Brenda Gantt Squash Casserole: A Classic Southern Dish

Squash casserole is a traditional Southern meal that has been enjoyed for decades by fans of the region’s soothing tastes. And no one makes this cherished meal better than Brenda Gantt, a well-known Southern chef who is recognized for her excellent and simple recipe for squash casserole. The Brenda Gantt squash casserole will be discussed in more detail in this article, along with its history, preparation instructions, and the reasons why anybody who like Southern food must try it.

Squash casserole is a renowned Southern classic that has been adored for many generations by individuals who like its mouthwatering flavor and timeless appeal. It is a filling and delectable side dish that is ideal for any gathering, whether supper with the family or a picnic with friends. Brenda Gantt is the best at making squash casserole, hands down. For those who like Southern food, this meal is a must-try because of how easy and flavorful her recipe is.

SQUASH CASSEROLE: WHAT IS IT?

Sliced squash is baked with additional ingredients like cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to make a meal called squash casserole. It is a mainstay of Southern cooking and often served as a side dish. The meal is a favorite for any occasion because of its savory taste and creamy texture.

THE HISTORY OF CASSEROLE SQUASH

Early settlers in the Southern United States may be linked to the origins of squash casserole. Squash was one of the many vegetables that these immigrants brought with them and utilized to make filling and savory meals. These meals were handed down from generation to generation and were established as standards of Southern cooking. Today, people all around the globe adore the renowned meal known as squash casserole.

WHO IS BRENDA GANTT?

Renowned Southern chef Brenda Gantt is known for her delectable and simple recipe for squash casserole. She has been a chef for more than 50 years and is an Andalusia, Alabama native. Brenda is now well-known across the South, and people from all over the globe clamor for her recipes.

THE BRENDA GANTT SQUASH CASSEROLE RECIPE

Squash casserole prepared according to Brenda Gantt’s recipe is famous for its taste and simplicity. If you like Southern food, you must try this dish. The dish is as follows:

Ingredients

2 lbs of sliced yellow squash

1 large, chopped onion

1 can of cream soup of chicken

1 cup soured milk

1 stick of melted butter

1 smashed sleeve of Ritz crackers

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

pepper and salt as desired

Instructions

1. Set the oven to 350°F.
2. Sliced squash and chopped onion must be cooked till soft in a large saucepan.
3. Add the onion and squash to a large mixing bowl after draining them.
4. To the mixing bowl, add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Fill a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with the ingredients.
6. On top, scatter the crumbled Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese.
7. It should take the dish around 25 to 30 minutes in the oven to cook through and the top to get a lovely golden brown.
8. Serving hot, please.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT SQUASH CASSEROLE

Following are a few suggestions to produce the ideal squash casserole:

Use fresh squash: Use fresh squash since it will taste and have a better texture than frozen squash.

Don’t overcook the squash: Be careful not to overcook the squash; simply cook it until it is soft. Squash that has been overcooked risked becoming mushy and failing to hold up in the dish.

Pick high-quality cheese: Since cheese is a crucial component of the casserole, pick cheese that will melt easily and contribute flavor.

Crush the crackers well: Ritz crackers should be thoroughly crushed in order to provide a lovely crust on top of the dish.

WHY IS BRENDA GANTT SQUASH CASSEROLE SO POPULAR?

Squash casserole made by Brenda Gantt is well-known for its deliciousness and ease of preparation. straightforward ingredients that are easily found at any grocery shop are used in the recipe, making it straightforward to prepare. People of all ages like the casserole’s savory taste and creamy texture. It is the ideal side dish for any event, whether it be a holiday gathering or a family supper.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CASSEROLE SQUASH

A dish full of health advantages is squash casserole. Low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, squash is a vegetable. Additionally, it has plenty of antioxidants, which may help stave against illnesses like cancer. In addition, the casserole’s cheese and sour cream are an excellent source of calcium, which is necessary for healthy bones and teeth.

HOW TO SERVE CASSEROLE OF BRENDA GANTT SQUASH

Squash casserole made famous by Brenda Gantt is a flexible recipe that may be prepared in several ways. Whether you’re serving it at a formal holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, it is the ideal side dish for every meal. With a salad or some crusty bread, the casserole may easily be served as a main meal.

VERSIONS OF CASSEROLE IN SQUASH

There are other variants of the meal that you may attempt, even though the Brenda Gantt squash casserole recipe is fantastic as is. Adding chopped ham or bacon, using other cheeses, or using more veggies like zucchini or broccoli are a few common variants.

CONCLUSION

A traditional Southern recipe that has gained notoriety for its taste and simplicity is Brenda Gantt squash casserole. Using straightforward components that are easily found at any grocery shop, the dish is simple to prepare. It may be prepared in a number of ways and is the ideal side dish for any occasion. Squash casserole made by Brenda Gantt is a recipe you just must try if you like Southern food.

Related Post: French Toast Casserole

FAQs 

1. Is it possible to prepare Brenda Gantt’s squash casserole in advance?

The dish may really be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge until baking time. Before putting the dish in the oven to bake, make sure it has reached room temperature.

2. Can I freeze the squash casserole from Brenda Gantt?

You may freeze the casserole either before or after baking it, so go with whichever option suits you the most. Just be sure to carefully wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. When it’s time to serve, defrost the casserole in the fridge overnight and bake it according to the recipe.

3. Can I use another kind of soup in place of the cream of chicken soup?

Yes, for a different taste, you may swap out the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.

4. Can I substitute another kind of cheese for the cheddar in Brenda Gantt’s squash casserole?

Yes, you may use any kind of meltable cheese, including Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mozzarella.

5. How long does Brenda Gantt’s casserole with squash keep in the fridge?

If kept in an airtight container, Brenda Gantt squash casserole will keep for up to 3–4 days in the fridge. Before serving, be sure to properly reheat the casserole to ensure that it is cooked all the way through.