Baked Yellow Squash and Almond Casserole with Colby-Jack

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A low-carb squash casserole combining tender baked yellow squash, crunchy toasted almonds, and melted Colby-Jack cheese for a flavorful side dish. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 55 minutes pairs sliced and toasted almonds, shredded Colby-Jack cheese, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup sliced almonds for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups sliced yellow squash, 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1 beaten large egg, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir gently until evenly mixed.
  3. Step 3: Fold in the toasted almonds, reserving a few for topping.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds on top.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the squash is tender and the cheese is melted and golden on top.
  6. Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Yellow Squash and Almond Casserole with Colby-Jack take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Yellow Squash and Almond Casserole with Colby-Jack?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sliced and toasted almonds from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Yellow Squash and Almond Casserole with Colby-Jack?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Yellow Squash and Almond Casserole with Colby-Jack for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Yellow Squash and Almond Casserole with Colby-Jack keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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