Pork Rind-Topped Squash Casserole

A summer potluck calls for creamy squash casserole. We upped the ante on this comforting dish by switching crackers with crispy pork rinds.

Pork Rind-Topped Squash Casserole
 
Yields: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 10 cups (¼-inch-thick) sliced yellow squash (about 2¾ pounds)
  • 2 cups finely chopped red onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1¾ cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
  • 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cups roughly crushed pork rinds
  • Garnish: chopped fresh chives
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a deep 12-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add squash (pan will be quite full); cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until squash is just tender, 12 to 20 minutes. Uncover and cook until most of liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes more. Transfer squash to a colander set over a large bowl; let drain for 5 minutes. Discard any liquid.
  3. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to skillet. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, stir together ¾ cup Cheddar, Pecorino, sour cream, chives, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in squash and onion mixture. Transfer squash mixture to prepared dish; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup Cheddar.
  5. Bake until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly, about 20 minutes. Top with pork rinds. Garnish with chives, if desired.