Back in the day, my mama would make this delish sauteed yellow squash recipe whenever squash was in season. She would simply cut the squash into slices, chop up some onion and cook it down until it was tender and soft with bacon grease and a little salt and pepper. I could eat two or three bowls of it because it was that good. Cooking yellow squash ain’t hard but it sure is good. Here is how the South does it.
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How to Cook Yellow Squash
These step-by-step photos show how to make sauteed yellow squash, but be sure to check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and detailed instructions. Skip to the → Yellow Squash Recipe
1. Slice the yellow squash into thin, even rounds
Keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.
2. Add the squash, onion, fat, and seasoning to a pot
Pour in a little water, season with salt and pepper, then cover and cook over medium-high heat.
3. Let the squash cook down until tender and most of the liquid is gone
Stir occasionally and add a splash more water if needed so nothing sticks.
4. Remove the lid and cook until soft and the liquid fully cooks off
Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.
Full Sauteed Yellow Squash Recipe
Yellow Squash Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 large yellow squashes thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons bacon grease or olive oil for vegetarian
- 3 cups water
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Add sliced yellow squash, chopped onion, bacon grease (or olive oil) and water to a medium sized pot. Season with salt and pepper and heat over medium high heat and cover with a lid.
- Allow the squash to cook down until water is almost evaporated and squash is completely soft. Feel free to add more water if the squash is still a bit stiff.
- Remove the lid and continue to cook until completely soft and water is completely evaporated.
- Taste and season more if needed and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Cut Properly: My mama liked to slice the squash as evenly as possible so it would cook evenly and cook down at the same rate.
- Jazz it up: Add other spices like paprika or even a little chicken bouillon to give richer flavor if you want. And a finish of butter at the end of cooking is next level.
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Serving Suggestions
- Easy weeknight dinner: Make some fried pork chops and serve along with garlic green beans and Jiffy cornbread.
- Sunday supper: This is perfect with some fried catfish, fried okra, and hush puppies.
- Summer holiday dinner: Make a simple classic pot roast, sour cream mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes and Southern cornbread.
More Southern Vegetable Recipes
- Collard greens
- Southern green beans
- Fried green tomatoes
- Southern fried corn
- Southern potato salad
- Okra and tomatoes
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My Grandmother got me to eat squash by making it this way… it is so good.
So good right?
YUM! I bet this would be really great used in a curry dish of some sort. What do you think?
I love that idea! Delish!
Love squash – love this flavorful variation on it! You rule.
Thanks hon!
Hi
I thought the book wasn’t available until September, but if you order from amazon.com you can get in the next few days. I don’t think it is a pre-order thing it’s being sent out as soon as buy it on amazon.com
Yes it is a total surprise. Amazon received their book copies from the warehouse super early so they are sending them out to those that pre-ordered early however the book will not ship from other retailers or be on shelves in stores until September so I guess it is an incentive for those who have ordered on Amazon that no one else will have.
Hi Jocelyn
Amazon.com is selling your book now on their website. Isn’t that great!!!
Yes it is very exciting. Thanks so much Jackie! Pre-orders are taking place now. Hooray!
This was a staple I’m my home when I was growing up in Georgia. Brings back so many memories from my childhood. Thanks for the memories, I’ll have to make some very soon.
Awwww I am so glad you have this awesome memory too!
I LOVE yellow squash, and this looks like a veggie dish that I would devour! 🙂
I totally devoured this!
So succulent and savory!
Thank you!
What a simple and delightful side dish! I love it!
Thank you Suzy!
I’m always looking for good veggie sides. This totally fits the bill! Can’t wait to add it to our chicken dinner next week!
Nice move!