The Best Gluten Free, Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Ready for an easy gluten free side dish? Summer is just around the corner and that means all the summertime foods! Yellow squash and zucchini reign king and queen of summer squash and they stand centerstage in this recipe. Throw in the surprise of bacon (giving this dish a more savory flavor) and topped with sharp cheddar cheese, this gluten-free squash casserole recipe is pure comfort food and makes the perfect side dish! 

This dish was actually created by, and is an original recipe of my dad’s, Mr. Brown. The summer after I graduated college, I moved back in with my parents as I searched for a teaching job. I ended up living with them until I married Corey. I paid off most of my student loans and I gained some pretty sweet moments as an adult, living with my parents. Most of these revolved around the dinner table, the cooking in the kitchen and the lingering hours on the back deck drinking coffee. That summer was filled with so many redemptive joys and delicious food, and this healthy squash casserole recipe was one we had a lot. So when I eat it now, sweet floods from that summer come flowing to mind. It is truly the yummiest and best squash casserole you will taste!

I say this is an easy casserole dish but it really is a one pan casserole dish that cooks on the stovetop, and not in the oven! With some of my favorite things like bacon and cheese, this dish is a sure good thing! Next time you are wondering what to make with dinner – here’s your answer!

What You Will Need 

• two zucchini squash
• two yellow summer squash
• 6 strips of bacon (secret ingredient)
• a red onion
• olive oil
• a cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
• large cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet

Reasons You Will Love this Recipe

• cooking time is quick and easy 
• full of that summer flavor
• naturally gluten-free
• pairs well with almost any main dish
• reheats as leftovers so well
• low carb gluten-free deliciousness
• THIS IS A ONE PAN DISH = easy clean up!

It’s all in the details!

Step 1: I love to cook this easy recipe in my large cast iron skillet or my large non-stick skillet (I recently got a set of Caraway cookware and I am loving them!). But before you start cooking, it’s time to chop those veggies! I like to half all of the squash before cutting into thick 1″ pieces. AND I like to use my mini food processor to chop the onion (not a fan of onion tears!). I typically only use half of the red onion, but if you LOVE onion, feel free to use the whole darn thing!

Step 2: Next we are going to brown and crisp up that bacon. Using a pair of kitchen scissors, cut the bacon into small pieces. Once the bacon is chopped into small pieces, toss it into the skillet and over medium-high heat start cooking the bacon. Once it gets nice and crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and place on a paper towel. Now, SURPRISE, are going to cook the veggies in the savory bacon grease! It really elevates the flavor of this dish, BUT if you are not a fan, you could drain the grease and use olive oil instead!

Step 3: Throw the chopped onion into the large skillet and cook over a medium-low heat until slightly translucent. Now, it’s time to throw in the squash! This is the moment in time where we add the seasonings. And the thing I love about cooking is that you have the freedom to make it yours. Personally, a little salt and pepper + if you have Treager’s Veggie Rub – it works really nicely with this recipe. But if you don’t you really could throw in some fresh herbs, or your favorite seasoning and it would work beautifully! Continue stirring the squash until the squash slices are slightly tender, but not overly tender and squishy – squishy squash is gross!

Step 4: Time to add the bacon back to the skillet. Stir to combine. Turn off the heat AND the clouds shall part and the heavens shall sing as you top with the cheddar cheese. Put the lid on the skillet and let the cheese turn into a gooey heaven. 

Serve this darling up and your taste buds will thank you! Sometimes I will top with a little bit of chopped fresh tomatoes and sometimes not – there’s no wrong answer here! 

Favorite Ways to Serve this Great Side Dish!

• for breakfast or brunch, it pairs so nicely with over-easy eggs and fried potatoes 
• for lunches, I love to pair it with a panini or a marinated grilled chicken breast
• for dinner, it pairs well with a juicy cheeseburger or grilled steak
• it’s also BFF’s with a summery quiche
• AND quite honestly, it could be a stand alone meal! With the protein and veggies, it’s packed full of flavor and energy needed to get you through the day! 

Easiest side dish EVER and one the entire family will enjoy! Check out the recipe card below!