This keto yellow squash casserole is mouth-wateringly delicious. It’s made with flavorful yellow squash, has a creamy, cheesy sauce, and a perfectly crunchy topping. You only need 10 minutes of prep and 8 easy ingredients to make this yummy dinner. This easy gluten free squash casserole recipe is also low carb, grain-free, sugar-free, and Trim Healthy Mama friendly.
Do you know how those crazy busy days get and the last thing you feel like doing is cooking? That was recently, and I can’t even tell you how tempted I was to hit up a fast-food joint. Then I started to remember that I had everything I needed to whip up this quick and easy 20-minute dinner!
It was painless to throw together, and the entire family gobbled down every bite. I am so glad I didn’t give in to temptation just to save time. Because as fast as this keto casserole was to make, I wouldn’t have saved any time when you think about loading up and driving. Plus, this gluten free squash casserole recipe was so scrumptious!
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Ingredients
Yellow Squash - Yellow summer squash is obviously the main ingredient. If you have one that is big with big seeds you will want to remove them first.
Green Onions - Green onions (aka scallions) add a lot of flavor to this dish. They are cooked with the squash and used as a garnish.
Heavy Cream - Alternatively, you can use light cream or half and half.
Egg - Egg works to thicken the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese - Shredded cheddar cheese gives a lot of flavor. I like to use sharp cheddar but mild cheddar works as well.
Parmesan Cheese - Parmesan is used for the topping along with the pork rind crumbs to replace bread crumbs.
Pork Rinds - Crushed pork rinds are the main ingredient in the topping and work well to replace breadcrumbs in gluten free recipes.
Butter - I use salted butter but unsalted butter will work as well.
Salt & Black Pepper - You can add these to your personal preference. If your pork rinds are salted you will use less than if you have unsalted pork rinds.
How To Make Keto Yellow Squash Casserole
Step One: Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees.
Step Two: Cook the chopped squash in a skillet with water over medium heat to medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
Step Three: After cooking the squash, drain it and add green onions to the skillet. Sautee then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step Four: Add the squash to a well-greased baking dish. Top with the egg beaten with cream.
Step Five: Sprinkle the squash in the casserole dish with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Step Six: Crush pork rinds and place in a bowl. Add parmesan cheese to the pork rinds and combine.
Step Seven: Add some melted butter to the pork rind mixture and stir.
Step Eight: Place the pork rind mixture on top of the squash.
Step Nine: Bake the gluten free squash casserole recipe until the top is bubbly and brown, which is around 20 minutes.
Step Ten: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve. It is also great with a dollop of sour cream.
Variations
As with many of my recipes, you can adjust this keto southern squash casserole to fit your preferences. It’s easy to add in or swap out your favorite ingredients. Here are a few ideas to try out:
Zucchini - You can mix or match zucchini with the yellow squash in this low carb gluten free casserole. Just don’t add more than 4 cups total of the veggies.
Mozzarella Cheese - Either swap out the cheddar entirely or do a combination of the two. Mozzarella adds a lovely flavor.
Dairy Free - I haven't tried this as a dairy free gluten free recipe but I think coconut cream and nutritional yeast could work to replace the heavy cream and the parmesan cheese. You would just omit the cheddar cheese.
Italian Seasoning - Add some Italian seasoning to the pork rind mixture for some extra pizzazz. I would start with 1-2 teaspoons and go from there.
Mushrooms - If you are a mushroom fanatic, you will love the texture and flavor the add to the keto casserole.
Bacon - Doesn’t everything taste better with a little bit of bacon?
Chicken - Chop up some cooked grilled chicken breast and toss into the keto casserole. This is perfect if you want to add some meat to the mix.
Common Questions
Is Yellow Squash Casserole Healthy?
Yes, of course, this gluten free squash casserole recipe is healthy. Each time you eat it, you are getting lots of vitamins and minerals. Squash has potassium, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin E. Plus, you will get vitamin C, folic acid, iron and calcium in the onions. This is just the beginning of all the tasty nutrients you get, so eat up and feel good about it.
Can I Make Keto Yellow Squash Casserole Ahead?
Yes, you can make this keto dinner casserole ahead of time. Bake the gluten free squash casserole recipe as directed then allow it to cool down completely. Once it’s cool, wrap it up with plastic wrap tightly, then place in the fridge. It will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Additionally, you can freeze squash casserole, and it will last around 1-2 months. It’s just important to make sure it’s completely airtight and protected. Defrost by putting in the refrigerator the night before.
