Recipe: summer squash casserole

Summer is here, and that means fresh fruits and veggies are in season! Zucchini and yellow squash are among the seasonal favorites you’ll find in grocery stores and home gardens, and for good reason. These versatile squashes aren’t just delicious, they’re also “pain-safe,” meaning they won’t trigger migraine headaches in people with sensitivity, and they’re high in vitamin A, which helps protect your smile from oral cancers.

Zucchini and yellow squash make for a quick and easy side dish when brushed with a little olive oil or butter, but they can also play the part of an entrée. This savory dish combines summer squashes with herbs and cheese to create a gooey, tasty delight that’s perfect on its own or as a colorful complement to any summer meal. What’s more, cheese can neutralize acids in your mouth and help protect against plaque and cavities!

Ingredients:

4 medium zucchini, chopped

2 medium yellow squash, chopped

⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ yellow onion, chopped

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 F.

2. Lightly grease a casserole dish with butter, olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.

3. Combine the zucchini and yellow squash, the onion, half a cup of the mozzarella, half a cup ofthe  cheddar cheese and the basil in a large bowl.

4. Season everything with salt and pepper. (Remember to taste and don’t be afraid to season generously!)

5. Stir in the garlic powder, the thyme, the oregano and the red pepper flakes (remember, they’re optional.)

6. Transfer everything to a casserole dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

7. Remove the baking dish from oven and top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.

8. Return the baking dish to your oven and bake it for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

9. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

10. Enjoy!