Paula Deen's Squash Casserole

***In my opinion, side dishes don't get much better or certainly...comforting!...than a cheesy casserole. This recipe has comfort food written all over it...After all, what Paula Deen recipe doesn't? Plus, this dish is super easy!

Squash is one of Brad's favorite veggies, and we recently came across some beautiful, fresh squash at a local store. I couldn't help but grab some up! I found this recipe by Paula online, and I knew it sounded fabulous. I didn't have the exact ingredients on-hand, but I made some substitutes that ended up being perfect (my changes are in orange below). For example, instead of sour cream, I used mayonnaise...Plus, I changed the amounts and varieties of cheeses just a little bit. One of my favorite cheeses recently is a scrumptious Gruyere...I have yet to taste something with Gruyere in it that I didn't love. It added a wonderful taste to this casserole and a divine depth of flavor.

This recipe is sure to remind you of your Grandmother's cooking...it's THAT good! This is also a recipe that you'll go back to time and time again...I can definitely see it making a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving spread this year.

Bon Appetit!!

Ingredients: 

6 cups large diced yellow squash and zucchini  (I did not have zucchini on hand)

Vegetable oil 

1 large onion, chopped 

4 Tbsp butter 

1/2 cup sour cream (I used mayonnaise instead) 

1 tsp House seasoning, recipe follows

1 cup grated Gruyere cheese 

1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese 

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (I had to use bread crumbs)

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Saute the squash in a little vegetable oil over medium-low heat until it has completely broken down, about 15 to 20 minutes. 

Line a colander with a clean paper towel. Place the cooked squash in the lined colander. Squeeze excess moisture from the squash. Set aside. 

In a medium size skillet, saute the onion in butter for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and mix all ingredients together except cracker crumbs. 

Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish and top with cracker crumbs. 

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. 

House Seasoning: 

1 cup salt 

1/4 cup black pepper 

1/4 cup garlic powder 

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. 

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Source: Paula Deen from The Food Network