Best 2 Cheesy Delicata Squash And Kale Casserole Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary delight with our cheesy delicata squash and kale casserole, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dish features tender delicata squash, earthy kale, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, all baked to perfection. Our recipe collection offers three variations to cater to your preferences: a classic version, a vegan alternative, and a gluten-free option. Each variation promises a unique taste experience while maintaining the essence of this comforting casserole.

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HEALTHY SQUASH AND KALE CASSEROLE



Healthy Squash and Kale Casserole image

This veggie-packed, low-calorie casserole uses a combination of full-fat Swiss and Parmesan-and a little goes a long way, cutting down on the fat without sacrificing flavor. Serve with a green salad on the side to round out the meal.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 of a medium yellow onion, chopped
6 cups finely chopped kale (about 5 ounces)
1 small garlic clove, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups of 1/2-inch diced yellow squash (about 8 ounces)
2 cups of 1/2-inch diced zucchini (about 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 cups frozen brown rice, thawed
1 cup grated Swiss
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 large egg, beaten
Cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until just browned and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the kale, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook until the kale is bright green, about 2 minutes. Add the broth and continue to cook until the kale is wilted and most of the broth is absorbed, about 5 minutes more. Add the squash, zucchini and 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss to combine with the kale. Continue cooking until the squash begins to soften, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the mayonnaise.
  • Toss the cooked vegetables, brown rice, cheeses, 1/2 cup of the bread crumbs and the egg in a large bowl until mixed. Spray a 9-inch square or 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Spread the mixture in the bottom of the casserole and top with the remaining 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bake until the squash and zucchini are tender and the top is browned and crisp, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 weeks. Cover with foil and reheat at 350 degrees F until hot, 35 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340 calorie, Fat 16 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Cholesterol 45 milligrams, Sodium 560 milligrams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 13 grams, Sugar 3 grams

CHEESY DELICATA SQUASH AND KALE CASSEROLE



Cheesy Delicata Squash and Kale Casserole image

Thinly sliced squash and kale (plus plenty of ricotta cheese) combine in this lasagna-like casserole that's perfect for a hearty winter dinner. Quick-pickled raisins and nutty hazelnuts add brightness and crunch.

Provided by Katherine Sacks

Categories     No Meat, No Problem     Dinner     Vegetarian     Squash     Raisin     Thyme     Garlic     Hazelnut     Ricotta     Mozzarella     Casserole/Gratin     Kale

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup golden raisins
1 large delicata squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/4" half-moons
5 sprigs thyme
3 garlic cloves
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for pan
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
8 ounces ricotta
3/4 cup heavy cream
8 ounces low-moisture shredded mozzarella, divided
1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 bunch (about 6 ounces) Tuscan kale, stemmed, thinly sliced
Special Equipment
A 2-quart baking dish

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Bring vinegar and 1/3 cup water to a simmer in a small pot. Remove from heat. Add raisins, cover, and let sit until ready to use.
  • Divide squash, thyme, and garlic between 2 rimmed baking sheets; arrange in a single layer. Toss with 2 Tbsp. oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Roast 12 minutes. Toss, then add hazelnuts to 1 section of 1 sheet. Continue to roast until hazelnuts are toasted and browned and squash is tender and cooked through, about 6 minutes more.
  • Whisk ricotta and cream in a medium bowl until smooth. Add 6 oz. mozzarella, 3/4 tsp. salt, and remaining 1/2 tsp. pepper and whisk to combine. Remove thyme leaves from stems and add to cheese mixture. Coarsely chop garlic, add to cheese mixture, and stir to combine.
  • Transfer hazelnuts to a large bowl. Add panko, 2 Tbsp. oil, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and toss to combine. Set aside 1/4 cup panko mixture.
  • Drain raisins. Add kale, squash, and raisins to remaining panko mixture in large bowl and toss to combine.
  • Grease 2-qt. baking dish with oil. Add half of squash mixture, then dollop with half of cheese mixture. Top with remaining squash mixture, then dollop with remaining cheese mixture. Top with remaining 2 oz. mozzarella and reserved 1/4 cup panko.
  • Bake casserole until mozzarella is melted and browned in spots and edges are bubbling, 12-15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Squash: Select firm and heavy delicata squash with a smooth and bright skin. Smaller squash tend to be sweeter and have fewer seeds.
  • Prepare the Squash Properly: Before cooking, wash the squash thoroughly and cut it into cubes or slices. Removing the seeds is optional, as they are edible.
  • Roast the Squash: Roasting the delicata squash brings out its natural sweetness and caramelizes the edges. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting at a high temperature.
  • Use Fresh Kale: Fresh kale adds a vibrant color and a slightly bitter flavor to the casserole. Wash and finely chop the kale before adding it to the dish.
  • Make a Creamy Sauce: The creamy sauce in this casserole is made with a combination of milk, cream, and cheese. Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
  • Season to Taste: Don't forget to season the casserole with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
  • Top with Breadcrumbs: A layer of crispy breadcrumbs on top of the casserole adds a nice texture and flavor contrast. Use panko breadcrumbs for a golden-brown crust.

Conclusion:

This cheesy delicata squash and kale casserole is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for fall and winter meals. The roasted squash is sweet and caramelized, the kale adds a slightly bitter flavor, and the creamy sauce and melted cheese bring it all together. Serve this casserole as a main course with a salad or as a side dish with roasted chicken or turkey. It's a great way to enjoy the seasonal flavors of autumn and a hit at any gathering.

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