This is a fantastic freezer meal or perfect for meal prepping if you like to do that. Sometimes we will make a double casserole and freeze one for later.
How Do You Reheat Yellow Squash Casserole?
Make sure that the gluten free summer squash casserole is defrosted if you had frozen it. Then you can place it in the oven at 375 degrees F. for 10-15 minutes. You just want it to be hot, and then you can serve it. Additionally, you can heat it in the microwave. I prefer to cover it with a paper towel, so it doesn’t pop all over the microwave. Start with 30-second intervals for smaller serving sizes. This is perfect for a quick and easy lunch idea too.
What To Serve With This Gluten Free Squash Casserole Recipe:
One thing that I love about casseroles is you can serve them by themselves and have an entire meal. When we have a larger crowd or appetite, I will serve it with some other things. Here are some of my go-to recipes:
- Cucumber Tomato Salad With Lemon Dill Dressing - So creamy and flavorful.
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin - One of our favorite proteins!
- Zucchini Salad With Lemon & Feta - This is the perfect starter to this tasty squash casserole.
- Baked Chicken Legs in Oven - These are very simple but flavorful and pair perfectly with this squash casserole.
- Stuffed Mushrooms With Bacon & Cheese - Whether you serve this as an appetizer or side dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
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📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups yellow squash, chopped
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- 1 egg
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ cup pork rind crumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- freshly chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Place the chopped squash into a skillet with a couple tablespoons of water over medium-high heat, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Drain the squash, and add the green onion to the skillet. Saute for a minute, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the squash mixture in a well-greased 9x9 baking dish.
- Mix together the beaten egg and ½ cup of heavy whipping cream, and pour this mixture over the squash in the casserole dish.
- Top the squash with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Crush up about 2 oz. of pork rinds to create ½ cup of crumbs.
- Pour ¼ c of parmesan cheese into the bowl with the pork rinds, and stir to combine completely.
- Add the melted butter into the bowl with the pork rind mixture, and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the pork rinds crumbs over the top of the squash casserole.
- Bake for 20 minutes until browned and bubbly. Top with freshly chopped green onions for garnish.
Nutrition
Originally Published July 24, 2019. Revised and Republished June 1, 2023.
Kim Fontaine says
I made this tonight for just me. I am keto and decided to do the entire recipe (almost exactly) for 6 servings to freeze some for later. 4 things I did:
1). I used an air fryer (it's a Cattleman Cuisine and does EVERYTHING, even bakes) but put aluminum on for 10 minutes then 10 minutes off @ 400 degrees.
2.) Used a shallot instead because it was all I had
3.) Used half zucchini and half yellow squash.
4.) Blotted the top with paper towels because it was too greasy and next time I will use less butter if any.
Results? FANTASTIC!! Will make again and again! Thanks for a great recipe, I don't know why, but never had squash this way and I am a good cook.
Jean says
Easy and tasty. I will definitely play around with this one. There are so many variations an still keeping it low carb with higher protein. Thanks for another Winner!
Lori Brooks says
Absolutely delicious. I didn't have any cheddar so used mozzarella and it turned out to be divine.
Christina says
Can zucchini be subbed for the yellow squash? I’m gonna try but wanted to see if anyone tried.
Taryn says
Yup!
Jennifer Wood says
Excellent recipe! I did a southwest flair by adding sautéed red and yellow bell pepper, 1/2 yellow onion, and a can of Hatch green chilis. Also used two eggs and mixed in 1/4 cup cream cheese. With shredded chicken mixed in, it’s definitely a complete summer meal. A side salad works well too(I slice a strawberry on top or a baby tomato)! ☺️
Missy Martin says
I have made something similar for years since I first had it at a teacher banquet in the 70’s. I add about a cup and a half of cooked chicken which makes a complete meal.
Debbie says
Making this now. I had to search through the comments to find out how much water. I started to cover with water and boil but my gut thought maybe too much. I’m glad I looked. Please add the suggested amount of water to recipe for “strict recipe followers” Like me. 🤪
Laurie U says
I didn’t have pork rinds in the house so I put some bacon in the food processor as a substitute…YUM!!
Erika says
Wondering what the point is of adding water? Also how much water?
Taryn says
It just helps to steam the squash faster. I add a couple tablespoons.
Phyllis says
This was delicious! And so easy to make. I don't care for pork rinds so I used GF cracker crumbs to make the topping. I will be making it again soon since the squash are starting to come in fast in my garden!
S Becker says
Looks delicious!