RECIPE: MawMaw’s Squash Casserole

A Taste of MawMaw’s Kitchen

Yesterday was one of those days that just fills you up in every way. After a long day of negotiating (and happily watching my clients come out on top in a bidding war), I came home and did what I always do when I need to unwind—headed straight for the kitchen. Cooking has always been my way of exhaling.

I had some fresh squash and zucchini from the garden, and right away I knew what they were destined to become: my MawMaw’s squash casserole. Every good Southern girl knows there’s no better use for garden squash than folding it into a creamy, bubbling casserole. But for me, it’s more than the flavor—it’s a memory.

MawMaw’s kitchen was the heart of our family. I can still picture her in her apron, the smell of something delicious ALWAYS drifting from the oven, and the clatter of dishes as we crowded around her table. She had this gift of turning simple, everyday ingredients into something that felt like pure love. Her casserole wasn’t just supper—it was comfort, laughter and family all in one dish.

When I make it now, it feels like I’ve brought a little piece of her into my own kitchen. It’s not just about feeding the body—it’s about feeding the soul, too. And sharing her recipe here feels like passing along more than food; it’s passing along a tradition, a story—and hopefully, a little joy.

Here’s the recipe…

INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS:

• 6 squash (yellow or zucchini–or both), cubed and boiled for 10 minutes. Drain and add:
• 1 egg
• ½ stick of margarine (or the equivalent in olive oil)
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (the single most used ingredient in any good southern casserole!!)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 cup of breading/cracker crumbs/stuffing mix

Fold together and spread in casserole dish. Sprinkle with smoked paprika (one of my favorite spices!) Then, cover with 1 cup of breading (crackers or stuffing mix, cubed croutons, etc.)

Bake at 350º for 35 minutes.

*Note: the photo was taken before the crackers were added.

ENJOY!

Here’s a link to some of the items I used to prepare MawMaw’s casserole:

Casserole Dishes – Pyrex 3-size glass casseroles with lids – all are just the right size! I baked this casserole in my trusty Pyrex glass dish, part of a 6-piece set that includes 2-qt, 3-qt, and 4.8-qt rectangular sizes, each with a snug-fitting BPA-free lid. The durable, non-porous glass resists stains and odors, and it’s safe for the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher—making it as practical as it is reliable. I love that I can bake, serve, store, and reheat all in the same dish without worry.

Food Chopper/Slicer – 25-in-1 Vegetable Chopper

This handy food chopper has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen helpers, with 13 interchangeable stainless steel blades that slice, dice, shred, spiralize, and more in seconds. The large 1.3L container keeps everything neat while you prep, and the non-slip base and hand guard make it safe and easy to use. I love how it saves me time (and tears!) when chopping onions, prepping veggies for casseroles, or putting together fresh salads.

#SouthernCookingIsTheBest  #FreshOutOfTheGarden