyle
The ketogenic diet has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and increased energy levels. By focusing on high-fat, low-carbohydrate foods, the keto diet forces the body to burn fat for fuel, leading to a state of ketosis. This keto yellow squash casserole is a delicious and satisfying way to incorporate more vegetables into your keto meal plan.
A Note on Au Gratin
While this recipe doesn't technically follow the traditional "au gratin" method, which involves a béchamel sauce and breadcrumbs, it shares the same goal of creating a golden-brown, crusty topping. The almond flour crumble provides a similar textural element while remaining keto-friendly.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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