Get ready to experience a mouthwatering Southern culinary adventure that combines the best of land and sea in one incredible casserole! Imagine tender yellow squash, succulent shrimp, and sweet corn melting together with creamy cheese and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping - this isn't just a recipe, it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this Squash Casserole with Shrimp and Corn is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow squash, sliced
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions over medium heat until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced yellow squash to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash becomes tender but not mushy.
- Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Stir in fresh or frozen corn and cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm the corn.
- Remove the skillet from heat and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine milk and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until well incorporated.
- Transfer the squash, shrimp, and corn mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Pour the milk and cheese mixture over the top, ensuring it covers the ingredients uniformly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the casserole, creating a crispy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh yellow squash and corn when possible for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
- Sauté vegetables carefully: Cook onions and squash until just tender to maintain their texture and flavor.
- For extra crunch: Toast the breadcrumbs slightly before sprinkling on top for a more golden, crispy topping.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Experiment with cheese: Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gruyere for unique flavor profiles.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Garnish generously: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 130mg
