Aunt Fannie’s Summer Squash Casserole

👩‍🍳 Aunt Fannie’s Summer Squash Casserole 🍽️

Aunt Fannie’s Summer Squash Casserole is a delightful Southern dish known for its creamy texture and rich, comforting flavor. This casserole has deep roots in Southern cuisine and is a beloved staple during the summer months when squash is in abundance.

📜 History:
The history of Aunt Fannie’s Summer Squash Casserole is rooted in the Southern United States, where squash is a popular summer vegetable. While there isn’t a single credited inventor, the casserole likely evolved as a way to make use of the surplus of summer squash and zucchini. It has become a cherished dish at family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics in the South.

🥘 Components:

• 4 cups of sliced yellow summer squash or zucchini
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 🧂 (Don’t forget the salt and pepper emojis!)

📝 Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced squash, chopped onion, and shredded carrots. Sauté them until they become tender, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients together to create a creamy sauce.

4. Stir the creamy sauce into the sautéed vegetables, making sure everything is well combined.

5. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

6. In a separate bowl, crush the buttery round crackers until you have fine crumbs. Sprinkle these crumbs over the casserole.

7. 🕒 Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. (Adjust the time if needed, so keep an eye on it!)

8. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

🕰️ Time Needed:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 45-50 minutes

Enjoy your Aunt Fannie’s Summer Squash Casserole! 🌞 It’s a wonderful side dish for a summer gathering, and the emojis in the instructions make it even more fun to prepare. 😊🍽️

🥗 Aunt Fannie’s Summer Squash Casserole – Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🥦

While Aunt Fannie’s Summer Squash Casserole is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be aware of its nutritional content and health aspects. Here are some key points:

🔍 Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 305 calories
• Total Fat: About 21g
• Saturated Fat: Around 12g
• Cholesterol: Roughly 63mg
• Sodium: Approximately 620mg
• Total Carbohydrates: About 21g
• Dietary Fiber: Around 2g
• Sugars: Roughly 4g
• Protein: Approximately 7g

🥦 Health Information:

1. Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: The summer squash, onions, and carrots in this casserole provide essential vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, which is good for digestion.

2. Moderation: While this casserole contains nutritious vegetables, it’s also relatively high in fat, particularly saturated fat. To make it a bit healthier, you can consider using low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.

3. Sodium Awareness: The canned cream of chicken soup can be high in sodium. To reduce the sodium content, look for low-sodium or reduced-sodium versions. You can also season with less salt to further reduce sodium intake.

4. Balance: This casserole can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Pair it with lean protein sources and a variety of other vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

5. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as the calorie count can add up. A smaller serving can still be satisfying.

6. Versatility: You can customize this recipe by adding more vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavors.

Remember, the nutrition facts and health aspects can vary based on the specific ingredients and variations you use in your recipe. Enjoy your Aunt Fannie’s Summer Squash Casserole in a balanced and mindful way! 🥗🌽🥕🍴